Best Places to Visit in Zermatt 2026

The Gornergrat is arguably the most famous viewing point to visit in Zermatt. Sitting at 3,089 meters, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Matterhorn surrounded by 29 peaks of swiss alps exceeding 4,000 meters. Visitors can reach the summit through the historic Gornergrat Railway (Europe’s highest open-air rack railway).

• Highlights: Unmatched panoramic views, year-round skiing and the famous Riffelsee reflection
• 2026 Maintenance Alert: No service from November 2 - 14, 2026.
• Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic Matterhorn views.

At 3,883 meters, this is the highest place you can reach by cable car in Europe. This alpine jewel captivates travellers with its glittering Glacier Palace, thrilling ice sculptures and view point platform that offers the breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn peak.

• Highlights: The Glacier Palace, located 15 meters below the surface with hand-carved ice sculptures and The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, the brand-new cable car connection that allows travelers to go all the way to Cervinia, Italy, without skis.
• 2026 Closures: Viewing platform will be closed between(Jan 12–30, 2026); Glacier Palace will be closed between (Feb 2 - 27, 2026).
• Temperature: -5°C to 14°C in the summers, -4°C to -25°C in the winters.

Read more about: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise 

Rising to 3,103 meters, Rothorn offers a different perspective of the Matterhorn’s sharpest ridges. It is a quieter, more majestic place to visit compared to the busier Gornergrat. It offers some of the best hiking trails in the region.

• Highlights: Skiing and snowboarding in the winter and in summer, it attracts hikers and nature lovers to witness the dramatic landscapes.
• Cable Car: Connects from Zermatt via Sunnegga; with up-to 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass.

Sunnegga is a sunny mountain terrace above Zermatt. This family-friendly destination offers a relaxed terrace view and the easiest access to alpine lakes. It is easily reachable in just 4.5 minutes via an underground funicular railway from Zermatt village.

• Highlight: Lake Leisee, located just below the station, known for its perfect Matterhorn mirror reflection. 
• Tip: Visit Leisee Lake in the morning to enjoy the best Matterhorn reflections.

Schwarzsee sits directly beneath the Matterhorn, whose reflection can be seen shimmering on the lake’s surface. This alpine lake is also known as the Black Lake due to the dark appearance of its waters. The lake is framed by lush meadows, forests and dramatic alpine peaks, and is home to the small "Maria zum Schnee" chapel.

• Highlight: The giant Zermatt/Matterhorn photo frame and the glowing reflection of the North Face in the dark lake water.

Bahnhofstrasse is a one lined wide street for premier shopping. This bustling 1.4 km street is lined with traditional luxury boutiques, watch shops, sporting goods stores, restaurants and hotels. The street is a car-free pedestrian zone and is renowned worldwide as one of the most exclusive and modern retail avenues.

The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt, also known as Zermatlantis, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and mountaineering heritage of the region. Located in the village center, this museum is built underground to resemble a sunken village. It is the best indoor place to visit to learn about the tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.

Located just off the main street, the Hinterdorf is a preserved historic area featuring over 30 traditional wooden barns and stables built between the 15th and 19th centuries. It is the best place to witness Zermatt's 500-year-old farming heritage.

Often called the Matterhorn Bridge, this is the most famous sightseeing spot in the village for a morning photo. It offers a direct, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn towering over the Matter Vispa river perfect for capturing the iconic postcard shot, especially at sunrise when the mountain peak glows gold.