Visitors from all corners of the globe come to the pedestrian village of Zermatt to see the iconic Matterhorn peak and to enjoy a uniquely Swiss ski village atmosphere. What makes Zermatt stand out from the rest is the fact that visitors have access to skiing and other winter sports all year round at the amazing Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Even if you have no intention of skiing you will find plenty to do in Zermatt. You can go walking and hiking, take scenic rail journeys, ride up and down the mountains on gondolas and cable cars or just relax in the village, eat Swiss chocolate and absorb the atmosphere. There are many fabulous restaurants both in the village and in the near-by mountain hamlets.
The Matterhorn
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
Matterhorn Museum
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
Gorner Gorge
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
Skiing in Zermatt
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
Trift Gorge
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
Klein Matterhorn
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
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
Zum See
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
THE OMNIA
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
After Seven
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
Café Du Pont
No one should leave Zermatt without savoring at least one traditional Swiss Fondue. It is rumored that Café du Pont serves up the best fondue in Zermatt, so why not come and try it for yourself. Café du Pont is the oldest restaurant in the town and prides itself of serving all the best traditional dishes from the Valais Region. Here you can feast on wonderful Raclette (melted raclette cheese with boiled potatoes for the dipping), traditional cheese fondue and a variety of seasonal meat dishes from the region. It’s all good, wholesome and delicious. The restaurant is set in a traditional wooden chalet which oozes charm and set the scene for an unforgettable meal.
Café du Pont, Oberdorfstrasse 7, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-67-43-43
Restaurant Alexandre, Riffelalp
Offering stunning views of the towering Matterhorn, the Restaurant Alexandre is an obvious choice for visitors to Zermatt. The restaurant is located inside the hotel and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere together with an excellent selection of regional Swiss and European fare including fresh fish from the local lakes. On the menu you will find a selection of tasty appetizers followed by salads, soups, pastas (including gluten-free), entrees and desserts. There is something for everyone including vegetarians and meat/fish lovers. The Swiss love ice-cream desserts and you will find a long list of decadent sundaes and other combinations on the dessert menu.
Restaurant Alexandre, Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-66-05-55
Restaurant Capri
Located in the 5-star Mont Cervin Palace hotel, just steps from the old village centre of Zermatt, Restaurant Capri brings the fresh summer aromas and flavors to the heart of the Alps. Chef Bavuso spends his summers cooking up a storm on Capri, and then transfers to Zermatt for the winter months, bringing his summer repertoire of dishes with him. The restaurant has been awarded a coveted Michelin Star for its excellent cuisine which is served up in an elegant linen-and-crystal setting. Lucky diners can choose from the 5 or 7-course degustation menu or select their favorite dishes from the a la carte menu which includes options for vegetarians and vegans.
Restaurant Capri, Mont Cervin Palace, Bahnhofstrasse 31, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-66-88-88
Grampi’s
Several of the staff at Grampi’s have been at the restaurant since 1998, working together as a friendly team to ensure that the delicious food they serve is consistently excellent. Grampi’s is essentially an Italian restaurant, offering a relaxed and welcoming ambiance and mouth-watering pizzas, pastas and other favorites. Appetizers include traditional Parma Ham with Melon, Bruschetta and anti-pasta platters. These are followed by soups and salads, after which you can move on to enjoy pasta (many of these dishes feature home-made pasta), pizza or hearty meat and fish entrees. It’s all good unpretentious food which is particularly satisfying after a busy day out on the mountains.
Grampi’s, Bahnhofstrasse 70, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-67-77-75
Gitz Gadi (The Goat Stable)
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Offering all the authentic Swiss charm of a by-gone era, the Gitz Gadi restaurant is located a short distance from Zermatt in the Hotel Silvana in Furi. It is accessible on foot or via a quick and pretty gondola ride. (In winter you can toboggan back down the mountain to Zermatt). Gitz Gadi offers guests traditional Swiss dishes from the Valais region as well as modern international fare and seasonal light dishes. When you need a large comforting meal after a busy day of hiking or skiing you cannot go wrong with a warming cheese fondue or a hearty dish of braised goat. Other delightful specialties include their signature Veal Cordon Blue, which they claim was invented right here in the Valais region.
Gitz Gadi, Silvana Mountain Hotel, Furi 265, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-66-28-00
Restaurant Stockhorn
Restaurant Stockhorn is essentially a grill room in the small boutique Hotel Stockhorn, conveniently located in the heart of Zermatt village. The cozy restaurant features a large open fireplace, crisp while linen and a relaxing atmosphere. This is a fine choice for meat lovers as the menu contains a long list of delectable meat specialties to please the most discerning carnivore. You can choose from lamb, venison, beef, veal and pork as well as a couple of chicken dishes. Vegetarians can opt for a pasta or risotto or choose a vegetarian appetizer, soup, fondue or raclette. You would be wise to save some space for a treat from the dessert menu.
Restaurant Stockhorn, Riedstrasse 11, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-67-17-47
Findlerhof
Offering outstanding views of the Matterhorn, Findlerhof Restaurant is dramatically perched on a hillside in the tiny village of Findlen. To get there you take a scenic ride on the Sunegga Cable Car, followed by a pleasant downhill walk. The restaurant serves a pleasant mix of traditional Swiss cuisine, Italian favorites and other dishes from around the world. If you have not yet tried Rosti, this would be a good place to try this popular Swiss dish of crispy grated potato pancakes with various toppings. In addition to the a la carte menu the restaurant always offers a daily special which offers excellent value for money.
Findlerhof Restaurant, Findlen, Zermatt 3920, Phone: +41-2-79-67-25-88
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