A World of Bedazzle: Why You Need to Visit The Top Attractions in Zermatt
If Santa’s sleigh is true, it must be frequenting the snow-capped Swiss mountains. A thousand times more magnificent up-close than it is on postcards, Switzerland remains to be one of the top bucket-list-worthy destinations on earth for its picture-perfect sceneries. Out of all its popular towns, one quaint and humble village we always see ourselves going back to is Zermatt. A place of peace and serenity, the top attractions in Zermatt offer you an unforgettable retreat. Call it an exaggeration, but there’s something about this town that can make you feel safely tucked in bed, surrounded by the people you love. For us, Zermatt is not just a destination. It’s home. And here’s why.
First Things First: Getting Around Zermatt
Car-free. Only ideal for skiers. Too expensive for backpackers. These are only some of the clichés you’d hear about Zermatt. But just like any Swiss village, Zermatt is more than the stories travel guides tell. If you’re planning to book a trip to this beautiful town, here are some of the things you need to know when getting around Zermatt:
- Zermatt is not “car-free”
- Okay. You’ve done your research, and you’re ready to put on some legwork since you won’t be seeing a lot of cars in Zermatt’s lanes. But while it is true that combustion-engine cars are not allowed to enter the village, electric cars are a popular transport mode here. Private cars are prohibited to ward off air pollution, so to reach the village, you’d have to park your car in a designated parking space in Taesch, which is just a few kilometers away from Zermatt. Once you enter the village, you’d see electric cars roaming around its corners. So if you’re expecting a village filled only with bicycle lanes, this isn’t true for the most parts.
- Zermatt is only for skiers
- The top attractions in Zermatt offer the best skiing experience. We can’t argue with that. But this doesn’t mean that the village is ideal only for seasoned skiers. Even if you don’t have a snowboard ready or your skiing skill is a bit too rusty, you can still enjoy other activities in Zermatt. Shop, bike, hike, dine out, or simply enjoy its stunning views–the village gives you a complete traveling experience. Just make sure your cameras are ready to take some of the best panoramic views you’d ever see!
- You can’t budget your way around Zermatt
- To set things straight, Zermatt, along with its neighboring Swiss villages, is an expensive place to visit. If you’re backpacking to Zermatt, you can dodge heavy expenses by traveling smart and planning ahead. To help you create a budget, here are some of the things you can do to cut costs when you’re getting around Zermatt:
- Rent an apartment: Staying in Zermatt hotels can take a huge toll on even the most well-off travelers. The cost of an overnight stay at Zermatt hotels ranges between $300 to over $2000, with the most luxurious ones offering the best mountain views and amenities in the village. If you’re traveling on a budget, renting a private home via Airbnb and other sites can help you save up. As opposed to Zermatt hotels, apartments typically charge $250 for a twin bedroom. A huge plus: you’d also get access to a common kitchen, which can help you significantly cut food costs.
- Prep your food: If you’re staying in Zermatt hotels, you won’t have to worry about grabbing breakfast outside as this usually comes as a complimentary meal. Regardless of where you decide to stay, it’s always wise to buy food from the grocery store and prep it yourself. Dining out in the village can be expensive, so save the full course meal (ahem, fondue) for the last few days of your trip.
- Walk: Being the small village that it is, getting around Zermatt on foot is extremely doable. While booking a car is the fastest way to explore the top attractions in Zermatt, paying over $20 for a 5-minute trip can surely get your legs to work.
- To set things straight, Zermatt, along with its neighboring Swiss villages, is an expensive place to visit. If you’re backpacking to Zermatt, you can dodge heavy expenses by traveling smart and planning ahead. To help you create a budget, here are some of the things you can do to cut costs when you’re getting around Zermatt:
The Top Attractions in Zermatt: Our Top 7 Picks
The Matterhorn
With over 160 villages, Switzerland gives you a magical experience in a hundred different ways. Out of all these towns, Zermatt rises to the top because of one very important landmark–the Matterhorn. This Toblerone-shaped pyramid that continues to lure skiers and hikers has become nothing short of an iconic travel destination in the country. And yes, it has also put Zermatt on the pedestal of every traveler.
From Zermatt, you can see the Matterhorn in different, jaw-dropping angles. Located just 6 miles southwest of Zermatt, this Alpine gem is nestled between the Swiss canton of Valais and Italy’s Breuil-Cervinia. An otherworldly paradise, as many would say, the Matterhorn gives you plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. If you’re not fond of wearing hiking boots, you can simply enjoy Matterhorn’s beauty from several viewpoints in the village. You can also ride cable cars that can lead you to Glacier Paradise.
The Gornergrat
Coming out second on our top attractions in Zermatt is the Gornergrat, which has the best viewing platform of the Alps. Accessible by a 33-minute train ride from Zermatt, the Gornergrat boasts exceptional panoramic views of the Matterhorn. It has an altitude of about 3,089 meters, and it is reached by a 1,469-meter vertical climb. Along the climb, you’ll see dramatic views of galleries, tunnels, and bridges, along with mountain lakes and rocky ravines.
Since 1898, the Gornergrat secured its spot as one of the top destinations in Switzerland. Its large sun terrace can easily sweep you off your feet. Plus, the eco-friendly cog railway that leads to the viewing platform is proof of Switzerland’s strong conservation efforts.
Once you reach the Gornergrat, you’ll find 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, which is the highest-altitude hotel in Europe. So if you want to dine, sightsee, and even book an overnight stay, feel free to do so. But, of course, doing so won’t come cheap, so prepare your pocket.
The 5 Lakes Walk
Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, the 5 Lakes Walk proves you otherwise. Locally called Seenwag, this hiking trip combines enthralling views of the lake and the mountains, making it one of the most-celebrated top attractions in Zermatt.
The 5 Lakes Walk gets you across 5 different landmarks: Leisee, Moosjisee, Grunsee, Grindjisee, and Stellisee. With an elevation of around 2500 meters, the 5 Lakes Walk is perfect even for non-hikers. So if you have kids on board or your legs aren’t in for a hike, this picture-perfect destination should still be on your must-see list.
So what makes the 5 Lakes Walk a show stopper? The pristine lakes in Stellisee, Grindjisee, and Leisee vividly reflect the Matterhorn, so you get incomparable mountain and lake views. The flowers in Grindjisee are unlike anything you’ve seen before, and we mean that literally. For years, Grindjisee has been a favorite spot for botanists because of its moorland flora. Here, you can find rare plants such as the yellow alpine pasqueflower and the black vanilla orchid. So if you love plants, flowers, and anything outdoorsy, you wouldn’t want to bump the 5 Lakes Walk off your must-see list.
A major plus: if you happen to visit Zermatt in the summer, you can take a quick dip in Leisee. Word of caution: the water can still be quite chilly even during the hottest months of the year. But hey, it’s not every day that you get to enjoy stunning views as you swim across a clear, unspoiled lake. So don’t forget to pack your favorite swimwear if you plan to take your boots on this side of Zermatt.
Hinterdorf
If there’s anything authentically Swiss aside from the magical Alps (and the delectable fondue), it’s the old, wooden chalets distinct for their traditional, overhanging eaves. You’ll see most of these cottages in the Old Village, where you’ll find unending picture-perfect spots. Making your OOTDs proud with its century-old barns, the Old Village is your door to the past.
The Old Village, also called Hinterdorf, has long been a favorite location for photography enthusiasts. Filled with stables, barns, and century-old houses, Hinterdorf gives you a sneak peek of the 16th and 18th centuries. Its narrow lanes create great harmony between its well-preserved buildings, which are mostly made with stone slabs and larch wood. Over the years, these structures only get stronger and more capable of storing heat, thanks to their unique material. So if you want to visit a village that tells a story, don’t forget to pop over to Hinterdorf.
Gorner Gorge
Giving you a demo of the power of nature is Gorner gorge, an exceptionally-beautiful landmark forged over time. Located just 15 minutes away from Zermatt, Gorner gorge is a spectacle of greenish serpentine rock and turquoise waterways.
It was only in 1886 when this otherworldly site became accessible to tourists. But long before its wooden walkways were built, nature has already collided to create a unique masterpiece in Gorner gorge. It started back in the last ice age when the melting ice and snow in Gornervispe swirled and carved a deep, dramatic chasm. The greenish serpentine rocks that made Gorner gorge one of the most beautiful top attractions in Zermatt, is around 220 million years old.
Pro tip: While the chasm is beautiful year-round, the perfect time to visit here is in mid-October, where the water even looks better due to lighting conditions. If you want to take your adventure up a notch, you can also explore the upper stretches of Gorner gorge by booking a guided tour.
Sunnegga
A Swiss paradise for every family, Sunnegga is a wonderland that can charm every traveler regardless of the season. If it’s a plus, getting there from Zermatt’s valley station is so easy. A 5-minute funicular ride takes you to Sunnegga’s sun terrace, which sits 2,289 meters above sea level. From there, you can enjoy spectacular views of Matterhorn and all of its Alpine glory.
During summer, you get to enjoy Leisee’s pristine waters, which are surrounded by kid-friendly barbecue and playground stations. A guiltless pleasure for kids and adults, Leisee gives you the opportunity to engage in water sports while enjoying panoramic views of the mountain. After taking a quick dip, you can also visit the area’s marmot-watching station to get to know some of the mammals that live in the higher area of the Alps.
Come winter, Sunnegga bridges you to endless snowboarding and skiing activities. Think of cable cars, chairlifts, and gondolas, and you’d get the picture. The cable car in Sunnegga leads you to a world full of snowboarding adventures in Rothorn. Here, you can enjoy stunning mountain and sunset views that you can only find in the Alps. The best way to cap off your day? A cup of hot chocolate on Sunnegga’s sun terrace.
Kleine Matterhorn
Ending our list with a huge bang is Klein Matterhorn, which gives you immaculate views of the highest mountains of Switzerland, Italy, and France. Popularly called Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Kleine Matterhorn is, to say the least, a picture of perfection.
Hanging 3,883 meters above sea level, Europe’s highest cable car that runs from Trockener Steg to Kleine Matterhorn can keep your camera rolling in all directions. From the viewing platform, you can clearly see the tallest Alpine mountains, along with Gran Paradiso summit. If you’re lucky enough to experience clear skies, you can even view stretches that extend up to the Mediterranean regions. An international ski area open year-round, Kleine Matterhorn is the largest ski area in Europe.
Pro tip: what better way is there to maximize your trip than to enjoy stunning views of dazzling crystals? Once you’re in Kleine Matterhorn, don’t forget to drop by Glacier Paradise, which is accessible via a lift. Taking you 15 meters under the surface, Glacier Paradise is one of the top attractions in Zermatt for its amazing ice sculptures and carvings.
