Zermatt tours and tickets
Zermatt sells its big views by cable car and rack railway, and tickets can be bought on the day in good weather. The things to arrange ahead are ski lessons and equipment in the school holidays, lunch at a mountain restaurant in high season, and a room. Walks need no booking, and a clear day matters more than any slot.
Book these first
- A room
- 3 to 4 months ahead for February, March and July to August. The village is small, and the best rooms go first in ski weeks and summer.
- Lunch at a mountain restaurant
- A few days ahead, longer in high season. Chez Vrony takes bookings three months ahead and the best terraces fill by midday.
- Ski lessons and equipment
- 2 to 4 weeks ahead in school holidays. Instructors and the best boots run out first in February.
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Monuments and landmarks
Gornergrat railway
A rack railway climbing to 3,089 meters, with a view of the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa massif and the Gorner glacier. It runs through the year, and the ride takes about 35 minutes.
Which to pick. Take the first train on a clear day, and sit on the right going up. Check the webcam before you go.
Not needed, buy on the dayVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMatterhorn Glacier Paradise
A cable car ride to Europe's highest cable station at 3,883 meters, with an ice palace and a panorama platform. It takes about an hour from the town.
Which to pick. Choose it for the glacier and the height. Go on a clear morning, and check the weather first.
Not needed, buy on the dayVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMatterhorn Museum
A museum in the town telling the story of the first ascent and the climbers who died on it, with ropes, boots and a village reconstruction.
Which to pick. Go on a wet or cloudy day. It's quick to visit, and a good first stop.
Not needed, buy at the doorVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Outdoors
Five Lakes Walk
A hike from Blauherd past five alpine lakes, each with a view of the Matterhorn in the water. It takes about three hours and is best on calm days.
Which to pick. Take the lift up and walk down. Go early for the reflections, and bring layers.
Not neededOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRiffelsee and Rotenboden
A short walk from the Gornergrat line to a lake that mirrors the Matterhorn, a classic photograph. It is easy and family friendly.
Which to pick. Get off the train at Rotenboden and walk down to the lake. Go early for still water and no wind.
Not neededOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSkiing and snowboarding lessons
Group and private lessons for all levels, with equipment hire in the village. The ski area extends across the border to Cervinia.
Which to pick. Book lessons and equipment ahead for school holidays. Check the level and the group size.
2 to 4 weeks ahead in holidaysOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
Lunch at a mountain restaurant
Huts and restaurants at Findeln, Sunnegga and on the slopes serve rösti, fondue and views. Tables on the terrace are limited.
Which to pick. Book a table at a well-known hut for a sunny day. Walk or ski between huts for a full day.
A few days ahead, longer in high seasonOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMatterhorn sunset or night walk
A guided evening walk in the village or on a viewpoint, with a head torch and stories of the first ascent.
Which to pick. Pick it for a clear evening. Dress warmly, bring a head torch if the tour does not supply one, and check the group size.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Saas-Fee
A car-free village in the next valley, with a glacier, ski slopes and a metro up the mountain, about an hour by train and bus.
Which to pick. Go for a different view and a quiet day. Check the transport times, and take the glacier lift if the weather is clear.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCervinia, Italy
A ski village across the border, reached by lifts in winter. Bring your passport, and check the weather and lift opening times.
Which to pick. Go with a pass that includes the Italian side. Check the closing time of the last lift back.
A day ahead in winterTours and tickets on ViatorBrig and the Rhône valley
A town at the foot of a pass, with the Stockalper Palace and vineyards, about an hour by train from Zermatt.
Which to pick. Go by train on a rainy day, when the mountains are in cloud. The palace is the main sight.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Zermatt
Do I need to book the Gornergrat or Glacier Paradise?
Not usually. Tickets are bought on the day, and the weather decides. Check the webcam in the morning and go on a clear day.
How early should I book ski lessons?
Two to four weeks ahead in school holidays. Outside holidays you can often book a few days ahead. Hire equipment in the village.
Is Zermatt good in summer?
Yes. The lifts and trails are open, and the Five Lakes and Gornergrat are at their best. Evenings can be cool, even in July.
Is Zermatt car-free?
The village is. You park in Täsch and take a shuttle train. Electric taxis and buses move people inside the village.
What if the Matterhorn is in cloud?
Wait a day if you can. Views change quickly. Museum, spa and valley walks are good cloudy-day plans.
What can I leave until I arrive?
Lifts, the Gornergrat, the museum and lake walks can be done on the day. Book lessons, huts and your room before you travel.