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  4. Best Places to Visit in Zermatt, Switzerland: Top Attractions

Best Places to Visit in Zermatt, Switzerland: Top Attractions

View of Alpine Ranges in Matterhorn
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Zermatt is home to some of the most famous sights in the Swiss Alps and the best places to visit here are all about the stunning scenic beauty of nature. From the high-altitude peaks of the Gornergrat to the crystal-clear waters of Stellisee, this car-free village is packed with iconic landmarks. Whether you are looking for the perfect Matterhorn photo spot at the Kirchbrücke bridge or exploring the historic wooden barns of the Hinterdorf, these are the must-see destinations for your itinerary. This guide focuses on the top sightseeing locations that make Zermatt a bucket-list destination.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget: Plan for ₹2,20,000–₹4,50,000 per person for a 7–10 day Swiss trip. This range ensures you can afford the premium tickets to top places to visit in Zermatt, such as the Gornergrat Railway and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which are the highlights of the region.
  • Best Time for Landmarks: (June to September) is the best window to reach high-altitude Matterhorn reflection spots like Lake Stellisee and Lake Riffelsee, while (December to March) is ideal for visiting the Glacier Palace and seeing the snow-draped chalets of the Hinterdorf.
  • Navigating to the Spots: Since Zermatt is car-free, all Zermatt sightseeing spots are reached via a mix of electric village buses, the Gornergrat rack railway, or the Sunnegga funicular. Accessing the village itself requires a mandatory 12-minute shuttle train from Täsch.
  • Ideal Sightseeing Duration: Two to three days are perfect for visiting primary places in Zermatt, like Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat, while seven to ten days are ideal for a full Swiss Alps itinerary. 
  • Swiss Travel Pass(₹28,000 – ₹45,000): Offers unlimited trains across Switzerland and a 50% discount on most Zermatt mountain excursions (Gornergrat, Glacier Paradise).
  • Zermatt Peak Pass(₹22,000 – ₹31,000 | CHF 180–265): Unlimited Access, best for those wanting to visit all major landmarks (Rothorn, Sunnegga, Gornergrat, and Glacier Paradise) in 1–2 days.

Are Places in Zermatt worth visiting?

it offers a concentration of high-altitude landmarks that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. Whether you are a photographer, a history buff, or a nature lover, the places in Zermatt provide a premium Swiss experience that justifies its reputation.

Home to the World’s Most Iconic Landmark

  • The Matterhorn: No other mountain on earth has a silhouette quite like it. You don't just "see" the Matterhorn; you experience it from multiple world-class viewpoints like the Kirchbrücke bridge and Mürini Hill.
  • Glacial Wonders: Access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car station (3,883m), where you can literally walk inside a glacier.

Scenic Destinations for Every Season

  • Summer Viewpoints: Reach the famous Lake Stellisee or Riffelsee to see the perfect "mirror reflection" of the Matterhorn—a bucket-list spot for 2026.
  • Winter Locations: Visit the Glacier Palace ice sculptures or take the Gornergrat Railway to see a panorama of 29 different 4,000-meter peaks covered in fresh snow.
  • Italy in a Day: Zermatt is one of the few places where you can visit another country via mountain lift, crossing over to Cervinia, Italy for lunch and yes travellers from India can also do it with the valid Schengen visa.

A Preserved Historic Village

  • Hinterdorf (Old Village): Step back in time by visiting the "Hinterdorfstrasse," a collection of over 30 traditional wooden barns and stables built between the 15th and 19th centuries.
  • Sustainable Charm: As a car-free village, the air is pristine, and the streets are occupied only by horse-drawn carriages and quiet electric taxis, creating a peaceful "snow globe" atmosphere.

Top Places to Visit in Zermatt: Must-See Attractions & Mountain Experiences

High-Altitude Summits

View of the Gornergrat viewing station
1.

Gornergrat - The Ultimate 360° Alpine Panorama

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.
  • Gornergrat Railway Ticket: ~₹8,500–10,500 (CHF 84–CHF 104) for a round-trip, with up-to 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass.
  • Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic Matterhorn views.
2.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Highest Cable Car Point in Europe

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).
  • Cable Car Ticket: ~₹10,500–13,000 (CHF 104–CHF 128) for a round-trip. The Swiss Travel Pass offers significant discounts. 
  • Temperature: -5°C to 14°C in the summers, -4°C to -25°C in the winters.
3.

Rothorn (Unterrothorn) – The Highest Peak in the Sunnegga-Blauherd Area

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 Ticket: ~₹6,500–8,000 (CHF 64–CHF 79) for a round-trip from Zermatt via Sunnegga; with up-to 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass.

Alpine Lake Viewpoints

View of lake leisee, surrounded by alpine peaks and great view of Matterhorn
4.

Sunnegga - The Best "Family" Viewpoint

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. 
  • Funicular Ticket: ~₹3,500–4,500 (CHF 34–CHF 44) for a round-trip; half the amount will be discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass.
  • Tip: Visit Leisee Lake in the morning to enjoy the best Matterhorn reflections.
5.

Schwarzsee - The Closest You Can Get to the Matterhorn

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.
  • Cable Car Ticket: ~₹5,500–7,000 (CHF 54–CHF 69) for a round-trip; discounted prices with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Village Center Highlights

view of Bahnhofstrasse with peoople shopping in night
6.

Bahnhofstrasse – Shopping & Dining in Zermatt’s Car-Free Village

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.

Entry: Free to explore

7.

Matterhorn Museum – Discover Zermatt’s Mountaineering History

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.

  • Highlights: Historical exhibits, mountaineering artefacts, traditional alpine village recreation.
  • Entry Fee: ~₹1,200 (CHF 12) for adults and free for children.
8.

Hinterdorf (The Old Village)

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.

  • Highlight: Walking through a "living museum" of sun-blackened larch wood buildings that are hundreds of years old, including the iconic barns built on stone stilts to keep out mice.
  • Entry Fee: Free to explore
9.

The Kirchbrücke (Church Bridge)

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.

  • Highlight: Capturing the iconic "postcard shot" of the Matterhorn reflected in the Matter Vispa river, especially at sunrise when the mountain peak glows gold.
  • Entry Fee: Free to explore

Getting Around Zermatt

As a car-free village, the final approach to reach it will be made via the scenic Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, the journey itself promises breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes. Once you arrive at the village you will find it to be compact and walkable, but reaching the high-altitude places in Zermatt requires using the world-class network of mountain railways and cable cars.

Transport OptionApprox. Price (2026)Details 
Gornergrat Railway₹11,200 – ₹14,600 (CHF 96–125)The historic rack railway used to reach the Gornergrat Summit (3,089m) for the best 360° Matterhorn views.
Matterhorn Glacier Ride₹11,500 – ₹15,000 (CHF 99–128)The ultra-modern cable car to Glacier Paradise. Includes access to the 3,883m summit and the Glacier Palace.
Sunnegga Funicular₹4,000 – ₹5,200 (CHF 34–44)An underground funicular that whisks you to the "Family Mountain" in just 4.5 minutes. Best for the 5-Lakes Walk.
Rothorn Cable Car₹7,800 – ₹10,400 (CHF 67–89)It reaches the highest point in the Sunnegga-Blauherd area. Essential for high-altitude summer hiking and skiing.
E-Bus & Electric TaxisFree – ₹2,500Efficient village transport. The E-bus is free for those with a valid ski pass or mountain lift ticket.

Essential Tips for Places to Visit in Zermatt

  • Book Mountain Excursions Early: Booking your trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat online in advance not only saves money but also allows you to skip the long ticket office queues.
  • Respect the Car-Free Zone: Park your car in Tasch and take the shuttle train to Zermatt. Only electric vehicles are permitted in the village.
  • Village Transport Shortcuts: While Zermatt is car-free and walkable, use the Green Line E-bus (free with a lift pass) to get from the train station to the Glacier Paradise cable car station. It saves you a 20-minute uphill walk with heavy camera gear or ski boots.
  • Use the Zermatt Card: Staying overnight in Zermatt hotels provides a free Zermatt Card offering unlimited village e-bus transport and discounts on mountain railways.
  • Start Early for Photography: Take the first Gornergrat train around 7:00-8:00 AM for golden sunrise light on the Matterhorn, fewer crowds and clearer skies before afternoon clouds develop.
  • Dress in Layers: Temperatures vary significantly between the village (1,600m) and mountain peaks (3,800m+). Pack thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen and warm gloves even in summer.

Conclusion: Why These Places in Zermatt Are a Must-Visit?

Whether it is the centuries-old history of the Hinterdorf or the record-breaking heights of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, every place in Zermatt offers a variety of experiences found nowhere else in the world. From the mirror-like reflections at Lake Stellisee to the dramatic 360-degree views from the Gornergrat summit, each location provides a unique perspective of the Swiss Alps. These iconic landmarks deliver an unforgettable journey for every traveler, regardless of the season.

To ensure you don’t miss any of these legendary spots, plan your journey with our Switzerland tour packages for personalized itineraries designed to showcase the very best of the Alps.

FAQs

What are the best places to visit in Zermatt?

The best places to visit in Zermatt include Gornergrat for panoramic views, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga for family activities and lake reflections, the Five Lakes Walk, Schwarzsee Chapel, Rothorn for hiking, and the Matterhorn Museum.

What is the weather like in Zermatt?

The weather in Zermatt varies by altitude. The temperature in the village ranges from -5°C to 5°C in winter and 10°C to 25°C in summer. Mountain peaks remain cold year-round with temperatures from -15°C to 5°C, even during summer months.

Is Zermatt worth visiting?

Absolutely. Zermatt offers the iconic Matterhorn, Europe's highest cable car station, spectacular mountain panoramas, world-class skiing, charming alpine culture and some of Switzerland's most scenic hiking trails. This makes it an unforgettable destination.

Are there guided tours available in Zermatt?

Yes. Guided tours to Zermatt are available from cities like Zurich, Geneva and Interlaken. These tours include scenic train journeys, visits to Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and hiking trails, with expert guides providing insights into alpine history and mountain culture.

How much do Zermatt mountain railway and cable car tickets cost?

Individual tickets range from ₹3,500–13,000 (CHF 34–CHF 128) depending on the destination. The Peak Pass (₹22,000–28,000 / CHF 217–276) offers unlimited access to all mountain transport. Swiss Travel Pass holders receive 50% discounts on most mountain railways.

How many days are enough to explore Zermatt and the nearby attractions?

2-3 days are enough to explore Zermatt's main attractions, though staying 4-5 days allows for more leisurely exploration, multiple mountain excursions, and better chances of clear weather for perfect Matterhorn views.

Is Zermatt suitable for first-time visitors to Switzerland?

Yes, Zermatt is perfect for first-time visitors to Switzerland, offering iconic mountain scenery, easy-to-navigate car-free village charm, world-class infrastructure, and a perfect mix of accessible attractions and authentic alpine experiences with the legendary Matterhorn as a stunning backdrop.

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