My Favorite Things to Do in Zermatt Switzerland
Thank you to Zermatt Tourism for hosting me. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Zermatt is a cute, little alpine resort town in Switzerland. You might have heard of it…or maybe you have heard of its prized possession, the Matterhorn? Either way, if you are headed to Switzerland, you will definitely want to add Zermatt to your itinerary. Whether or not you ski and no matter if you visit during the winter or the summer, there’s plenty to keep you busy and these are the best things to do in Zermatt!Best Things to Do in Zermatt
Matterhorn Madness
I have to admit that I was most excited to see the majestic Matterhorn. You might say I was mad for the Matterhorn! Okay, pun intended (and a bit cheesy I admit, but fun none-the-less 😉 ).
Thankfully, you can see it from just about anywhere in Zermatt and so I got to see and photograph it a lot!
Explore the Town
Let’s be honest…all of Switzerland is beautiful and colorful; however, there’s just that extra something about Zermatt.
Everywhere we looked, we were greeted with beautiful houses…
buildings adorned with pretty flowers on each of the resort town’s streets all the way up the mountains
and even a clock tower that I’m so used to seeing in what seems like every European town.
I love all the street lamps with the Swiss flags!
Paragliding
By far my most favorite thing we did in Zermatt was go paragliding with Fly Zermatt. The experience was completely amazing!
I still can’t believe that I was 10,000 feet in the air with the Matterhorn. It was very calming and talk about great views of the Matterhorn and Zermatt! 😍 Watch here as I take off!
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Summer Snow Skiing
Yes, you can snow ski in the summer in Zermatt! So of course, we had to do it. And by we, I mean, Amanda skied and I got on skis (let’s be honest, there is a difference).
I had only been on snow skis once prior to this trip but I was NOT missing out on a chance to ski (loose term here) in the Swiss Alps…not to mention Zermatt has the largest and highest summer skiing area in Europe!
While you’re up there go to the top outdoor viewing area to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise where you can see the highest mountains in Italy, France, and Switzerland as well as the Theodul Glacier!
Take the cable car back down from Europe’s highest station (12,739 feet or 3,883 meters) and see the beautiful views of Zermatt from another angle. There is no shortage of views of the town or the Matterhorn!
Gornergrat
Ride the world’s first fully electric cogwheel train from Zermatt up to the Gornergrat and be sure to also get off at each of the four stops along the way.
You can get the most amazing views of the Swiss Alps…
and Riffelsee (lake) with the Matterhorn in the background. In addition, you can go hiking, mountain biking and paragliding making the ride to Gornergrat one of the most popular things to do in Zermatt.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife you can see from the train!
Where to Eat
For a great fondue experience, try Cafe du Pont. We ate in the outdoor courtyard which is perfect for the summer. Nothing better than eating Swiss fondue while looking at all the beautiful Swiss views!
If you are there during the summer, definitely try out the Taste of Zermatt. When we were there it was called the Swiss Food Festival and now is sporting its new name the Taste of Zermatt!
We sampled the most amazing food from all of the popular restaurants in town and even had wine pairings. It was in a word, awesome! Seriously some of the best food I’ve had and I loved taste testing so many different types!
Where to Stay
Hotel Ambassador
We stayed at Hotel Ambassador and were quite happy with our room. It sported this view of the Matterhorn which meant I could see it from my bed each morning when I woke up. It doesn’t get any cooler than that!
Not only that, the room was spacious and definitely had that ski lodge feel. Friendly staff, comfortable beds and multiple breakfast options made it even better!
PIN IT!
Hopefully, you are falling in love with Zermatt. I know I did and would love to return the next time I visit Switzerland. It was the perfect place for relaxation and downtime!
If you’ve been to Zermatt what was your favorite thing to do? If you haven’t been, what would you most like to see?
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
I’ve only seen Switzerland in winter so this is a revelation. What wonderful views, food and great adventure – skiing in summer even. Would love to return one day.
Hi Elaine-Me and you both…but opposite you. I want to return at winter preferably in December at Christmastime! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Your photos remind me a lot of the landscape in Slovenia… which was one of my favorite ever trips! I’ve wanted to see the Matterhorn for a long time. Your photos definitely do it justice!!
Hi Sarah-Thank you! I’ve never been to Slovenia but if it looks like Zermatt then I want to go! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Summer skiing, paragliding, car free towns and fondue. I would be horny for the Matterhorn. Zermatt might just be my favorite town I’ve never been to. I be somewhere you could buy some amazing Swiss chocolate too. What a beautiful place.
Hi Ed-LOL! I may or may not have spewed my water when I read your comment! But you’re so right…you have GOT to get to Zermatt (and any part of Switzerland if you haven’t been there)! It is a DREAM place!! So friendly, clean, safe, beautiful and all these things to see and do…one of my top 5 favorite countries! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I love everything about this place, this is a destination that screams Kim! Its so colourful (your pictures are so fab), I love mountains and would want to climb on the matterhorn just a tad…and I love paragliding (I go on my own) so of course this is attractive to me. I love the vibe and tone here and can’t wait to visit one day
Hi Kim- Girl, GO. GO. GO. GO. GO. GO!! Zermatt is absolutely fabulous for all the reasons you mentioned and I’m highly impressed you paraglide on your own! Wow! I’m just happy to get up there tandem! LOL! Definitely climb up on that Matterhorn, get it! Thanks for your compliments on my photos and for reading! 🙂
How gorgeous! I would take a million pictures of the Matterhorn. It’s stunning. And so iconic. I can’t believe you went paragliding around there! It looks thrilling, and daunting. I’d have to get my nerve up for sure. I’ll be visiting a friend in Switzerland next month. I don’t think we’ll make it to Zermatt, but I’ll share this with her since she just moved there and will have much more time than me to explore all that Switzerland has to offer.
Hi Juliann-The Matterhorn is so stunning and iconic you’re right! Yes, definitely share with your friend and I hope you and she have a great time in Switzerland! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Thanks for your photos and info, matterhorn and switzerland is top on my list, a MUST do! Just get my skiing a bit better but i’m definitely going there, tnx
Hi Kerry-You will absolutely LOVE Zermatt! It’s gorgeous and even more so in the winter. I wish I could get my skiing better! I hope you get to go soon and have a great time. Thanks for reading! 🙂
I’ve been to Zermatt — but it’s been a long time ago now. We stayed on top of Gornergratt and watched the sunset and the sunrise on the Matterhorn, which was truly special. However, I didn’t get to spend much time in the actual town, and reading your article makes me want to go back and visit again. And your paragliding experience looks AMAZING.
Hi Ann-I bet staying at the top of Gornergrat and watching the sunrise AND sunset on the Matterhorn was truly amazing! Wow! Yes, the paragliding was out of this world!! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I have yet to try paragliding! This certainly is a wonderful place to check that item off the bucket list because that scenery is just STUNNING! What a beautiful town to explore in the summer!
Hi Cat-It really is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve seen pics of it in the winter and it’s just as beautiful then too and you can paraglide all year-round! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Zermatt is a great place for adventure tourists. The diversified activities keeps the traveler always engaged. You have covered it very well.
Hi, thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks for reading! 🙂
Paragliding looks dope. I love Zermatt and surrounding areas in the Alps. Been there twice and usually just hit the hiking trails around Zermatt. If you have a chance and time, a hit Gornergrat hike. It’s definitely one of my favorite hikes in the whole country.
Hi Antonio-Paragliding is amazing! If you love Zermatt and plan to visit again, I HIGHLY recommend it. If I get the chance to go back, I will take your suggestion of a Gornergrat hike! Thanks for reading! 🙂