Zermatt is nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn (4,478 m), sitting at approximately 1,620 meters (5,315 ft) above sea level, surrounded by 38 of Europe’s 4,000-meter peaks. Originally an agricultural village until the mid-19th century, Zermatt gained international fame following the first, tragic ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Today, its car-free policy preserves clean air and a tranquil Alpine ambiance, with visitors traveling on foot, electric vehicles, electric bicycles, or horse-drawn carriages.

The village architecture features traditional Alpine wooden chalets with steep roofs, designed to withstand heavy snow, alongside historic stone buildings reflecting Zermatt’s rich heritage. The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis showcases mountaineering history, local life, and legendary events such as the first ascent of the Matterhorn.

Mountain Excursions & Viewpoints:

• Gornergrat Railway: Cogwheel train to 3,089 m with panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, and Monte Rosa massif.

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Europe’s highest cable car station at 3,883 m, featuring year-round snow, the Glacier Palace, and views extending to the French and Italian Alps.

• Sunnegga – Rothorn: Accessible via funicular and cable car, offering hiking trails like the 5-Lakes Walk and sunrise views from Rothorn.

• Riffelsee Lake: Summer hiking destination with stunning reflections of the Matterhorn.

Village Exploration:

• Bahnhofstrasse: Main street with boutiques, souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants.

• Hinterdorf (Old Village): Romantic quarter with 500-year-old wooden houses, traditional barns, and quiet corners.

Sports and Nature:

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Extensive Zermatt-Cervinia ski area, including summer glacier skiing.

• Hiking & Climbing: Over 400 km of trails from easy walks to high-alpine tours.

• Mountain Biking & Cycling: Select summer trails for scenic downhill biking.

• Gorner Gorge: Dramatic gorge walks via elevated wooden walkways.

• Paragliding: Tandem flights for aerial views of the Matterhorn.

Cultural & Seasonal Experiences:

• Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine such as raclette, fondue, and local Valais specialties.

• Attend seasonal events and festivals, like the Zermatt Unplugged music festival.

• By Train: Zermatt is accessible only by train, as there are no roads connecting the village to other towns. Visitors must travel to Täsch first, where trains run every 20 minutes and the journey to Zermatt takes about 12 minutes.

• From major cities like Zurich or Geneva, you can take a direct train to Täsch, then transfer to a shuttle train to Zermatt.

• If driving, park your car at Täsch’s large parking facilities, which can accommodate thousands of vehicles, then take the shuttle train or an electric taxi into Zermatt.

• Within Zermatt, electric taxis, e-bikes, and horse-drawn sleighs (in winter) provide local transportation.

• Some bus services operate in the surrounding areas.

Note:

• Parking at Täsch is spacious, with capacity for over 2,000 vehicles.

• Zermatt’s village center is car-free, preserving its clean and quiet environment.

• Dress warmly and wear suitable footwear for mountain terrain.

• Pack layered clothing for rapidly changing mountain weather.

• Book Gornergrat, Glacier Paradise, and cable car tickets in advance during peak seasons.

• Visit early mornings or late afternoons for quiet streets and optimal photography.

• Bring sunglasses and sun protection due to strong snow reflection.

• For high-altitude hikes, consider acclimatization.

Admission Fees:

• Village streets and most outdoor trails: free.

• Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis: ~CHF 12 (~450 THB) per adult.

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car: Approx. CHF 99 (~3,400 THB), prices vary by date, season, and time.

• Paragliding, guided climbs, and high-altitude tours: additional fees.

Opening Times:

• Village streets: year-round.

• Mountain lifts (Gornergrat Railway, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) typically operate from 08:00, with last descents between 16:00–17:00, depending on season.

• Museums and smaller attractions may have limited or seasonal hours; always check the official schedule before visiting.