This Stunning Swiss Town Has Cozy Chalets, Epic Skiing, and One of the Highest Mountains in Europe

The Matterhorn is one of the world's most dramatic mountains. Its sharply pointed peak attracts visitors around the world to the Swiss Alps to glimpse it for themselves, and there is perhaps no better place to do so than Zermatt. Not only is this southern Swiss resort town special for its views and ski slopes, but it's also famously car-free. This means it takes a little more effort to travel there and get around by train, electric taxi, or even — if you're romantically inclined — a horse-drawn carriage.

Whether or not you visit for the winter season, this place is an outdoor lover's paradise. It also doesn't hurt that there's plenty of culture, food, and shopping to be enjoyed. Here’s where to eat, see, and play on your next trip to Zermatt. 

What to Know Before You Go

Located high in the mountains, Zermatt has upheld its ban on combustion vehicles since the 1960s. The only way to arrive is by train, taxi, or helicopter. If you're driving through Switzerland, you can park in the garages in the nearby town of Täsch and take the shuttle to Zermatt. There are also adorable blue electric buses to help visitors get around town upon arrival. 

Best Times to Visit Zermatt 

If you’re looking to visit Zermatt when the weather is warm and the birds are chirping, it may be best to look into a trip between June and September, when the average daily high hits above 69 degrees Fahrenheit. However, those in search of snowy scenery will want to come between December and March, when the average high consistently falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Best Things to Do in Zermatt

See the Matterhorn.

If you’re going to Zermatt, odds are you already have plans to see the Matterhorn. If you don’t, you should add it to your itinerary immediately. This mountain is one of the highest in Europe, and it's a gorgeous sight to behold. You can admire it from town, but you should also plan to get a closer peek by taking the Gornergrat Railway, which brings passengers to the best viewpoint. Tip: sit on the right side for a stellar view along the entire journey.

Shop the Bahnhofstrasse.

Zermatt may be a small town, but it packs a major punch when it comes to shopping. Visit the Bahnhofstrasse, its main street area, to shop for clothing at Bijou les Boutiques, jewelry at Atelier Marcus Marienfeld, and ceramics souvenirs at Zermatt Keramik.

Go skiing.

If you come in the winter, you simply must ski. Everyone from beginner to pro can find a trail that’s right for them on the mountain, which is home to more than 200 miles of trails. One slope, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, goes on for a whopping 15.5 miles, so you could spend all day on just this one.  

Take a hike.

Visiting in the summer? Spend time on those same trails by hiking through the verdant landscape. There are more than 100 trails to explore, according to AllTrails, which lists the Five Lakes Walk as the top community recommendation. This 6.8-mile trail is classed as moderate. Give yourself an entire day to complete it, so you can stop and enjoy the views for as long as you’d like. 

The Best Restaurants in Zermatt

Fuchs Bakery

Get a delicious start to the day by visiting the Fuchs Bakery, which produces freshly baked goods using locally sourced ingredients. This includes plenty of sweet treats alongside croissants and breads.

Madre Nostra

Grab a slopeside lunch or dinner at Madre Nostra, located at the Cervo Mountain Resort. On Mondays, meat eaters can enjoy a special three-course BBQ dinner and pescatarians, vegans, and vegetarians can still order the regular menu for Italian-style salad, pasta, and fish dishes.

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Enjoy dinner with a view at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the highest hotel and restaurant in the Swiss Alps. Its restaurant, Vis-à-Vis, offers Swiss-centric meals made with local ingredients, including salmon trout, fondue, and pork cordon bleu.

The Best Hotels in Zermatt 

Alpen Resort Hotel

Consider booking a classic Swiss chalet-style room at the Alpen Resort Hotel. Located close to both the town train station and the Gornergrat Railway, it’s a convenient property that also comes with all the bells and whistles one would want on a mountain getaway, including a full-service spa, sauna, pool, hot tubs, and more. 

The Omnia

Visitors seeking a little luxury on their Zermatt getaway should book a few nights at The Omnia. This upscale hotel features a massive wall of windows that look out onto the Matterhorn. With just 30 rooms, it’s a boutique offering that provides guests with ultra-personalized service, sustainable dining, lounge areas with spectacular views, and a gorgeous spa. 

Unique Hotel Post

Feel the history of Zermatt when you book a stay at the Unique Hotel Post, which first opened in 1875. Though the building may be old, its interiors are thoroughly modernized, and now include four restaurants, a small spa, and rooms overlooking the town.