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Whether you’re planning your Switzerland travel itinerary or searching for things to do in Zermatt Switzerland, here’s everything you need to know before you visit to the Matterhorn. This guide will share everything you need to know before your winter trip, the best viewpoints, top tips, and where to stay to make the most of your trip!
The Matterhorn Switzerland is one of the most iconic mountains in the world, and visiting this alpine marvel was certainly a bucket-list experience for me. Nestled in Zermatt, one of the best small towns in Switzerland, the Matterhorn is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers countless ways to get up close and experience once of its many vistas.
1. Things to Know Before Visiting in Winter / Autumn
Obviously, the Matterhorn and Zermatt are stunning year-round, but there are some things you need to know before visiting in the colder months, especially if you’re coming in October, November or December.
Winter (December – March)
Zermatt at Christmas time is a fairy-tale experience. Snow blankets the town, making it one of the best towns in Switzerland for winter sports and a lot of the chalets allow you to ski directly in off the slopes! Skiing, snowshoeing and sledding are highlights but come prepared as temperatures get well below zero degrees Celsius.
Autumn (September – November)
Zermatt Switzerland in autumn offers vibrant foliage and quieter trails. While November marks the transition between seasons, it’s still a good time to visit. Snow begins to dust the peaks, and fewer tourists mean a quieter experience—ideal for those seeking unique things to do in Switzerland in November.
2. Choose Your Best Viewpoint
The Matterhorn has no shortage of breathtaking viewpoints, and deciding where to start can feel overwhelming. Here are the top ways to view the Matterhorn, each offering a unique perspective and a range of activities.
Gornergrat
In my opinion, the Gornergrat Railway offers a magical journey to one of the best viewpoints of the Matterhorn Switzerland. This cogwheel train departs from Zermatt and takes you up to 3,089 metres (10,135 feet). The panoramic views include the Matterhorn and 29 other peaks above 4,000 metres. At the summit, enjoy different viewpoints.
You can also choose to get off at any stop before the summit and walk around. I recommend getting off at Riffelberg, where you can you will virtually have the entire place to yourself. Unfortunately, the Riffelsee is frozen over this time of year, so you won’t be able to get the iconic picture of the Matterhorn reflected in the lake, but it’s still a great place to sit and enjoy if you don’t mind a bit of snow.
To catch the Gornergrat, head to the station opposite the main train station in Zermatt. You’ll see the yellow shop selling tickets, head in there and use your ticket at the gates.
PRICE: CHF 126 (approx. €135 / £110 / $140) round trip for adults, half-price with a Swiss Travel Pass
DURATION: Approximately 33 minutes one way
FACILITIES: Restaurants, a small shopping area, and toilets
WHAT TO DO: Hiking trails of varying difficulty (depending on the season), photography, and a visit to the observatory and small exhibition centre
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
For an up-close and personal view of the Matterhorn, head to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise—the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 metres (12,740 feet). Because of it’s proximity to the Matterhorn, you’ll find incredible glacier views, a panoramic platform, and even an ice palace.
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable cars leave from the Zermatt cable car station located in the south of the town on Schluhmattstrasse. There are 2 cable cars that can take you up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the only difference is that one goes via the Schwarzsee stop.
PRICE: CHF 95 (approx. €100 / £85 / $105) round trip from Zermatt to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for adults, half-price with a Swiss Travel Pass
DURATION: About 40 minutes one way (including your cable car changes)
FACILITIES: A restaurant, souvenir shop, and toilets
WHAT TO DO: Explore the ice palace, walk on the panoramic platform, or embark on glacier skiing and snowboarding
Rothorn
For more spectacular views of the Matterhorn, consider the Rothorn. Accessed via a funicular and cable car, the Rothorn offers some of the most colorful landscapes, especially during a Zermatt autumn. This spot is also perfect for sunrise photos.
PRICE: CHF 64 (approx. €68 / £55 / $70) round trip for adults, half-price with a Swiss Travel Pass
DURATION: 30 minutes one way
FACILITIES: A restaurant, picnic areas, and toilets
WHAT TO DO: Hiking trails (depending on the month), mountain biking, and stunning photography opportunities
Mürini Hill (Free)
Murini Hill is a hidden gem if you’re looking for a quieter, cheaper spot to take in the Matterhorn’s beauty. Located just a short 20-30 minute (mainly uphill) hike from Zermatt village, this viewpoint undoubtedly offers of the most iconic views of the Matterhorn framed by traditional Swiss chalets.
I actually went here twice during my time in Zermatt, once in the morning (where I had the spot completely to myself) and again for sunset. If you’re going to go once, go at sunset, but be prepared for more people. I found about 20-30 minutes after the sun actually set was the perfect time to arrive and get the best photos.
3. Accommodation Options: Where to Stay in Zermatt
As one of the best small towns in Switzerland’s, Zermatt is home to many great accommodations. Here are my top picks.
Carina – Design & Lifestyle Hotel
A stylish and modern choice, Carina is perfect if you’re seeking comfort with a touch of sophistication. For a private room, prices start from around CHF 150.
Some rooms even have mountain views, and the hotel has a unique wellness area, and proximity to Zermatt’s main attractions. Book well in advance, as there is often limited vacancy during peak seasons.
We stayed at Carina, and it was perfect for 2 nights in Zermatt. Rooms include breakfast, which we loved. Loads of local produce and options including, cereal, meats, cheeses, tea and coffee and breads.
Backstage Boutique Hotel
Art meets luxury at this creative hotel, featuring unique designs and an in-house cinema. With rooms from 250-600 CHF per night, it’s a great choice for something out of the ordinary.
4. How to Get to the Matterhorn
Zermatt is car-free, meaning the only way is to come by train or by shuttle from nearby Täsch.
By train
Get your tickets through Trainline, Rail Europe or Omio.
From Zurich
Take a train to Visp (2.5 hours), then transfer to the Zermatt train (1 hour).
From Geneva
Similar route, with a total journey time of about 4 hours.
By car
As Zermatt is car-free you will need to park your car in Täsch, before catching the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn shuttle. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes.
5. Packing Essentials for Your Visit
To make the most of your Matterhorn adventure be sure to pack appropriately for the season:
Winter
☑ Insulated jacket
☑ Snow boots
☑ Thermal layers
☑ Gloves
☑ Hat
Don’t forget ski gear if you’re hitting the slopes.
Autumn
☑ Layers
☑ Waterproof boots
☑ Lightweight jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
Don’t also forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the sun at higher altitudes.
6. Things Not to Miss
While the Matterhorn is the star, there are also other incredible things to see while you are in Zermatt Switzerland.
Zermatt Village
Stroll through the charming streets of Zermatt, with its traditional chalets and boutique shops. Stop by a local bakery for fresh pastries. Make sure you try Fuchs Bakery, which was shared with me by a local, who also recommended the ‘Bergfuhrerbrot’, which basically translate as ‘mountain hiking bread’. It was perfect to snack on during my hikes around the Matterhorn!
Want the best of everything? Consider this walking tour of Zermatt village, which also includes a ticket on either the Gornergrat or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise!
Paragliding Matterhorn
I so would have done this if I had the time, as it looks incredible. The below activity is run by Matterhorn Paragliding and came highly recommended as the go-to company to do this incredible experience with!
