Zermatt is a world-famous ski and hiking destination. Situated in southern Switzerland, it is renowned for its mountains and sweeping alpine views.
This car-free town is home to old-fashioned wooden chalets and winding alleys. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is lined with shops and restaurants.
1. Glacier Palace
Located inside the glacier between the Klein Matterhorn and Breithorn is the world’s highest Glacier Palace. You can visit it via a lift that takes you 15 meters below the surface into a world of sparkling crystals and ice sculptures!
It’s a fantastic place to explore, particularly in the winter. Shine your phone torch into the deep crevasses and watch everything sparkle like tiny diamonds!
It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. This is a must-see for anyone visiting Zermatt, and it’s worth allowing at least an hour of your time to enjoy.
2. Matterhorn Museum
Zermatt is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Switzerland, offering a range of attractions for all the family. From skiing and snowboarding to picturesque lakes and quaint villages, there is something for everyone.
The Matterhorn Museum is a must-visit for anyone staying in Zermatt. It tells the story of how a small Alpine village grew into an alpine mountain destination that attracts tourists from around the world.
The museum is reconstructed as a mountain village, with 14 houses (church, hotel, huts and granaries) and original old artifacts that take you back in time. Throughout the museum you can see short films about Valaisian village life, mountaineering and the first ascent of the Matterhorn.
3. Lake Stellisee
The Stellisee is an idyllic mountain lake that reflects the most stunning face of the Matterhorn. It's a popular destination and can be reached in less than 20 minutes by taking the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga.
The hike to Stellisee is easy and can be done by anyone, even children. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from Blauherd station, and is perfect for people with any fitness level.
In addition to hiking, you can also enjoy a spectacular helicopter tour of the Matterhorn. There are several companies offering this service, and it's a must-do when visiting the area.
4. Black Nose Sheep
The Alps are full of beautiful creatures, and one of the most iconic is the black nose sheep. They’re super cute, and they also produce a unique wool that is both soft and durable.
You can meet these cute animals during your time in Zermatt by arranging for a visit to a local sheep farm on the village’s edge. Here, you’ll get to spend 90 minutes with the sheep, learn about them, and pet them.
A fun hike to meet the black nose sheep can be a great addition to your trip to Zermatt. The herd grazes on the Gornergrat mountain during the summer and can be tracked using GPS.
5. Gorner Gorge
One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Zermatt, Gorner Gorge is a chasm carved out by gushing water that dates back 220 million years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a number of waterfalls and rock formations to enjoy along its wooden walkways.
The gorge is only a 20-minute walk from the cable car station, making it a great option for those who don’t want to do a longer hike. It is also a good addition to a day trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Schwarzsee.
The gorge is open from June to October. A well-kept path passes through galleries and over wooden walkways. You can also hire a mountain guide to take you on a three-hour tour.