Zermatt, Switzerland. There's plenty to do in this picture perfect alpine resort town if you aren't ... [+]
The Swiss town of Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, the world's most iconic mountain. As such, it’s a top destination for skiers. But don’t let the striking snow-covered peaks that surround the town fool you. Zermatt isn’t just for skiers. The idyllic resort town has plenty to offer for those not inclined to partake in snow-centric sports. Here’s the best 7 things to do in Zermatt if you’re not into skiing.
Winter Hiking
Trust me, even if you aren’t normally a person who likes hiking, you’re going to love traversing Zermatt and the surrounding region on foot. With its stellar mountain views, verdant alpine forests, and seemingly never-ending sunshine (Zermatt is on record as the sunniest spot in Switzerland) you’ll yearn to meander along the area’s picturesque pathways. There are over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails to choose from. One of the most popular is the Five Lakes Trail, which features lovely lakes and is a relaxing, mostly downhill, walk. Other good hikes to try are the Matterhorn Glacier trail from Schwarzsee to Trockener and the Edelweiss Trail (Höhbalmen). Adventurous hikers might want to give snowshoeing a try, it’s a popular pastime in the region. You can find detailed hiking and snowshoeing maps on the Zermatt tourism website.
Le Mirabeau Hotel & Spa has a wonderful spa and restaurant
Pamper Yourself at a Spa
You don’t actually need to go skiing to indulge in the soothing apres-ski ritual of a spa treatment. There are dozens of spas to choose from, with some of the best being located in Zermatt’s hotels. Properties with luxury spa options include The Omnia and SchlossHotel Zermatt (with Switzerland’s first CBD spa).
For a welcoming and more affordable option, try the splendid Le Mirabeau Hotel & Spa. This enchanting, family run property is styled like an alpine cottage and offers wonderful views of the Matterhorn. The spa features a mountain herb-scented sauna, steam bath, relaxation waterbeds and a large swimming pool and Jacuzzi. It’s also a perfect pick for your accommodation because it’s centrally located and has an award-winning restaurant.
Gornergrat railway station with Matterhorn peak above Zermatt
For the best views of the Matterhorn, you’ll need to get to the summit of the Gornergrat, a mountain peak with a great viewing platform. One of the world’s highest, open-air cog trains takes passengers from Zermatt station to the summit. The jaw-dropping vistas feature a panorama of the Monte Rosa Massif with the highest mountain in Switzerland and a view over the second-largest glacier in the Alps. You’ll also enjoy amazing views of 29 other towering mountain peaks each over 13,000 feet tall.
Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis), a fascinating exploration of Zermatt's mountaineering history
Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis)
You don’t need to be a history buff or even an alpinist to find lots to interest you at the Matterhorn Museum. Don’t let the smallish looking entry put you off. Most of the museum is actually subterranean and it offers an immerse experience into Zermatt’s history. You’ll find original village houses, mountain climbing equipment, and learn of the tragic and triumphant history of some of the world’s most daring adventurers and alpinists. The museum even showcases the original broken rope from the first ascent of the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865. British climber Edward Whymper reached the top but three fellow climbers did not survive the descent.
Mountaineers’ Cemetery in Zermatt
Mountaineers’ Cemetery
Near the museum you’ll find the incredibly moving Mountaineers’ Cemetery. The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most treacherous climbs and more than 500 people have lost their lives attempting to summit the mountain. The unique headstones (many decorated with a variety of mountain gear) tell poignant tales of lost loved ones who attempted to ascend the peak.
Old tough timber houses in the old part of Zermatt town, known as the Hinterdorf (rear village),
Explore the historic heart of Zermatt with a stroll through Hinterdorf (which means rear village). Narrow alleyways are lined by about 25 old wooden houses and barns, some built on stilts to keep out unwanted rodents. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the atmospheric alleys and homes add to Zermatt’s unique village charm. It’s impossible not to indulge in exercising your imagination by pondering how the home’s former inhabitants managed to make it through the cold winters in these ramshackle abodes. Keep an eye out for the memorial fountain. The fountain is dedicated to famed Zermatt mountain guide Ulrich Inderbinen, who climbed the Matterhorn over 350 times.
It’s not just for kids. Indulge in a quintessential winter experience by tobogganing along the most beautiful mountain landscapes imaginable. The ride from Rotenboden to Riffelberg takes approximately 10 minutes. You can rent toboggans at the Rotenboden station.
