Check out our list of 20 Dreamy Relaxation Trip Ideas and list of Unique Adventure Ideas for Your Next Trip. Zermatt is one of the best mountain towns for apres-ski, the partying that follows after a day of skiing. Get up close to the Alps on an extraordinary helicopter ride with Air Zermatt. From Zum See it's a 37 minute walk back down the hill to Zermatt. Hi, my name is Samantha, Finance Managing Guru by day, Travel Blogging Enthusiast by well day too! The mighty Matterhorn dominates the skyline, creating one of the most unique alpine landscapes in Europe. BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAUSANNE IN 1 DAY IN 2023, Plan a Road Trip in Europe: Expert Tips to Plan Your Perfect Adventure, Best Travel Neck Pillow for Comfortable and Restful Trips, HOW EXPENSIVE IS SWITZERLAND TRAVEL IN 2023, BEST DAY TRIPS FROM GENEVA, SWITZERLAND IN 2023. How about ice sports? Hiking isnt just for summer. If you have a Gornergrat ticket (one-way or return), you can visit this museum for free in 2021 and 2022. Our winter travel guide includes both, things to do for skiers and things to do for non-skiers. Seeing lovely Zermatt under the cover of snow and the bright sun is a worthwhile winter activity. 12 Best Places to visit in Switzerland in winter Zurich: Festive Cheer in Zurich, Shop & Dine Rapperswil: Visiting Christmas Markets in Switzerland Zermatt: A Fairytale Resort Town Saas-Fee: Winter Sports Adventures Bernina Express: Embark on a scenic train ride in the winter in Switzerland Glacier Express: Soak in gorgeous views of the Alps The scenic train rides are also free with your Swiss Travel Pass. Its ideal if you wish to take food with you for a local hike or a picnic in the wintery sunshine, which can be of course cheaper than meal at a local restaurant. However,Zermatt is car-free. See More, Fifteen suites at the foot of the Matterhorn, each built to reflect one of the elements: fire, earth, water and air. If youre here for the summer activities the best time is between June and September. Zermatt is a small mountain village located in the Swiss Alps, known for its stunning scenery and world-class skiing opportunities. . Take the cog railway up to Gornergrat at 3,100 m elevation 6. Comfortable beds and cosy bedrooms. Zermatt in Winter - A Family Dream Vacation for Skiers & non Skiers Zermatt Town and Zermatt Resort Area are more expensive places to stay than Tsch. A personal favourite was a warm glhwein at the top of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It boasts tastefully designed rooms with five star services. Its where youll find Zermatt railway station, lots of bars and restaurants, the largest range of Zermatt hotels and other types of accommodation. However we want to highlight that there are also plenty of options for non-skiers, including snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding and sightseeing on the iconic Gornergrat Railway. If the hotel you're staying at doesn't have a good spa, there are hotels that offer spa passes to non-hotel guests. There are two beautiful panoramic snowshoe trails with views of the Matterhorn you can take from the Gornergrat Bahn. You might assume that, just like Tsch, youll be able to hop on public transport and reach Zermatt in no time. Everything is within walking distance from the train station, since Zermatt is car free, else your hotel may provide pick up service with one of the little shuttle buses used in Zermatt. This is done through 3D sessions, virtual paragliding flights and videos on the its surrounding alpine mountains. The location of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn and in the middle of an enormous hiking and ski region makes it one of the world's most attractive vacation villages. A personal recommendation is to hike from Gornergrat to the Rotenboden station, which is one stop. Its also ideal if youre looking for where to stay in Zermatt for skiing and therefore where to stay in Zermatt in winter. See the full trail map here. 20 Amazing Things to do in Zermatt, Switzerland - Earth Trekkers Though I am not a winter sports enthusiast (but I might get there), I was blown away by its beauty in the winter months. If you are travelling to Lausanne, you are in for a treat. When you look at maps of mountainous regions, you need to consider that there might be no direct roads and a huge mountain between two places. Zermatt only has one main road heading north, which means Staffa is over two hours drive, Zinal is a 90-minute drive and Saas-Fee is a 45-minute drive. There's plenty of nearby skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, whilst those on a more relaxing break can spend their days in the spa instead. See More, Friendly family-run hotel with stunning views of Matterhorn. is perfect as a garment to wear underneath your jacket, while the scarf can be removed easily. or why not check out some of The Hotel Gurus other skiing destinations. The only areas you should avoid near Zermatt are small villages like Staffa, Zinal, and Saas-Fee. We're not used, A few moments of zen can do wonders for your mobility, dexterity, and comfort. There are fewer hotels and chalets in St Niklaus than in Zermatt Town or Zermatt Resort but the ones it does have are highly rated and reasonably priced. It was easy to get around Zermatt in our warm clothing and shoes, easy to explore at the top of the mountains as a non-skier and we definitely drank lots of wintery warm drinks at each peak and restaurant. Ski the longest ski run in Europe 9. You don't have to be a skier to get in on the action. Train rides in Switzerland are mostly amazing, but not always. This mountain, known as Mont Cervin in France and Cervino in Italian, is the 12th largest in the European Alps. Rooms are luxurious with private hot tubs and views of the Matterhorn peak. I had only skied a few times before so I decided to get a private ski lesson. We're excited to wor, Cascata La Froda Waterfall Explorations In Sonogno, Waterfalls In Switzerland: Ticino Edition, Expat In Ticino: Things To Do To Feel Local. During the peak ski season, these hotels could cost around 300-400 per night. Entry is only about CHF 5 (bring cash). Take a trip on the Gornergrat Railway on a sunny day. Best Zermatt Ski-in / Ski-out Hotels on Tripadvisor: Find 10,963 traveler reviews, 10,892 candid photos, and prices for 50 ski-in / ski-out hotels in Zermatt, Switzerland. Pricy of course, but delicious! PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Zermatt does not have an airport. But there are so many other hotels that are great to be in! The town owes much of its fame to the towering Matterhorn, which is the most-photographed mountain in the world! From Blatten, it's a 7 minute walk to Zum See. My favorites are Basel and Bern. The breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, the fresh mountain air, and the snow-covered slopes provide a perfect setting for skiing or sightseeing. Our travel guides were crafted from our own experiences and designed with you in mind to make the trip planning process as fun and easy as possible. Theres nowhere better suited for ski and snowboard lovers. One Day in Zermatt: Day Trip Itinerary, Map & Planning Tips With the combination of my financial knowledge and travelling experiences I aim to show you, with a little planning, the right budget and a realistic goal you can fulfil your travel fantasies and explore the world whatever your budget or desires may be! Here you can walk through the glacier inside, decorated beautifully with ice sculptures inside. A small gym and sauna available for guest use. It is worth asking for scenic train rides those are fantastic ones. Zermatt has lots of fantastic accommodation options for all travel styles and budgets. A lounge bar has comfortable seating by a fireplace. If you take the train with direction to Bern, you will have to switch trains twice: once in Bern and once in Visp. Since its so popular, figuring out where to stay in Zermatt isnt too difficult as there are lots of options. The resorts can be reached by public transportation. 16:30 Take a gondola to Zermatt (#9 on the map). Raclette is our favourite Swiss dish. HOTEL ALEX is a 4-star hotel located in the center of town, very close to . Large wooden-clad rooms and suites with romantic decorations and splashes of bright colour. Around Zermatt, there are several storied 5-star hotels, including the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, right in the center of town, or the Riffelalp Resort, reached via the Gornergat railway. If you prefer to be on your feet rather than skis, consider a winter hike and snowshoeing. When at the top of the Klein Matterhorn (with the Matterhorn Glacier Express ski list), take the lift down a few levels into the mountain. With over 360km of pistes in the winter, Zermatt is a vast skiing area and even gives you the option of skiing in 2 different countries on the same day. Take the cog railway up to Gornergrat at 3,100 m elevation, 6. There is no end to the choice available, from experimental cooking to the most traditional of local recipes. Especially with all the snow and mountain roads. Zermatt Town is the heart and soul of the entire area of Zermatt. . After a day of skiing or snowboarding, treat your sore muscles with a day of relaxation. The hike is 2.5km and rated as a medium difficulty. The view is impressive on a clear day at the top of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, where you can see at least 14 main mountains which are Swiss, French and Italian! Some pages (like the daily planner) you might want to print more than once which is totally fine. It allows you to use trains and buses without any extra costs. Where to stay in Zermatt. These circumstances also increase the glare of the sun on the white snow, making it close to unbearable for your eyes. How could it be any different!?! See More. The journey only takes 35 minutes to travel the 18 km between the towns! For the best views of the Matterhorn (and village at the start), it is best to sit on the right side of the train carriages. We have no plans, All aboard! Traditionally styled rooms feature pine clad walls and large glass windows. No matter which season you visit Zermatt in, its an expensive place! Our favourite Valais wines are the Heida, which pairs perfectly with cheese fondue and raclette and the Cornalin, which is goes well with cured meats. . Like Tsch, Randas hotels are mostly mid-range and budget chalets that wont break the bank. Once at the top, you can take a lift a few levels higher to the open area. The idyllic mountain town is nestled in the Swiss Alps at 1,600m elevation and is known for its world-class skiing, chic boutique hotels, lively apres-ski scene and gourmet restaurants. Its unique and distinctive pyramid shape has made it an icon of the Swiss Alps and heading up the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car is a must-do in the area. Housed inside a glacier, youll find ice crystals and ice sculptures once you enter. St Niklaus has some great hiking trails such as the Riedgletscher, ssers Barrhorn and Crossroads Rundweg hiking areas. This town also has lots of hotels and has a better range of budget and mid-range accommodation options. The perfect choice for families. Thanks to the surrounding glaciers, Zermatt offers year-round skiing, with ski terrain at altitudes between 2,500 and 3,900 meters and Switzerland's highest vertical drop, more than 2,133 meters.In the summer, you can ski on the Breithorn plateau, via the cableway to the Kleines Matterhorn, and on the 3,500-meter Plateau Rosa near . Want to know more, read our full post review about staying at House Mojo! At point 4 we already highlighted the ski lift to the top of the mountain, but now we also want to highlight the Glacier Paradise viewpoint and restaurant. Going up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (also known as Klein Matterhorn) at almost four thousand meters in height, you will see some stunning views all around you. Afterward, you are very close to the Glacier Palace, a really cool museum of sorts. Beyond Randa to the north is an area and town called St. Niklaus. The most popular souvenirs we spotted in Zermatt include; postcards, magnets, keychains, small cuddly toys and mugs. Zermatt in winter has the perfect conditions to take the train up to Gornergrat for some beautiful snowy views. As for the restaurant, this is a buffet style place where you can easily help yourself to a treat and bite to eat. Budget accommodation in TschTschalp Restaurant&LodgePetit ParadisliApartment Castor und Pollux-2St Martin Apartments, Mid range accommodation in TschHotel MountimeMatterhorn InnAppartementhaus CrystalModern Rooms by Tscherhof, Family Friendly accommodation in TschAppartements Monte RosaCasa Cervino 45Apartment Hubertusheim-3Apartment Arbgrat, Affordable Luxury accommodation in Tschalti Post zentralgelegene, stilvolle DachwohnungTypically Swiss Hotel Tscherhof. When visiting the viewpoint, dont forget to bring your camera. Zermatt offers a fantastic range of accommodations to suit every type of travel style and budget. Complete Two-Day Zermatt Itinerary in Winter | The Next Trip We list the 17 top things to do in Zermatt in winter, including fun outdoor activities, unique ways to relax, the hottest restaurants to eat at and the best spots for apres-ski. Zooom The Matterhorn Opened only in June 2021, this museum is a fun, new multimedia universe allows you to discover all the dimensions of the Matterhorn and the mountain. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. For more mountainous views, heading to Sunnegga is a great alternative to the others. Need help planning your trip from start to finish? The village is welcoming and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Very sumptuous. It's prepared by heating a half wheel of cheese under a large heating element and scraping off the top layer that crisps up and bubbles. From the Zurich Airport, it takes 3.5 hours to get to Zermatt by train. To wake up with a view was absolutely amazing! If you like my recommendations and tips, you can support me on my newly created account on BuyMeACoffee - Link here! Or better to dress in layers. Check our Etsy shop for our self designed 3D printed decoration! A cosy drawing room and sumptuous fine dining room with gorgeous chandeliers. Switzerland in the winter is so rich in beautiful and stunning places - Zermatt in the winter is probably one of the best places to visit! Zermatt has plenty to offer to more adventurous tourists. Its a small observation area so on weekends it can be busy, but we visited on a Friday and at one point had the area to ourselves! For dinner, make a reservation at the cozy alpine restaurant, Schaferstube, for some of the best raclette in town. O to be different, a lakeside town like Montreux or Luzern. Sheepskins, flowers, and antlers adorn the public rooms. Each cabin can fit up to 6 people, but with most people wearing ski boots, gear and bags, we saw that most take 4-5 max so that you all have room. 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: A First-Timers Complete Guide The ski region encompasses 54 mountain railways and lifts as well as 360 kilometers of pistes. If you take the train with direction to Brig, you will only need to switch trains once in Visp. Zermatt is a bubble where things just feel safe. Plus, there are trams between the two towns which depart every 20 minutes and only take 11 minutes. Read on! However if you sit on the right side, its just as pretty with the views of the Zermatt houses below from a higher view and the snowy mountains on the other side. Its a breathtaking panorama. For Zermatt in Winter, the village transforms into a Winter wonderland, with snow-covered streets and alpine chalets. We list the 6 best cafes in Berlin that have a quirky vibe and tasty food. Enjoy eating out at a local restaurant, we had the best service in all of them. It's the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 m elevation! For some. Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Zermatt Resort AreaHotel Schwarzsee3030 Gandegg, Gandegghtte, Mid range accommodation in Zermatt Resort AreaRiffelhaus 1853, Family Friendly accommodation in Zermatt Resort AreaRiffelalp Resort 2222m Ski-in, Ski-outPiccolo Fiamma by Pizzo Fiamma3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. This is where you will find the longest ski run in Europe. Zermatt is known for being an extremely luxurious destination. A pretty sight! In summer months hike the 5-Seenweg (five lakes walk). Most likely, you will fly to Geneva or Zurich. Swiss wines are difficult to find outside of the country since they only export 2% of them. See More, A 5 star hotel offering great views of the beautiful Matterhorn peak. Only stay in the neighbourhoods recommended in this guide! There are very few areas that you should avoid in Zermatt due to the risk of crime and danger. A little cinema lounge shows videos about the Matterhorn and the Alps quite interesting to learn more about it! See More, Luxury ski resort places intimacy and enjoyment as top priorities. The Rhne River, a major river that flows through France and Switzerland, cuts through the centre of Visp. Where to Stay Around the Matterhorn . Randa is a smaller, less built-up alternative to Tsch which is why its a great option if you want to know where to stay in Zermatt a little off the beaten path. You guessed it skiing and snowboarding. Zermatt In Winter: Things To Do For Non-Skiers - Together In Switzerland After the lift there are only stairs to the outside top area, so keep this in mind. One of the best reasons to visit Zermatt is for its food alone. It leans towards the pricey side of the spectrum but its still the absolute best place to stay in Zermatt for first-time visitors! Jgerhof Serviced Apartements. In summer, the hiking here is Alpine trekking at its best. It was also nice not having to worry about what ski runs were suitable for me. You find here all you need for a relaxing stay. We loved utilizing the spa in our hotel and booked a 60-minute relaxation massage. Lovely restaurant and bar, and a three-storey spa, pool and gym. The Panorama Trail starts at Rotenboden and ends in Riffelberg. With such proximity to the Swiss Alps and guaranteed snow throughout the winter, its no wonder Zermatt is one of the most popular winter vacation spots in the world. Zermatt:is the village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Overall Zermatt is a great place to visit in the winter, even as a non-skier. The 10 best places to stay in Zermatt, Switzerland | Booking.com See More, A superb modern hotel nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, in Zermatt centre. Paragliding, hiking shops, and ski shops are also dotted around the town. Zermatt is an idyllic mountain village tucked away in the Swiss Alps. Luckily, there are lots of small towns and villages that are accessible to Zermatt via public transport that offer much cheaper accommodation. With its cool atmosphere and delicious food, it's no wonder it's listed in the Michelin guide. Solo Female Travel Switzerland, Europe and Beyond. Where to Stay in Bangkok A Complete Guide, 7 Adventures to Be Had in The Scottish Highlands. Bern makes a terrific base for sightseeing in Central Switzerland and is, in its own right, a gem of a place. The Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni restaurant has won 14 points from Gault Millau. If you have the cash to splash then you should stay in Zermatt. The lift takes you through many stations such as Furi, Schwarzsee and Trockener Steg. See More, Zermatts oldest, most historic hotel. Save some time to shop in the quaint mountain village. Make sure you're dressed in warm winter attire so you can take your time and drink coffee on the restaurant terrace. To top off this list of winter activities in Zermatt, you should definitely make a stop at the Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis. Hotel Metropol & Spa Zermatt: Best Place to Stay in Zermatt in Winter - See 186 traveler reviews, 96 candid photos, and great deals for Hotel Metropol & Spa Zermatt at Tripadvisor. This mountain is even featured on the box of Toblerone chocolate! There are many places in Ticino, Sonogno Such a charming little village in Tic, Happy Sunday! Below are 6 of the best neighbourhoods in and around Zermatt to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Zermatt for you or the different styles of accommodation in Zermatt Switzerland. 4.7 km roundtrip | 158 m ascent | 158 m descent. If touring the town wasnt exciting enough, there is always paragliding in winter. Unique travel experiences, fun itineraries & offbeat places to help you plan your dream trip. 10 of the Best things to do in Switzerland in the summer, Unique Swiss Experiences (To Make Your Friends Jealous), Savings on accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels, Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips. Air Zermatt offers 20-min, 30-min and 40-min helicopter tours that take you around the Matterhorn and over gorgeous peaks. From the top you can see an astonishing twenty nine 4000 metre peaks! Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis This museum shares the triumph and tragedy surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn.It also highlights how people lived in Zermatt in the 19th century and how one hike turned bad with a broken rope, which was from the first ever ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Enjoy! Zermatt | Switzerland Tourism We have also included some things to do or places to visit within in Zermatt so you can use this as a go to guide. The Perfect Winter Holiday in Zermatt. Our Ultimate Ticino Guide: Written By Two Locals Who Love Exploring! . The Alpine Spa offers luxury treatments. 14:00 Explore the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (#6 on the map). If you're not a skier but want to get out in the snow, snowshoeing is a great option. If you're a family, it's a great place to ski since kids can learn at Wolli Park. See More, Featuring a range of gorgeous designer rooms and suites decorated in a contemporary Alpine style. So whether you have plans to visit Zermatt already or are simply trying to decide where to head this winter, here is everything you need to know about visiting Switzerland's most charming village, including the best things to do in Zermatt. But the destination is only half the fun, as the train ride is really cool. A cosy Alpine base. To get to Sunnegga Paradise, take the funicular from the Zermatt valley station to Sunnegga. What is the most popular winter activity in Zermatt? Cities see less tourists in Switzerland in winter While many people choose to visit Switzerland in winter for skiing, you'll find these folk are doing just that. There are far fewer accommodation options here than in Zermatt, however, so book ahead to avoid disappointment. The more experienced skier wont be disappointed either as the yellow itinerary routes on offer present some challenging and engaging skiing. Coeur Des Alpes offers a spa pass for CHF 50 and Cervo Mountain Resort offers a pass to their Mountain Ashram Spa for CHF 85. There are still some accommodation options and places of interest (viewpoints, hiking trails, churches, etc.) There are lots of hiking trails like the Berg-Adventure, Weinwanderungen and Stolleneingang Suonenwanderung that start in the town or just outside it. The hike is 1.7 km and rated as easy, which is kind of funny because it's called the Challenge Trail. These are great Zermatt winter activities if you want a few thrills. Avoid hidden fees in the exchange rate while withdrawing from millions of ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights using the Wise Card. The train passes through the village, then some foresty area followed by the route to the top. It is an interactive museum with virtual activities like paragliding. Fly over the Swiss Alps on a helicopter tour. Most of Tschs accommodation options do not charge more than 150 a night even in the peak season which is already a massive reduction from Zermatt Town and Zermatt Resort Areas prices. Haha! . Your email address will not be published. This mountain rack railway will take you from the town of Zermatt up to the top of Gornergrat. With the skyline dominated by this hulk of weathered rock you're sure to enjoy some awe-inspiring scenery. This is recommended for good skiers only and will require a full day. You dont often get to climb the Alps by train! Its slightly more challenging to choose a place when youre determining where to stay in Zermatt Resort Area. Warm up in the hot tub 8. Exceptional value for money makes this an ideal choice for families and groups. It's served with a couple baby potatoes, cornichons and pickled onions. A bar with a terrace, an art gallery and design studio on site. Whether staying in the village of Zermatt or heading up to the surrounding mountains, its worth stopping at a local viewpoint restaurant or cosy cafe to enjoy either a hot chocolate or glhwein during Winter. Trams travel between St Niklaus and Zermatt just as often as they do Randa, every 40 minutes. For Zermatt in Winter (November to March months), there are lots of things to do for non-skiers. Best Hotels in Zermatt - Accommodation for all Budgets Zermatt the resort has guaranteed snow throughout the winter, and therefore it's no wonder Zermatt in winter is one of the most popular vacation winter resorts in Switzerland. Where to stay: If you are headed to Zermatt in the winter months, I hope this winter travel guide helps you plan your trip to this cute town. Haha!Now a days, Im a full-time travel blogger, dedicated to showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious!Travelling King is a one stop shop for all your travel needs. It is also the perfect angle of the Matterhorn above the village too. If you want to know where to stay in Zermatt with a car, Tsch is also the best choice. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If the budget stretches, the opportunities for heli-skiing are magnificent. Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here. On the way down the slopes, take off your skis and warm up with some cheese fondue on their outdoor patio overlooking the Matterhorn. You also cannot take a car into Zermatt so if you have one, you should stay in Tsch. Mid range accommodation in VispBaxter HotelHotel-Restaurant EyholzCricerhaus, Family Friendly accommodation in VispHotel & Bildungshaus St. JodernHotel Zur TraubeCentral Apartment culture & nightlife in one, Affordable Luxury accommodation in VispNice view and only the rush of the river below to lull you to sleep. You don't want to pick up bad habits when you're just starting out! I am a full-time teacher and part-time travel blogger and a solo female traveler (sometimes accompanied by my little dog) based in Germany, and in love with Switzerland, Europe, and the world. Zermatt is arguably the most famous ski resort in the Swiss Alps, with skiers visiting this historic town each winter for nearly 100 years. See the full trail map here. When we're not traveling, you'll find us jamming out to tunes, making wood-fired pizzas and enjoying nature at our home on Salt Spring Island, Canada. We personally enjoyed 3 nights here during November 2022 and loved it. For our own visit, this was actually closed as we were one week too early for the opening of these ski lifts, but we saw its a great spot to recommend for non skiers! See More, A stylish contemporary hotel - both functional and characterful, rustic and peaceful. It's a Winter Sports Paradise. The views that you will get are unbeatable. Or, if you have a spa tub in your room, draw yourself a bath and put on Radio Swiss Jazz. You can print each page as often as you like for your own personal use. Zermatt, in the countrys Valais canton, has to be one of the best and most popular. If you do winter sports, you might also want to pack the following items. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im a native Brit-turned-Dutch expat living in Ticino, Switzerland with my boyfriend and kitty cat since 2022. Tickets are a bit pricey, but it's especially worth it if you don't plan on doing any skiing in Zermatt. There is also ice tunnel that you can take a mat to sit on and slide down.