Zermatt

Towering in splendid isolation over the town of Zermatt and its surrounding countryside, The Matterhorn is the definitive iconic symbol of Switzerland. This unique triangular mountain is a year-round draw-card for alpine enthusiasts and nature lovers and the areas surrounding the peak offer an outstanding variety of outdoor recreational activities. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, located at Klein Matterhorn, offers year-round skiing and other winter sports while in summer visitors come to enjoy scenic hiking on a variety of trails. Other activities include multi-day guided hikes. There are also scenic gondola rides which offer outstanding views - the Gornergrat viewing platform offers one of the region’s best views of the Matterhorn.

The Matterhorn, Zermatt 3920, Switzerland

The Matterhorn Museum, Zermatlantis, offers visitors an in-depth account of the history of Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn. The museum is conveniently located in the town and not only tells the story of the mountain and the many brave men to risked their lives to stand at her summit, but also traces the daily lives of ordinary Zermatt residents as the tiny farming village transformed into an alpine resort. Here you will learn about lives lost and dreams achieved, about the first ascent of the mountain back in 1865 and broken rope which led to the death of the first Matterhorn climber.

Matterhorn Museum, Kirchplatz 11, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland, Phone: +41-2-79-67-41-00

Visitors who would like a complete change of scenery for an hour or two can take a walk to the very impressive Gorner Gorge. The gorge has been carved out of the 220-million year old rock by the swirling waters of the Gornervispe over many centuries leaving a spectacular natural spectacle which can be explored on foot. The boardwalk through the gorge takes you between towering rocky outcrops which drop dramatically down to the turquoise waters. It is a relatively short walk which is suitable for the whole family. For a different perspective of the Gorge you can hike along the Furi Suspension Bridge path which leads to a dramatic 100m long footbridge, 90 meters above the swirling waters.

Gorner Gorge, Zermatt 3920, Switzerland

Offering the highest ski area in Europe, Zermatt is a natural magnet for all winter-sport enthusiasts. In fact, you don’t even need to come in winter as the amazing Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers year-round skiing at an altitude of 3883m. Visitors can choose from 360 km of pristine blue, red, black and yellow runs serviced by modern cable cars, ski lifts and the Matterhorn glacier ride. Cross country skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing are other activities. Lessons and equipment hire are available and visitors who choose to come before or after the most popular winter ski season can find excellent package deals. Even if you don’t ski you will still be able to enjoy hours of family fun in Zermatt.

Skiing in Zermatt, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt 3920, Switzerland

A day hike to the Trift Gorge is a popular activity for visitors to Zermatt. The hike starts right in town and takes you to one of the most un-touched areas of this mountain paradise, unusually devoid of the usual ski lifts and gondolas. The hike is considered to be fairly strenuous since you will gain around 2,340 feet in altitude as you make your way from Zermatt to the village of Trift. Along the way you will pass several impressive viewpoints and Café Edelweiss, where you can stop for refreshments. The hike is around 4.5 miles (round trip) and you will be rewarded for your efforts by beautiful views of all the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Trift Gorge, Zermatt/Trift 3920/2803, Switzerland

The Klein Matterhorn is a mountain ridge located between the mighty Matterhorn itself and the Monte Rosa Massif. At 3883m, the Klein Matterhorn is the highest peak of the Swiss Alps which is accessible via gondola. Here you will find what is commonly known as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which offers year-round skiing and other winter sports. You do not need to be a skier to visit Klein Matterhorn – many visitors come to admire excellent views of the lesser-known South-eastern aspect of the Matterhorn from the viewing area before enjoying a tour of the Glacier Palace (filled with ice sculptures), watching a movie about the area at the Cinema Lounge or enjoying a warming Gluhwein (mulled red wine) at the Klein Matterhorn Restaurant.

Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt 3920, Switzerland

Climbing the Matterhorn is a common bucket-list activity for mountaineers. However, before you plan your challenging ascent you need to know that this is no simple walk in the park. The peak of the Matterhorn is situated at 4,478m and almost the entire ascent is achieved over ice and rocks. Many climbers have died trying to reach the summit and you will need to have exceptional physical fitness as well as mountaineering skills. The first stage of the climb to the Hornli Hut takes around 2 hours and there you will prepare and sleep. The following day you will make an early start (with your climbing guide). Climbers will find all the equipment they need on sale in Zermatt.

Climbing the Matterhorn, Zermatt 3920, Switzerland

The Zum See Restaurant is located in a delightful little hamlet in the hills above Zermatt. Getting there is part of the fun and you can either enjoy an easy 40 min walk from the town or take the cable car to the Furi stop and then walk downhill for 15 scenic minutes. The restaurant is located in a traditional Swiss-style wooden chalet and boasts a large outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a wonderful meal and some good wine. The traditional Swiss and Mediterranean dishes are all prepared using the finest local ingredients and everything is made from scratch onsite, including delicious home-made pasta. There are always a selection of appetizers, soups, salads and entrees to suit all tastes.

Zum See, Zermatt 3920, Switzerland, Phone: +41-2-79-67-20-45

Where to Eat

The Restaurant at the Omnia Hotel in Zermatt offers a refined modern ambiance with a crackling fireplace, subtle lighting and discreet but efficient service. Here Chef Hauke Pohl works his magic with the freshest locally sourced seasonal ingredients to produce a fine rendition of traditional Alpine cuisine. The Omnia offers a superb a la carte menu with a distinct emphasis on delectable vegetarian dishes, alongside fine meat and fish creations. If you find it hard to choose you can opt for their daily 4-course set degustation menu which can be enjoyed with or without wine pairing. When the weather is fine guests are welcome to dine alfresco on the roof-top terrace.

THE OMNIA Mountain Lodge, Auf dem Fels, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-66-71-71

Situated in the Backstage Hotel, After Seven Restaurant caters to the culinary needs of all those who find themselves in search of a great after 7 dining experience. The restaurant is proud of its Michelin Star award and welcomes guests to come and enjoy an unforgettable meal against the backdrop of their elegant dining room. At the helm are Chef Ivo Adam and Chef Florian Neubauer who have together won multiple awards for their culinary genius. The restaurant features a large open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs assembling their dishes. You can opt for either a 4 or 7-course surprise degustation menu paired with a perfectly matching wine.

After Seven, Hofmattstrasse 4, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-66-69-70