Zermatt
Zermatt
Zermatt, a picturesque car-free village in the Swiss Alps, sits at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. This pyramid-shaped mountain stands at 4,478 meters and has become synonymous with Switzerland, even inspiring the design of Toblerone chocolate.
The town offers some of Europe's best skiing with over 360 kilometers of slopes that attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. During summer, the area transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise with hundreds of trails offering spectacular Alpine views. The town itself features charming wooden chalets, luxury hotels, and high-end shops along its main street, Bahnhofstrasse.
Zermatt has an interesting history as a simple farming community that transformed into a mountaineering center in the 1800s after the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. This climb ended tragically when four of seven climbers died during the descent, bringing worldwide attention to the area. Today, the Matterhorn Museum shares this history alongside exhibits about local Alpine culture.
Despite its small population of about 6,000 permanent residents, Zermatt welcomes nearly two million visitors annually. The town maintains its commitment to clean air and sustainability by banning combustion-engine vehicles. Visitors and locals get around using electric vehicles, horse-drawn carriages, or simply walking through the compact village center.
ratings
| Category | Rating | Your Rating |
|---|---|---|
| adventure |
|
|
| atmosphere |
|
|
| culture |
|
|
| food |
|
|
| hiking |
|
|
| scenery |
|
|
| tourism |
|
|
Things to do in Zermatt
Top things to do in Zermatt by www.earthtrekkers.com
Where to stay in Zermatt
Best hotels in Zermatt:
-
Hotel Adonis (budget hotel)
Hotel Adonis is a charming spot in Zermatt with a great location just a short walk from the Klein Matterhorn Cable Car. The rooms have a cozy mountain vibe with wooden furnishings and balconies to soak in the views. You'll find all the essentials like free WiFi, cable TV, and a safe to store your valuables.
One of the best things about this place is how close it is to the action while still being quiet enough to relax after a day on the slopes. The staff are super friendly and helpful too. There's a sauna and infrared cabin to warm up in, plus you can get discounts on ski rentals nearby. Breakfast is included and gets good reviews from guests.
Overall, Hotel Adonis offers comfort, convenience and Swiss hospitality without breaking the bank. It's a solid choice for your Zermatt adventure, whether you're hitting the slopes or just taking in the mountain scenery.
-
Matterhorn Lodge Hotel (luxury hotel)
The Matterhorn Lodge Boutique Hotel & Apartments in Zermatt with its classic Alpine style and warm wooden interiors, it feels like a home away from home. The rooms are super comfortable, with modern amenities and some offering amazing views of the Matterhorn.
One of the best things about this place is the location - you're just steps away from the main street, restaurants and ski lifts, but it's still nice and quiet. The staff are really friendly and go out of their way to make your stay special. And after a day on the slopes, you can relax in the wellness area with its different saunas.
The breakfast is a real highlight too - everything is fresh and locally-sourced. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun ski trip with friends, the Matterhorn Lodge ticks all the boxes for a perfect mountain vacation. Just be prepared for Zermatt's car-free policy - you'll need to leave your vehicle in Täsch and take the train into town.
-
Alpine Hotel Perren (medium range hotel)
The Alpine Hotel Perren got amazing views of the Matterhorn from some of the rooms and is super close to the ski lifts and train station. The rooms are comfy and clean, with all the basics you need for a mountain getaway.
The hotel has a nice restaurant that serves up tasty Swiss dishes and a big breakfast buffet to fuel you up before hitting the slopes. There's also a spa area with a sauna and steam room to relax those tired muscles after a day of skiing or hiking.
Overall, it's a great home base for exploring Zermatt and the surrounding Alps. The staff are friendly and helpful, and you can't beat the location. It's not the fanciest place in town, but it's good value for money in an expensive resort area. Perfect if you want a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
book now on booking.com
Best hostels in Zermatt:
-
Zermatt Youth Hostel (hostel)
Zermatt Youth Hostel is an awesome spot for budget travelers wanting to soak in those epic Matterhorn views. The hostel sits just a 10-minute walk from the town center and ski lifts, so you're close to all the action without being right in the middle of it.
The rooms are simple but comfy, with options ranging from private rooms to dorm-style bunks. Some even have killer mountain vistas right from the window - waking up to that Matterhorn silhouette is pretty unbeatable. The shared spaces are nice too, with a restaurant serving up hearty meals to fuel your adventures.
While it's not luxury living, the hostel has a chill vibe and friendly staff that make it feel welcoming. Plus, you really can't beat the price for Zermatt. If you're looking to save some cash but still want that classic Swiss Alps experience, this place hits the spot.