CH · Canton of Valais · 46.02°N 7.75°E

zermatt

The Matterhorn above wooden chalets, glacier views by train and proper mountain walks.

Best time
July–September is best for walking, once the high paths are clear of snow. January–March is ski season, with snow on the chalets; May–June and November are quieter, with some lifts shut for maintenance.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop to Zurich, usually via Singapore, Dubai or Istanbul, about 15–17 hours all in. The train from Zurich airport takes about 3.5 hours, changing at Visp. Switzerland is 6 hours behind KL in summer and 7 in winter.
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CH · Canton of Valaiszermatt46.02°N 7.75°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,The Matterhorn above wooden chalets, glacier views by train and proper mountain walks.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingZermattCH, Canton of Valais
KLzermatt
≈ 10,060 km from KL, as the crow flies
View of Matterhorn and Dent d'Hérens from Tête Blanche, Switzerland

Photo: Jackph · Public domain

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Zermatt is a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, with old larch-wood barns tucked behind a busy main street. Mountain railways and lifts do the climbing, so the glacier views don't need a long hike.

Makan

  1. RacletteValais is raclette's home: melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, with pickles on the side.Map ↗
  2. RöstiCrisp grated potato, often topped with cheese or a fried egg. Ask for it without bacon.Map ↗
  3. CholeraA Valais pie of potato, leek, apple and cheese, with an unfortunate name.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. GornergratA rack railway climbs to 3,089 metres, facing the Matterhorn across a sweep of glaciers.Map ↗
  2. RiffelseeA short summer walk from Rotenboden, one stop below Gornergrat, to a small lake that mirrors the Matterhorn on calm mornings.Map ↗
  3. HinterdorfThe oldest corner of the village, with dark timber barns raised on stone slabs to keep the mice out.Map ↗
  4. SunneggaAn underground funicular up to sunny terraces and Leisee, a little lake with a Matterhorn view and a playground.Map ↗
  5. Matterhorn Glacier ParadiseCable cars to 3,883 metres, Europe's highest cable car station, with an ice palace cut into the glacier.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Sit on the right going up the Gornergrat railway for the Matterhorn.
  • Zermatt is closed to cars; drivers park at Täsch and take the shuttle train for the last 12 minutes.
  • Halal meat is hard to find in the village, so cheese, fish and vegetarian dishes are the easy fallback. Fondue usually contains wine.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.