Why should I go to Zermatt Switzerland?

Its sharply pointed peak attracts visitors around the world to the Swiss Alps to glimpse it for themselves, and there is perhaps no better place to do so than Zermatt. Not only is this southern Swiss resort town special for its views and ski slopes, but it's also famously car-free.



Zermatt is a world-class destination primarily famous for its proximity to the Matterhorn, the most iconic mountain in the Swiss Alps. In 2026, it remains a top choice for travelers due to its unique car-free atmosphere, which preserves a pristine, alpine charm and remarkably clean air. Visitors can experience the Gornergrat Railway, a 125-year-old cogwheel train that offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of 29 peaks over 4,000 meters high. For adventure seekers, Zermatt offers year-round skiing on the Theodul Glacier and the "Matterhorn Alpine Crossing," a high-tech cable car that allows you to travel from Switzerland to Italy for lunch and back in a single afternoon. The village itself is a blend of rustic heritage and high-end luxury, featuring Michelin-starred dining, ultra-modern mountain spas, and world-renowned hiking trails like the Five Lakes Walk, where the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in the water. Whether you are there for the elite winter sports, the summer wildflowers, or simply the bucket-list photography of the "Toblerone mountain," Zermatt provides an unparalleled, sophisticated Swiss mountain experience.

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Why is Zermatt so famous? Firstly, Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn. At 14,692ft-high, it's one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland, distinguishable for its pyramid-shaped peak. It's a mecca for mountaineers and climbers.

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With the Matterhorn as the town's central focus, Zermatt is one of the most recognisable places in the world. Featuring 54 mountain railways/lifts and 360km of pistes, Zermatt is truly a skier's paradise (although there are plenty of things to do for non-skiers in the winter as well!).

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Peak glamour at this luxury Swiss ski resort Boasting snow-covered slopes in winter and wildflower meadows in summer, Zermatt is a take-your-breath-away setting whatever the season.

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A complete guide for visiting Zermatt, Switzerland
  1. See Switzerland's famous Matterhorn mountain.
  2. Learn about the history of Zermatt.
  3. Go shopping on Zermatt's main street.
  4. Snuggle up and enjoy a hot drink.
  5. Hit Zermatt's ski slopes.
  6. Go Mountain biking.
  7. Go for a hike with views over Zermatt's mountain ranges.


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Peak glamour at this luxury Swiss ski resort Boasting snow-covered slopes in winter and wildflower meadows in summer, Zermatt is a take-your-breath-away setting whatever the season.

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How Many Days Do You Need in Zermatt? With two full days, you can visit all three peaks, do a little hiking (in the summer), and explore the town. Just keep your fingers crossed that you have good weather so you can see the Matterhorn. Three days gives you more leisurely time.

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TIP: While you can make a day trip to Zermatt and still see some of the best places, we recommend staying in town for two nights and spending at least 1 full day in Zermatt. It's located quite far away from all the main towns in Switzerland, and so just getting there and back will take a long time.

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The Bahnhofstrasse is Zermatt's main street, and a delight to walk along at any time with its bars, restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, bakeries and shops selling cakes and chocolates.

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As Zermatt is a mostly pedestrianised town, you can walk pretty much anywhere from your accomodation. There are several gondola and mountain railway stations, so make sure that you know which one you need for the hiking route you choose.

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The car-free village of Zermatt offers a rich variety of mountain romance 365 days a year. And everything packed into a very small area.

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Zermatt has no airport of its own and the most convenient airports are in Geneva or Zurich, although the nearest airport is in Sion. Sion has a limited flight schedule, which is why people often opt to travel to the airports in Geneva or Zurich. Once you reach here, you can take a train to Zermatt.

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Zermatt is known for its après-ski activities, which include tea dances, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and discos.

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The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof lies at the very heart of Zermatt and is host to royalty, Hollywood celebrities and mountaineers.

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A commonly asked question is 'Do I need to carry cash in Switzerland? ' The simple answer is no however I believe it's always a good idea to have a small amount of cash with you for purchases such as a coffee or ice cream or for luggage storage lockers at train stations.

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Just like the Matterhorn, the climate in the mountains is truly special, with Zermatt enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine every year. We are the only European ski resort that is open all year round. We have guaranteed snow, all the time.

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