Episode 106: How to plan your perfect trip to Zermatt (Best things to do and see)
Planning a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland? This picturesque alpine town, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, is a dream destination for many.
Whether you’re drawn by the majestic mountain peaks, the charming car-free village, or the endless outdoor activities, Zermatt offers something for everyone.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Viviane Zellweger from Zermatt Tourism to chat about everything you need to know when planning a visit to Zermatt.
You’ll learn about the top Zermatt attractions, including the iconic Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat, and how to get around this charming car-free village.
Find out how Zermatt has bounced back from recent floods and what that means for your travel plans. Viviane shares insider tips on where to stay in Zermatt, the best time to visit, and unique experiences like meeting the famous blacknose sheep.
We also dive into local specialties, like where to find the best chocolate Matterhorn and authentic Swiss cheese.
Discover why Zermatt is a year-round destination and how to make the most of even a short visit.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, this episode is packed with useful tips and inspiration to help you plan your perfect Zermatt getaway.
Click the green button below to listen:
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Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn about:
- Where is Zermatt?
- Top things to do in Zermatt
- Where to find locally-produced chocolate and cheese
- Accommodation options in Zermatt
- When is the best time to visit Zermatt
- How to spend one day in Zermatt
Our Guest
Viviane Zellweger is Head of Product Management and Sales for Zermatt Tourism.
You can follow Zermatt Tourism on Instagram and Facebook.
Things to do in Zermatt mentioned in this episode
>> Gornergrat – Gornergrat is a renowned mountain ridge situated above the resort town of Zermatt in Switzerland. Gornergrat is reached by a cogwheel train and offers stunning panoramic views of the Matterhorn and several other notable peaks, including the Monte Rosa massif.
>> Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is home to the highest cable car station in Europe, at an altitude of 3,883 metres. Reached by cable car, breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and over 14 other Alpine peaks await. There are various activities on offer such as a glacier cave, skiing and snowboarding year-round.
>> Rothorn and Sunnegga – Another peak easily reached from Zermatt, Rothorn and its middle station Sunnegga, is an ideal destination for hikers. The 5 Lakes Hike at Rothorn is one of the region’s most popular hikes, whilst at Sunnegga, mountain carts can be rented by those seeking some fun. Sunnegga is reached by funicular with cable car connections to Rothorn.
>> Meet the Sheep – this experience on Gornergrat offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the Valais Blacknose sheep, a breed known for its distinctive appearance and friendly nature. The sheep can be observed grazing between Riffelalp and Rotenboden during the summer.
>> Chocolate and cheese – for a taste of locally made chocolate and cheese, head to Fuch’s Bakery to try one of their tasty Matterhorn-shaped chocolates, or Horu Käserei, a local cheese dairy.
Useful resources
Read our detailed guides on things to do in Zermatt, best hotels in Zermatt, best mountain excursions from Zermatt and how to get from Zurich to Zermatt. There are further details in our Zermatt Travel Guide.
We also have podcast episodes about the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing (episode 80), Zermatt mountain excursions (episode 51), and an earlier episode about visiting Zermatt (episode 9).
You can watch the original live Q&A video of this interview on our YouTube channel.
👉 Free guide 21 useful things to know before you visit Switzerland.
Note: The railway line between Visp and Zermatt was reopened on 26 August, 2024. (It had been closed to due damage caused by severe storms.)
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