Framed by the mighty Matterhorn, Zermatt feels lifted straight from a postcard – car-free, cozy, and surrounded by peaks that catch the light in ways that hardly seem real. Our days here were a blend of patience and reward, watching clouds toy with the summit before revealing that perfect, iconic view. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Zermatt was the perfect base for alpine adventures, with easy access to some of Switzerland’s most stunning trails. We hiked through Gorner Gorge to Blatten, followed the Crystal Trail for perfect Stellisee reflections, and completed the 5-Lakes Trail with its mix of turquoise waters and alpine meadows. We also savored the Gourmet Trail, pairing Swiss flavors with mountain views, and tackled two unforgettable routes: the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and the Gornergrat to Riffelberg hike via Riffelsee, where the Matterhorn mirrors itself in still mountain waters. Between fondue dinners beneath glowing skies, wandering Hinterdorfstrasse’s wooden chalets, and sunset views from our Hotel Parnass balcony, Zermatt captured the full magic of Switzerland in one unforgettable mountain town.
🏔️ Zermatt Base Activities
We based out of Zermatt at Hotel Parnass for 3 nights from August 28-31, 2025. See our other blogs for detailed itineraries and tips for activities we did while based in Zermatt.
- Day 1 (Aug 28)
- 🚆 Scenic Train to Zermatt
- 🥾 Hike to Gorner Gorge and Blatten
- 🧀 Dinner @ Saycheese!
- Day 2 (Aug 29)
- Day 3 (Aug 30)
- ❄️ Matterhorn Glacier Trail
- 🌁 Furi Suspension Bridge
- 🫕 Dinner @ Old Zermatt
- Day 4 (Aug 31)
💡 Zermatt Tips
- 🚊 Getting there – Zermatt is car-free and accessible only by train. Plan connections ahead and pack light for easier transfers.
- 🏨 Stay near the Matter Vispa River: Hotels like Hotel Parnass offer Matterhorn views right from the balcony and are still just steps from the train station and Old Village.
- 🌦️ Check webcams before heading up – The Matterhorn’s visibility changes fast, so allow flexibility in your plans and always check the MeteoSwiss app and Zermatt.ch webcams (Gornergrat, Riffelberg, Sunnegga, Rothorn, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Trockener Steg, Hirli).
- 📲 App downloads: Matterhorn app is helpful for activity schedules and webcams in Zermatt.
- 🚠 Ride early for the best views: Morning light often gives the clearest skies. Catch the first Gornergrat Bahn or early gondola to beat clouds and crowds.
- ⏰ Double-check last gondola times: Times vary by season, and missing the last one means a long steep downhill hike back to Zermatt you won’t enjoy after a long day.
- 🧥 Pack layers – Whether you’re hiking the Matterhorn Glacier, 5-Lakes, or Riffelberg trail, weather in Zermatt changes fast. Bring a light rain jacket, zip-off hiking pants, gloves, and neck/ear buff – even in summer.
- 🏘️ Walk Hinterdorfstrasse more than once: Zermatt’s Old Village is full of centuries-old Stadels, changing personality with every light and weather shift. You’ll want to film and photograph it multiple times.
- 🏔️ Stroll the Matter Vispa path for reflections: Follow the riverside trail near Kirchbrücke for one of the best Matterhorn photo spots, especially early morning or at sunset.
- 🍷 Enjoy sunset from your balcony or a terrace like Old Zermatt: The Matterhorn glows gold to rose at sunset – pair it with Swiss wine, chocolate or fondue for the perfect alpine evening.
- 📸 Be patient with the Matterhorn: Clouds come and go in minutes – stick around, and you’ll likely be rewarded with a stunning reveal. This paid off for Stellisee and Matterhorn Glacier Trail.
- 🌾 Gluten-free (GF) friendly – Zermatt surprised us with its excellent GF options – from the cozy and decadent raclette journey and rarebit at Saycheese, to the phenomenal fondue with Matterhorn sunset views at Old Zermatt, to the charmingly quirky Schäferstube, where Scott’s raclette and my lamb curry tortellini were unforgettable. Each spot went above and beyond to accommodate GF needs without sacrificing flavor, making them three of our favorite meals in all of Switzerland.
🏡 Zermatt Village
Tucked at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free alpine village that blends luxury with mountain charm. Wooden chalets line cobblestone lanes, church bells echo through the valley, and the scent of fondue drifts from cozy restaurants. It’s a hiker’s paradise, surrounded by 4000-meter peaks and cable cars that rise straight into the clouds. Whether you’re here for adventure or ambiance, Zermatt’s postcard-perfect scenery feels timeless.
🌸 Hinterdorfstrasse and Stadels
Often called the “Old Village,” Hinterdorfstrasse is Zermatt’s most atmospheric lane, where centuries-old wooden barns and homes lean close together beneath slate roofs darkened by the sun. The street is lined with traditional Stadels, small wooden granaries raised on stone stilts topped with flat slabs that kept out mice and moisture. These dark, weathered structures once stored grain and dried meat, and today they stand as beautiful reminders of alpine life from centuries past. Wandering this quiet alley feels like stepping into the 16th century, with stacked firewood, alpine flowers spilling from window boxes, and the faint creak of timber. It quickly became our favorite spot in town, and we walked and filmed this street numerous times, drawn back again and again by its rustic charm, peaceful mood, and the way it seemed to change character with each light and weather shift.
Other Videos: Zermatt Historic Streets 360
🏞️ Matter Vispa River for Matterhorn Views
The turquoise Matter Vispa river cuts through Zermatt with glacial clarity, fed by meltwater from the Matterhorn itself. Following the riverside path offers some of the village’s most iconic views of the peak, especially near the Kirchbrücke bridge where the Matterhorn perfectly frames the skyline. Early morning or sunset brings a magical glow as the mountain’s reflection dances on the water, making it a must-see photo stop in Zermatt.
Video: Zermatt Town Stroll
🧁 Bahnhofstrasse Main Street
Zermatt’s lively main street, Bahnhofstrasse, stretches from the train station through the village center, lined with luxury boutiques, hotels, bakeries, and chocolate shops. Here you will find everything from Rolex and Moncler to traditional Swiss souvenirs. In the evening, the street glows under twinkling lights as hikers return to town, creating a festive alpine buzz that contrasts beautifully with the serenity of the mountains beyond.
Video: Zermatt Town Stroll
⛪️ Kirchstrasse and Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius
Just above Bahnhofstrasse, Kirchstrasse winds past Zermatt’s neo-Gothic parish church, the Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius, and the Matterhorn Museum. This quieter street offers a glimpse of local life with stunning gardens with flowers sprouting from logs and peaceful benches where you can pause to hear the river rushing below.
Video: Zermatt Town Stroll
🐑 Valais Sheep
Zermatt’s famous black-nosed Valais sheep are as photogenic as the Matterhorn itself. With their curly white wool, dark muzzles, and fuzzy ears, they look like something straight out of a storybook. We were lucky to spot a few grazing near the Kirchbrücke Bridge, perfectly framed by the Matterhorn in the background– a truly picture-perfect Swiss moment. These gentle creatures are native to Switzerland’s Valais region and are a beloved part of the alpine landscape, often seen grazing on flower-dotted hillsides or at the top of mountain trails. Friendly and remarkably fluffy, they’ve become the unofficial mascots of Zermatt, adding a touch of charm to every mountain view.
🏨 Hotel Parnass
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Zermatt, Hotel Parnass combines cozy alpine comfort with unbeatable Matterhorn views. Our room’s balcony was the highlight, offering a front-row seat to the mountain’s ever-changing moods – from early morning mist to fiery sunset glow. It was the perfect spot for sipping Swiss wine and indulging in local chocolate while watching clouds drift around the peak. The hotel’s location could not be better, just a short walk from the train station, the charming old-world lanes of Hinterdorfstrasse, and the Matter Vispa riverside path where you can stroll toward the Kirchbrücke bridge for iconic Matterhorn photos.
🌄 Timelapse from Balcony
🔁 360 from Balcony
Coming soon…🍽️ Restaurants
🧀 Saycheese
Dinner at Saycheese! in Zermatt was as indulgent as it was authentic, a true celebration of Swiss comfort food. Located inside the historic Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, this intimate restaurant has been serving traditional cheese dishes for decades and remains one of the most atmospheric spots in town. I ordered the Rarebit, a rich and gooey delight layered with ham and compote pear, flambéed tableside with Williamine AOC pear spirit, adding a hint of warmth and sweetness that perfectly balanced the melted cheese. Scott went for the Raclette Journey, a three-course tasting of different Valais raclette cheeses, each one scraped fresh from the wheel just steps from our table. The space was cozy and elegant, though quite warm from the nearby raclette heaters, which added to the alpine charm. Watching the chefs prepare each bubbling, golden slice of raclette felt like dinner and a show, and the experience captured the timeless spirit of Swiss mountain dining.
🐑 Schäferstube
Tucked inside the Romantik Hotel Julen, Schäferstube is equal parts cozy and quirky, with its wood-beamed ceilings, flickering candles, and a surprising amount of sheep décor. Everywhere you look there are lambs – horn chandeliers, woolly seats, and even a few taxidermy heads keeping watch from the walls. The theme is fully committed and totally charming, especially once you realize the restaurant’s signature dishes are made from the Julen family’s own flock. Scott enjoyed a traditional raclette, while I opted for a unique tortellini filled with curry and lamb, served with pak choi in a sweet and sour sauce – an unexpected yet delicious twist on alpine flavors. The menu features tender roasts, hearty stews, and perfectly seasoned cuts of lamb that are as memorable as the decor itself, making Schäferstube one of Zermatt’s most character-filled dining experiences.
🫕 Old Zermatt
Old Zermatt offers a lighter, more modern alpine vibe with a sunny patio perfectly framed by Matterhorn views. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of hiking, where we savored excellent fondue with gluten-free bread and fresh veggies specially prepared on request, paired perfectly with a glass of red wine. As the Matterhorn glowed in the sunset – the atmosphere turned magical – a casual yet elegant meal made unforgettable by the mountain’s evening show.
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