Some places look exactly like the postcard. Zermatt is one of them.
I first went to Zermatt in April 2022 with friends, as part of a Switzerland trip that also took us to Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. I loved it so much that I went back again in February 2024.
What made it special for me? Two things. Seeing the Matterhorn from my hotel, and taking a train up into the snow. In this post I share my favourite moments, practical tips, and what I’d tell any friend planning a trip to Zermatt.
Why Zermatt is worth visiting
Zermatt is a small mountain village in the south of Switzerland, close to the Italian border. It sits right below the Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world, with its sharp pyramid shape.
A few things make Zermatt different from other Swiss towns:
- It’s car-free. You arrive by train, and inside the village you walk or use small electric taxis and buses.
- The Matterhorn is everywhere. From bridges, streets, hotel windows and viewpoints.
- It has snow for a big part of the year. Even in spring, the higher areas are white.
- It’s cosy. Wooden chalets, little shops, warm restaurants.
My favourite moment: the Matterhorn from my hotel
If you can, book a room with a Matterhorn view. It’s one of those things worth paying a bit extra for.
Seeing that mountain right there from my hotel was amazing. It’s the kind of view you keep looking at, again and again, and it looks different every hour as the light changes.
At night we went up to a viewpoint above the village. Zermatt glowing below, the Matterhorn dark against the sky. Cold, quiet and so beautiful. That’s one of my favourite travel memories with my friends.
Taking the train up into the snow
The second highlight was going up the mountain by train, through the snow. Sitting by the window, watching everything turn white around us. It felt like a movie.
Zermatt has a few ways to go up the mountains. The Gornergrat Railway is the famous cogwheel train with big Matterhorn views, and there are also cable cars to higher areas like the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Check the official Zermatt website for current timetables and tickets, because they change by season.
How to get to Zermatt
Because Zermatt is car-free, most people arrive by train.
- By train: Trains run to Zermatt via Visp. From Zurich or Geneva, you change trains along the way. The ride up the valley is beautiful.
- By car: You can drive to Täsch, park there, and take the shuttle train into Zermatt.
- Plan connections: Use the SBB website or app to plan your route and check prices.
We combined Zermatt with Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, which is a lovely way to see a few very different sides of Switzerland in one trip.
Spring vs winter in Zermatt
I’ve now been in April and in February, and they are quite different seasons.
April (spring): On our trip the sky was blue, the river was flowing through the village, and the Matterhorn was still white with snow. Great if you want both: easy walking in the village and snow above.
February (winter): Full winter and ski season, with a proper winter-wonderland feeling. Bring warm layers, gloves and good shoes.
If you don’t ski and just want views, spring is lovely and calmer. If you want the full snowy postcard, go in winter.
Tips for visiting Zermatt
- Book a Matterhorn-view room early. They go fast, especially in winter.
- Check the weather before going up. The Matterhorn hides in clouds sometimes. Go up on a clear day.
- Wear layers. It’s much colder up the mountain than in the village.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Sun on snow is very bright.
- Walk the village in the evening. The lights and the mountain at night are magical.
- Plan your budget. Zermatt is not cheap. Picnic lunches and supermarket snacks help.
- Travel light. You’ll be on trains and walking a lot. My carry-on packing list helps.
Is Zermatt good for a short trip?
Yes. Even two nights is enough to see the Matterhorn, take one mountain trip and walk around the village. If you have more time, combine it with the Interlaken region, like we did.
I travel a lot while working full-time, and short trips like this are how I see so much. I shared how I plan it in how to travel a lot with a full-time job.
What to eat and where to stay in Zermatt
Zermatt has everything from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels. Stay close to the village centre or near the station if you don’t want to walk far with luggage, and look for rooms that mention a Matterhorn view if that’s important to you.
For food, Swiss classics are the way to go in the mountains. Cheese fondue and raclette are perfect after a cold day outside, and rösti (crispy potatoes) is a great hearty lunch. Most restaurants also offer vegetarian options, which makes it easy if you don’t eat meat.
Eating out in Zermatt is expensive, so it helps to mix restaurant dinners with supermarket breakfasts and snacks. A picnic with a Matterhorn view beats any restaurant table anyway.
One more tip: book dinner ahead in high season. Popular places fill up quickly, especially in winter and on weekends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Zermatt?
Winter (December to April) for snow and skiing, summer (June to September) for hiking. Spring is a calmer in-between with snow higher up.
Can you see the Matterhorn from Zermatt village?
Yes. On a clear day you can see it from many places in the village, including bridges, streets and many hotel rooms.
Can you drive to Zermatt?
No, Zermatt is car-free. You drive to Täsch and take the shuttle train, or come all the way by train.
How many days do you need in Zermatt?
Two to three days is a good amount to enjoy the views, go up one mountain and relax in the village.
Have you seen the Matterhorn yet, or is it on your list? Tell me in the comments 👇
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