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Looking for the best things to do in Zermatt? You’re in the right place! This legendary alpine town is a paradise for adventure seekers, with the iconic Matterhorn towering at 4,474 meters above. Famous from Toblerone bars and Hollywood intros, this mountain is just the beginning—Zermatt has so much more to explore!
40 Things to do in Zermatt
Best things to do in Zermatt in Winter
Best things to do in Zermatt in Summer
As the owner and CEO of a travel company and also someone who calls Zermatt their second home, one of the most frequent questions I am asked is:
“What are the best things to do in Zermatt?” I am pleased to answer it.
Things to do in Zermatt in Summer
- Zermatt Hiking
- Summer Skiing and Snowboarding
- Mountain Climbing
- The Gorge Adventure
- Golf
- Via Ferrata
- The Zermatt Forest Fun Park
- Mountain Biking
- Tennis
- Zermatt Marathon
- Swiss National Day
- The Climbing Museum
- Mountaineers cemetery
- Shopping
- Paragliding
- Fishing
- Waterskiing
- Helicopter sightseeing flights
- Wellness
- Kick Bikes and Dirt Scooters
- Mountain Restaurants
- Zermatt Snow Park
- The Glacier Paradise
- Zermatt Cinema Vernissage
- Indoor Climbing
Things to do in Zermatt in Winter
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Zermatt Snowpark
- Ice skating
- Mountain Restaurants
- Shopping
- Helicopter sightseeing flights
- Winter Mountaineering
- Winter Hiking
- Sledging
- Heli-Skiing
- Ski-Touring
- The Zermatt Fun Park
- The Climbing Museum
- The Glacier Paradise
- Zermatt Unplugged
- Zermatt Cinema Vernissage
- Indoor climbing
Things to do in Zermatt in Summer
1. Zermatt Hiking
Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, Zermatt’s hiking never disappoints. With 400 km of trails extending to Täsch and Randa, explore forests, wildflower meadows, rivers, waterfalls, gorges, and glaciers.
Zermatt offers hikes for all levels. Energetic trekkers can tackle peaks like Rothorn or Mettelhorn, with up to 2,000 meters of ascent. For a gentler route, scenic lakes like Fluhalp and Schwarzsee await, while shorter walks to Zmutt and Furi showcase stunning views.
The lift system runs all summer, making it easy for hikers of all paces to meet for a delicious meal at a mountain restaurant.
2. Summer Skiing and Snowboarding
Zermatt is one of Europe’s highest and largest mountain resorts. Summer skiing on the Theodul Glacier offers surprisingly good conditions, with over 21 km of open pistes.
A gondola takes you from Zermatt to Klein Matterhorn at 3,883 meters. From there, ski down to Trockener Steg at 2,939 meters. The summer ski area also features the famous Zermatt Snowpark, a favorite among top freestyle skiers.
Things to do in zermatt – Video 1
Start early to make the most of summer skiing, as the area closes by midday. Afterward, enjoy lunch in Zermatt or explore activities like the Zermatt Fun Park.
Zermatt’s summer pistes are expertly maintained, offering runs for all levels. Its world-class conditions attract over 100 ski teams from 22 countries, making it a top training spot for elite athletes—you might even share a lift with an Olympic champion!
3. Mountain Climbing
Zermatt offers world-class mountaineering, from tough ascents to beginner-friendly climbs. Surrounded by 38 peaks over 4,000 meters, it’s best known for the Matterhorn, a top goal for climbers. Lesser-known but stunning peaks like Castor and Pollux also attract adventurers—most requiring a guide and proper gear.
The Breithorn is perfect for first-time climbers aiming for a 4,000-meter peak. No technical skills are needed, just good fitness. Take a lift to Klein Matterhorn (3,883m), then climb for about 2.5 hours. The views and sense of achievement are unbeatable—it’s the easiest 4,000-meter ascent in the Alps.
4. The Gorge Adventure
The Gorge Adventure in Zermatt is one of the most exciting and beautiful things you can do. The journey down the gorge encompasses abseiling, zip-lining, swings, rappelling and climbing.
The scenery deep down on the gorge is stunning with rushing waterfalls, rivers and rock formations. It is essential to take a guide, although it requires no technical experience. Our concierge at Exceptional Villas is on hand to organize the best guides for you. The gorge is available in both winter and summer.
5. Golf
Golf Club Matterhorn sits between Täsch and Randa, just 5 km from Zermatt. The nine-hole course offers an 18-hole option with alternate tees. While not the toughest course, the stunning views of Breithorn and Klein Matterhorn make it unforgettable. A clubhouse and restaurant complete the experience.
6. Via Ferrata
A Via Ferrata is a set climbing route that uses fixed steel cables, rungs and ladders attached to the rock. These fixings enable climbers to secure themselves while climbing without the risk of falling.
Zermatt’s Schweifinen Via Ferrata offers three sections with stunning views above the town. Section A, ideal for families with kids 10+, takes about 1 hour and 347 meters of climbing.
Sections A and B combine for 2.5 hours and 458 meters. Sections A, B, and C take 4 hours and 798 meters of climbing. No prior experience is needed, but completing all three requires good fitness and a head for heights. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a challenge and adventure.
7. The Zermatt Forest Fun Park
The Forest Fun Park in Zermatt comprises of 5 levels of Parcours/rope courses suitable for children of all ages as well as adults.
The Fun Park features 31 zip lines and 95 climbing obstacles, offering both fun and challenge. It uses a Swiss-made safety system, Safe Roller, ensuring safety throughout. Completing all five courses takes about 4 hours. A cafeteria serves snacks, ice cream, and drinks.
8. Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is the one the nicest things to do in Zermatt in Summer. The beautiful town of Zermatt provides one of the world’s best backdrops for mountain biking. The mountains above Zermatt have dozens of amazing trails encompassing over 100 kilometres and hundreds of single tracts to ensure you never get bored.
A 20 person team of trail builders have created immaculately shaped flow trails which are also incredibly well maintained.
Zermatt has it’s own mountain bike trail map which is available in the local tourist office. Zermatt has become so synonymous with mountain biking that it hoasts it’s own biking festival each year in September called Traillove.
9. Tennis
Zermatt offers great tennis options in spring, summer, and fall. Play on one of four artificial courts in the village center. The tennis center also features a restaurant for refreshments and a spot for spectators to watch.
The Zermatt Tennis Center offers an excellent academy for all ages and skill levels:
- Rookies Academy (3-6 years): Focuses on 50% tennis and 50% motor skills.
- Kids Academy (7-10 years): Uses slower balls for quick learning and success.
- Juniors Academy (11-18 years): Focuses on technical, tactical training in small, performance-oriented groups.
- Adults Academy: Offers versatile training methods, including advanced tactics and technology.
Zermatt also hosts the Tie Break Cup every July, showcasing Switzerland’s top players.
10. Zermatt Marathon
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon, held every July, is one of the world’s most beautiful and challenging. Runners cover 42 km (26.2 miles) with a 1,800-meter ascent, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Matterhorn. For an extra challenge, try the ultramarathon, which adds 3.4 km and 514 meters of elevation.
Even if this doesn’t sound like something you might enjoy, the Zermatt Marathon is a beautiful spectator sport. It is quite thrilling to see 1600 runners take on this incredible challenge. Every single one of them deserves colossal credit and applause when they reach the finish line located on the way to the top of the Gornergrat at 3,089 feet.
11. Swiss National Day
Swiss National Day on August 1st is a major celebration in Zermatt. This is one of the best things to do in Zermatt in Summer. The village comes alive with street parties, live music, dancing, food stalls, and speeches.
It’s a fantastic day to experience authentic Swiss culture and join locals and visitors in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. The day ends with a stunning fireworks display—one of the best experiences in Zermatt!
12. The Climbing Museum
Zermatt was one of the first places in Europe to become famous for Alpine climbing. With the discovery of the Matterhorn came an obsession with being the first to summit it.
In the early days, most of the adventurists came from England. By 1854, there were three guesthouses in the village with 67 beds catering almost entirely for climbers.
By 1857, other famous peaks like Mont Blanc and Jungfrau had been conquered, but the Matterhorn remained elusive. Despite 18 failed attempts, climbers had already summited other 4,000-meter peaks, including Switzerland’s highest, Dufourspitze.
On July 13, 1865, British climber Edward Whymper became the first to reach the Matterhorn’s summit. Tragically, four of his seven team members died, causing a scandal. The full story is captivating and can be explored at Zermatt’s climbing museum, which details this ascent and many others of the Matterhorn.
In fact, at Exceptional Villas we feature a stunning chalet the Whymper Residence that was named after Edward Whymper.
13. Mountaineers cemetery
The Mountaineers Cemetery in Zermatt is a peaceful, spiritual spot, offering a moving reminder of the risks of mountaineering. It’s a tranquil memorial to climbers who lost their lives in the surrounding mountains.
The tombstones tell stories of men and women from around the world. Among the most famous graves are those of Peter and Peter Taugwalder, the father and son mountain guides who survived the first Matterhorn ascent with Edward Whymper.
The Taugwalder family is one of Zermatt’s most famous, and you’re likely to meet a relative of the two Peters during your visit. Other notable graves include Eleonore Noll Hasenclever, who tragically died in 1925 while descending the Bishorn, and Michel August Croz, a Chamonix mountain guide.
What stands out most to visitors is the abundance of flowers and candles, which create a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.
14. Zermatt Shopping
Shopping is one of the Best things to do in Zermatt in Summer. Zermatt is a top shopping destination, often called the “Bond Street of the Alps.” Bahnhofstrasse is lined with luxury jewelry and watch shops that will impress even the most discerning connoisseurs.
But it’s not just about luxury—Zermatt boasts an impressive range of sports shops, from performance wear to fashion brands like Mammut, Patagonia, North Face, Peak Performance, and Moncler. The boutiques, like Bayard Zermatt, are also worth exploring.
Zermatt’s pharmacies are another gem, offering not just medical supplies but also makeup, jewelry, and accessories. And for chocolate lovers, the Lindt store and the exceptional Läderach shop are must-visits, offering luxurious treats, including truffles and unique chocolate slabs. It’s pricey, but every bite is worth it.
15. Paragliding
Paragliding in Zermatt is one of the most exhilarating and exciting things you can do while on vacation. The magic of flying high above the town like a bird surrounded by thirty-eight of Switzerland’s 4,000-meter mountains is hard to beat. Two leading companies in Zermatt to offer Paragliding are called Fly Zermatt Paragliding and Air Taxi Tandem flights.
16. Fishing
Fly fishing has always been one of the worlds most popular sports. Alpine fly fishing in Zermatt high up in the mountains surrounded by incredible nature provides a whole new level of wonder even for the most experienced fisherman. Local company FlyFishZermatt offer visitors guided tours to peaceful lakes with the finest freshwater trout the Alps.
17. Waterskiing
Waterskiing in Zermatt offers a refreshing twist on the typical beach resort experience. Located just below Täsch, the calm Schalisee lake provides a stunning setting surrounded by larch trees and alpine meadows.
Waterski Zermatt offers all the equipment you need, from water skis to wakeboards. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can ski or snowboard in the morning and waterski or wakeboard in the afternoon.
18. Helicopter sightseeing flights
Air Zermatt offers thrilling site-seeing helicopter tours of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. Other than climbing the Matterhorn on foot, there is no other way of getting so close to this incredible piece of rock.
On bright days, you will likely see some of the intrepid climbers descending. Air Zermatt has been operating since 1968 providing mountain rescue in summer and winter. The pilots are probably the most highly trained helicopter pilots in the world so you couldn’t be in safer hands.
19. Wellness
As one might expect in a ski and mountain resort like Zermatt, the wellness facilities are second to none. Almost all the hotels offer wellness areas with designated spas with pools, jacuzzis, saunas and Haman. Also, some of the chalets in Zermatt such as Chalet Les Anges, Chalet Grace and Chalet Peak all have inhouse spas which can provide a full range of treatments.
Besides the hotels and chalets, Zermatt Massage provides some of the best massage and treatments anywhere in the world. They specialize in Sports Massage, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage, Fusion Massage, Swedish massage and osteopathy.
20. Kick Bikes and Dirt Scooters
Kick bikes and dirt scooters offer a fun, adventurous way to explore Zermatt. Start at the scenic Schwarzsee lake and enjoy a thrilling ride down the mountain, suitable for all ages.
There are two options: a two-hour package with a one-way lift to Schwarzsee, or an all-day pass with unlimited lift access. Dirt scooters are available at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Express stations, with no reservation needed.
21. Mountain Restaurants
22. Zermatt Snow Park
23. The Glacier Paradise
Things to do in Zermatt in Winter
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
At an altitude of 3883 meters, Zermatt ski area is the highest ski area in Switzerland. It tops the list of January vacation spots.
Zermatt offers over 360 kilometers of ski runs in blue, red, black, and yellow, set against the iconic Matterhorn and 38 peaks over 4,000 meters. In Switzerland, blue runs are for beginners, red for intermediates, black for advanced, and yellow for more challenging off-piste runs. Thanks to its high altitude, Zermatt guarantees snow year-round, a rarity in today’s world of global warming.
Zermatt Ski Area connects with Cervinia and Valtourneche in Italy, making it one of the few resorts where you can enjoy breakfast and dinner in one country, and lunch in another. With miles of runs, fantastic slopes, and great snow, Zermatt is a skier’s dream.
The modern, efficient lift system ensures a smooth experience, making Zermatt one of the best winter wonderlands for avid skiers.
2. Zermatt Snowpark
The Zermatt Snowpark, located above Trockener Steg, is one of the Alps’ top freestyle spots for skiers and snowboarders. Accessible via the Furggsattel Chairlift on the Theodul Glacier, it features jibs, boxes, rails, tables, and kickers. Open year-round, the snowpark caters to all skill levels and gets better every year.
3. Ice skating
The open-air ice rink has its location right in the center of Zermatt. The ice-rink is free and great fun for children and adults. It is also possible to receive ice-skating training from a former ice hockey professional in Zermatt.
Ice Skating boots and blades are available for rent in Julen Intersport which has its location directly opposite the ice rink. The ice-rink has regular ice hockey matches which are fun to watch.
4. Mountain Restaurants
Zermatt is famous for its Mountain Restaurants and is The Mountain Gourmet Capital of The World. A long leisurely lunch is one of the hallmarks of any vacation to Zermatt. The food and wines are incredible.
Zermatt boasts over 40 mountain restaurants, all offering exceptional meals. Even the self-service spots serve fresh, beautifully cooked food for those eager to ski all day.
Some of my favorites include Findlerhof, Zum Zee, Chez Vrony, Blatten, and Fluhalp. If you head to Italy for the day, be sure to check out Chalet E’Toile and Bombardinos.
5. Shopping
6. Helicopter sightseeing flights
7. Winter Mountaineering
Winter climbing and mountaineering are available for the most experienced and hardened climbers.
The Zermatt Mountain Guide Office has its location right in the center of the town. They can provide the most experienced guides who are incredibly familiar with the local area.
Many of them also work for the Mountain Rescue in Zermatt so you will be in very safe hands. One of the most popular winter routes is the Haute-Route which starts in Saas-Fee/Zermatt and goes to Chamonix.
8. Winter Hiking
Winter hiking is one of the best things to do in Zermatt in Winter. It is an excellent option for anyone who feels like a day off from Skiing. For non-skiers, the network of winter hiking trails is so extensive that it is possible to hike every day for a week on different paths.
Many of the winter hiking paths lead to some of the most famous mountain restaurants, which means that non-skiers can meet their friends and family for lunch if they wish.
Some of the restaurants that are easy to reach are Zum Zee, Findlerhof, Chez Vrony, Blatten and Fluhalp. You will enjoy relaxing hikes with romantic views in the freshest air in the world.
9. Sledging
Sledging is another excellent fun alternative for things to do in Zermatt for non-skiers. There are many sledging trails all over the mountains.
The toboggan run on the Gonergrat is the highest in the Alps. The run lasts 10 minutes. The views are panoramic and thrilling.
Another excellent tobogganing option is to take a private lift to Furi in the early evening. Enjoy dinner in one fo the open mountain restaurants and toboggan down at the end of the evening.
10. Heli-skiing
Zermatt offers the biggest heli-skiing operation in Switzerland. I highly recommend you take a guide who is extremely familiar with the whole area.
Zermatt has two main heli-skiing areas. The first one is at the Rothorn which is above the Summegga ski area and the second is at Testa Grigia which is at the intersection between the Klein Matterhorn and the Italian Ski area of Cervinia. It takes roughly 10 minutes by helicopter to the top of either area.
11. Ski Touring
This is one of the most exciting and exhilarating things to do in Zermatt in winter activities. Ski touring involves climbing with special skis covered in skins and then skiing in the backcountry on unmarked and unpatrolled areas.
For this reason, it is essential to take a local guide who knows the area and conditions intimately. When done safely, few mountain experiences will top ski touring. Experience the wilderness and nature at its very best.
12. The Zermatt Fun Park
13. The Climbing Museum
14. The Glacier Paradise
Any visit to Zermatt would not be complete without a visit to the Glacier Paradise. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has its location at 3,883 meters at the top of the Klein Matterhorn.
Accessed via the world’s highest cableway from Trockener Steg, the Glacier Paradise offers breathtaking views of 38 peaks over 4,000 meters, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Switzerland’s highest, the Dufourspitze.
Attractions include a cinema lounge, a fine dining restaurant, and the Glacier Palace. A must-see for non-skiers, the Glacier Palace takes you 15 meters below the surface, where you can explore ice crystals, sculptures, and a tunnel leading into a glacier crevasse, all while cozying up on fur-adorned ice benches.
15. Zermatt Unplugged
Taking place in April every year, Zermatt unplugged is a music festival like no other. Each year famous artists such as Dido, James Blunt and Norah Jones together with promising new talents play all over Zermatt in intimate spaces. Each year more than 100 concerts take place over the space of 5 days and 17 different locations. The locations are spread over the whole village as well as on the mountain. Zermatt Unplugged is a wonderful event for music and ski lovers.
16. Zermatt Cinema – Vernissage
Zermatt has a unique cinema called the Vernissage. Designed by the renowned artist Heinz Julen, it is a piece of art in itself. Check out the Heinz Julen Penthouse and Heinz Julen Loft both designed by Heinz Julen.
In the multi-functional movie theatre with a movable chandelier. You will be able to enjoy current blockbusters, classic shows and regularly the local films “Whymper’s way to the Matterhorn” and “People at the Matterhorn Village”.
During the interval, dinner and drinks are served to your super comfortable oversized chairs. Late in the evening, The Vernissage turns into a super cool night club.
17. Indoor climbing
The indoor climbing wall at Triftbachhalle is perfect for practicing climbing skills. Standing 7 meters tall and covering 140 square meters, it’s open to climbers aged 10 and up. On Fridays, a professional mountain guide is available for assistance.
Conclusion
Zermatt is famous for its world-class mountain restaurants and a vast ski network linking Switzerland to Italy.
You can have breakfast in Switzerland, lunch in Italy, and dinner back in Switzerland. With so many things to do in Zermatt, there’s never a dull moment, no matter the season.
As one of the few car-free ski resorts, Zermatt offers transport by horse-drawn carriages or electric taxis. Plus, it guarantees snow year-round for skiing and snowboarding.
Whether visiting in summer or winter, there are plenty of things to do in Zermatt for the whole family.
About Alexandra Baradi
Alexandra Baradi is the founder and owner of Exceptional Villas. She started the company 1992. Alex is a hotel manager by background and has travelled around the world in search of the best villas.
Her personal passion for travel and her entrepreneurial flair for making guest feel very special from the moment they enquire to the moment they arrive home, has enabled Exceptional Villas to become the world’s leader in luxury villas.
She believes anything is possible when you travel with Exceptional Villas and ensures you will be pampered every step of the way.
Alexandra and her team all have one thing in common; to provide their guests with an unmatched holiday experience and to go beyond expectations.
Each of the team members specialise in just one destination rather than in multiple destinations allowing them to become total experts in their fields.
Both Alexandra and her team spend much of their time travelling to all the destinations inspecting new villas and re-inspecting already featured villas.
