Zermatt and its surroundings offer tons of great outdoor activities and hiking possibilities the whole year round. And Zermatt has many spectacular mountain railways. Gornergat (3,130m/10,134 ft) is one of them. From the top, you will enjoy an exciting view of Monte Rosa. Klein Matternhorn, at 3,820 m/12,338 ft, is the highest station you can go. By the way, the famous Matterhorn has an altitude of 4,478 m (14,463 ft). Check out Europe’s highest glacier grotto at Klein Matterhorn, including an informative exhibition.
In Zermatt summer skiing is possible! Enjoy 20 kilometres of piste on Zermatt's Theodul glacier. Carve and relax together with national alpine ski teams from all over Europe, with the Matterhorn always in sight. Skiing and snowboarding the whole year round, with 365 days of snow – you can only find this in Zermatt. As the highest altitude, largest and most efficiently developed snow sport location in the Alps, Zermatt offers an absolute snow guarantee.
Save money and travel in the afternoon with an „afternoon ticket“! Enjoy the wonderful afternoon atmosphere at the viewing points in the Matterhorn glacier paradise (departure 1.30 – 3 pm, CHF 78.50, June 11th - October 16th ), the Schwarzsee paradise (dep. 2.30 – 3.30 pm CHF 38.50, June 11th – October 9th ) or the Rothorn paradise (dep. 2.30 – 3.30 pm, CHF 52.-, June 18th – October 18th ).
For biking, rent one at the station or at a sport shop and get a good map from the tourist office. Don’t forget your camera – the view is breathtaking up there.
For hiking, numerous well-marked footpaths and walks (nearly 400km/250 miles) take you through pine-scented mountain forest, to the shores of calm alpine lakes and to the ice-blue glaciers. Consult a map before you set off!
You should not miss visiting the oldest part of the village, with houses and barns which are 200 - 250 years old, the original main street, etc.
On a rainy day you could visit the Matterhorn Museum (at Bahnhofplatz 57). The museum tells the exciting story of the Matterhorn - from its origins in Africa and the terribly dramatic first ascent to the present day. Open daily 2 – 6 pm (July – September 11 am – 6 pm), admission CHF 10.-, students 8.-, and it’s free of charge if you hold a Swiss Pass
Or spend some hours playing games. The Country Bar at Hofmattweg 3 (Hotel Elite) offers different games (tabletop football, pool and more) and Internet stations.
The Tourist office is next to the train station (027 966 81 00). www.zermatt.ch
How to get there: take the mountain train Visp-Zermatt (hourly connections); it takes 1 1/2 hrs and is a scenic trip! There are hourly train connections to Visp from Bern (1 h 55 min), from Lausanne (1 h 40 min), from Zurich (2 h 9 min) and from Geneva (2 h 20 min).
Budget accommodation:
Matterhorn Hostel, Schluhmattstrasse 32 ( 027 968 19 19)
Zermatt Youth Hostel, Staldenweg 5 (027 967 23 20)
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