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. You can reach the summit through the historic Gornergrat Railway (Europe’s highest open-air rack railway).

Sitting at 3,883 meters, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest place you can reach by cable car in Europe. This alpine spot captivates travellers with its glittering Glacier Palace, located 15 meters below the surface with hand-carved ice sculptures, view point platform that offers the breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn peak.

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, year-round skiing and snowboarding and attracts adventure lovers to witness the dramatic landscapes.

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.

Bahnhofstrasse is a car-free pedestrian zone and a one lined wide street for premier shopping. This street is lined with traditional chalets, traditional luxury boutiques, watch shops, sporting goods stores, restaurants and hotels.

The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt - 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.

• 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.

Reaching Zermatt is possible only by rail as the village is entirely car-free. If you are driving, you must park at the Matterhorn Terminal in Täsch and take a 12-minute shuttle train to the Zermatt main station. Getting around Zermatt is convenient on foot, via electric taxis, or by using the free e-bus lines that connect the station to the various mountain lift terminals.

Tip: The Swiss Travel Pass offers a 50% discount on the Gornergrat Railway and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable cars.

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 traveller, regardless of the season.

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

Book our completely customizable Zermatt Tour Packages, for your hassle-free Zermatt Trip!

To help you plan the perfect trip, dive deeper into our specific guides:

Zermatt Travel Guide | Top Things to do in Zermatt | Best Time to Visit Zermatt