Zermatt is a picturesque alpine village located in the Swiss canton of Valais. It is nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the world’s most famous mountains. Zermatt’s history dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by prehistoric tribes. However, it was not until the 13th century that the village began to take shape.
In the early years, Zermatt was primarily an agricultural community with farming and livestock as the main sources of livelihood. The village remained relatively isolated until the 19th century when tourism started to emerge as a significant industry in the Alps. The development of railways and the growing interest in mountain climbing brought attention to Zermatt.
In 1865, the first ascent of the Matterhorn put Zermatt on the map. The dramatic and tragic climb, during which four members of the climbing party lost their lives, garnered international attention and sparked worldwide interest in mountaineering. Since then, Zermatt has been a popular destination for climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Today, Zermatt is a thriving resort town known for its breathtaking scenery, skiing opportunities, and mountaineering heritage. It has managed to maintain its traditional Swiss charm with car-free streets, wooden chalets, and a cozy atmosphere. The village offers a wide range of activities for site visitors, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
To locate Zermatt, you can use various means. Zermatt is situated in the southern part of Switzerland, close to the borders of Italy and France. It is in the canton of Valais, which is known for its stunning mountain landscapes. The nearest international airport to Zermatt is Geneva Airport, which is approximately 236 kilometers (146 miles) away. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Zermatt.
It’s worth noting that Zermatt is a car-free village, and private vehicles are not allowed within the town. The final leg of the journey to Zermatt is usually completed by taking a train from a nearby town called Täsch. The train ride from Täsch to Zermatt takes about 12 minutes. Alternatively, there are shuttle services available from Täsch to Zermatt as well.
In summary, Zermatt is a historic alpine village in Switzerland, renowned for its connection to mountaineering and its proximity to the majestic Matterhorn. It can be located in the canton of Valais, in the southern part of Switzerland, and accessed via train or shuttle from the nearby town of Täsch.
20 fun and best things to do in Zermatt and their explanations
- Take the Gornergrat Railway: Ride the famous Gornergrat Railway to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn. It’s a scenic journey that shouldn’t be missed.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Zermatt is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Hit the slopes and enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise area.
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum: Learn approximately the history and culture of Zermatt at the Matterhorn Museum. Discover the mountain’s first ascent and gain insight into the lives of the local people.
- Hiking in the Alps: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the several trekking trails that crisscross the Zermatt region. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there’s something for every level of hiker.
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Take a cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. Enjoy panoramic views, visit the ice palace, and marvel at the glaciers.
- Glacier Paradise Snow Park: If you’re into snowboarding or freestyle skiing, head to the Glacier Paradise Snow Park. It offers jumps, rails, and other features for thrilling tricks and jumps.
- Explore Zermatt Village: Wander through the charming streets of Zermatt Village, lined with traditional wooden chalets, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.
- Visit the St. Mauritius Church: Admire the beautiful architecture of the St. Mauritius Church, a historic landmark in Zermatt. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquil ambiance inside.
- Matterhorn Museum Planetarium: Experience the wonders of the universe at the Matterhorn Museum Planetarium. Enjoy immersive shows that delve into astronomy and the night sky.
- Enjoy Swiss Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Swiss dishes at one of Zermatt’s many restaurants. Try fondue, raclette, or Swiss chocolate for a delicious culinary experience.
- Mountain Biking: Get your adrenaline pumping with the aid of mountain cycling in Zermatt. Explore the thrilling trails and enjoy the stunning scenery as you ride through the mountains.
- Paragliding: Soar through the sky and take in the breathtaking views of Zermatt from a different perspective. Paragliding is a thrilling activity for adventure seekers.
- Visit the Sunnegga Paradise: Take the funicular to the Sunnegga Paradise and enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn. Relax in the alpine flower garden or go for a hike in the area.
- Matterhorn Museum Photo Exhibition: Immerse yourself in Zermatt’s mountaineering history through captivating photographs at the Matterhorn Museum’s photo exhibition.
- Ice Climbing: For those seeking a unique adventure, try ice climbing in Zermatt. Ascend frozen waterfalls and experience the thrill of conquering the ice.
- Zermatt Food Festival: If you visit during the Zermatt Food Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned chefs from around the world.
- Visit the Zermatt Spa: Pamper yourself at one of Zermatt’s luxurious spas. Relax and rejuvenate with a massage, sauna, or other wellness treatments.
- Golfing: Enjoy a round of golfing surrounded the aid of stunning mountain views at the Golf Club Matterhorn. The course offers a challenging game in a spectacular setting.
- Summer Glacier Skiing: Even in the summer months, you can experience skiing on the glacier in Zermatt. Enjoy the unique opportunity to ski year-round in a breathtaking alpine environment.
- Climbing the Matterhorn: For experienced mountaineers, climbing the Matterhorn is the ultimate challenge. Engage the
10 places similar to Zermatt along with their locations and explanation.
- Chamonix, France: Located in the French Alps, Chamonix is famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, including the renowned Mont Blanc.
- St. Moritz, Switzerland: Situated in the Engadine valley in Switzerland, St. Moritz is a luxurious alpine resort known for its winter sports and glamorous atmosphere.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: Nestled in the Dolomites in northern Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a picturesque town renowned for skiing, mountaineering, and its vibrant après-ski scene.
- Innsbruck, Austria: Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, is a charming city surrounded by mountains. It offers a combination of cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
- Queenstown, New Zealand: Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown is often referred to as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” It offers an extensive variety of outdoor sports, including skiing, bungee jumping, and hiking.
- Banff, Canada: Situated in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a stunning resort town known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. It is home to Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park.
- Zell am See, Austria: Located in the Austrian Alps, Zell am See is a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Zell. It offers a combination of skiing, water sports, and scenic landscapes.
- Aspen, United States: Aspen, Colorado, is a renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It features four mountains for skiing and snowboarding, as well as a vibrant cultural scene.
- Grindelwald, Switzerland: Situated in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, Grindelwald offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Jungfrau region.
- Whistler, Canada: Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is one of the biggest ski inns in North America It offers world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities and hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics.
