Zermatt is a city that's completely abandoned individual passenger car traffic and done away with combustion engines. Which means the air you breathe in this picturesque mountain city at the foot of majestic Matterhorn is free of any pollution. This important summer and winter resort uses horse sleighs, carriages and electric vehicles for transport instead.
So just step into any one of them and take a tour. Zermatt, with its wind protected southern location, embraces an international skiing area, which enjoys superb snow conditions and one of the longest skiing seasons in the Alps. You can also get on board the Zermatt Bergbahnen, the largest aerial cableway company in Switzerland, which transports you to three different idyllic and impressive sightseeing peaks - Klein Matterhorn, Schwarzsee and Rothorn.
Zermatt also offers many opportunities for hiking. There are numerous marked footpaths and walks that go through pine-scented mountain-forests, to the shores of calm Alpine lakes to the ice-blue glaciers. Apart from its famed Ski resorts, Zermatt is popular for its various street parties that takes place through the summer. Among most notable parties are Steinmatte and Winkelmatten. SWiss National Day and a music festival that takes place in September also highlight of summer events in Zermatt.
When To Visit
Zermatt is a year round resort to travel. There are plenty of opportunities for the travelers to enjoy skiing both in summer and winter.
Attractions
Skiing - Zermatt is a year round ski resort. It doesn't matter if tourists comes in summer or winter, snow is something that's guaranteed in Zermatt. There are miles of world class ski areas in Zermatt. The Monterosa Ski area in the shadow of Monte Rosa mountain is ideal place for skiers. There are limited ski areas for the beginners but professional skiers will find plenty of challenges in Zermatt.
Matterhorn - One of the tallest mountains in Europe, Matterhorn has always been the main tourist attraction of Zermatt. Tourists can hike their way to the summit or use cable car from Zermatt that will take you to the Matterhorn while offering delightful scenery in the journey.
Matterhorn Museum - The Matterhorn Museum is based on the history of Matterhorn mountain. The museum is built underground and showcases the development of tourism in Zermatt. The other feature of the museum is the story of Edward Whymper known as the first ascent of the Matterhorn way back in 1865.
Hiking - Zermatt is the starting points of several hiking routes. Among them is the famous Haute Route which leads to Chamonix in the France. There is more than 400km of hiking trail in Zermatt. The areas in Tasch and Randa are ideal hiking regions. In winter best hiking option in Zermatt is the Wallisers to Zmutt hamlet. Other includes Gourmet Path and the Winter Trail.
Mountain Biking - Zermatt is not very popular for mountain biking but it offers 6 bike routes of over 100 km designed for beginners to experts. Bikes can be hired by the local shops and most ski lifts allows tourists to carry the bikes. Guided mountain bike tours are also available at the Zermatt. cyclist will definitely enjoy Rothorn area that has bike trails for every type of cyclist.
Paragliding - The best way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Zermatt is with a bird's eye view. Paragliding in the beautiful mountains of Zermatt is like flying above the haven. There are few Paragliding schools in Zermatt.
Forest Fun Park - The Forest Fun Park of Zermatt is a great attraction for the entire family. There are several adventure activities at the Fun Park like climbing trees and suspension bridges with different level of difficulties.
Golf - There is nothing more relaxing then playing golf in the background of Breithorn and the Klein Matterhorn. The 9 hole golf course by the Golf Club Matterhorn is a great place to test your golfing skills.
Glacier Palace - The highest Glacier palace in the world is located in Zermatt. Tourists can reach the palace via 2 lifts available at the Matterhorn glacier paradise station. There are plenty of ice sculptures in the Glacier palace.
Igloo Village - There is no other place in Switzerland where you can sleep in an igloo with yur family. Surely your kids will love the Igloo village next to the Matterhorn Mountain in between Riffelberg and Gornergrat. Don't worry the Igloo village is warm enough to keep let you enjoy your visit. Tourists should visit the village from Zermatt resort. Igloo village is great alternative of traditional accommodation.
Cheese Making - Visit the local dairy and get to know more about the cheese making techique of Switzerland. Learn how the famous Swiss Cheese is made.
Hotels in Zermatt
Zermatt has lodging options for every type of tourists. There are plenty of luxury hotels for tourists who want best of accommodation while for budget travelers and backpackers there are campsites and budget hotels.
Campsites - There are three major campsites in Zermatt. Camping Matterhorn which is located 2 minutes from the train station. Camping Tasch is near the Kantonsstrasse around car free town of Zermatt. Camping Attermenzen is the winter camping site between Randa and Tasch.
Hotels - Plenty of hotels for every type of tourist is available in Zermatt. Some of the hotels are Best Western Hotel Butterfly, Omnia Hotel Zermatt, Hotel Astoria, Alfa Hotel and many more accommodation is available. Here is the complete list of hotels in Zermatt.
How to Reach
By Air - The closest airports to Zermatt are Geneva and Zurich. Both airports have international flights from almost all countries. Once you reached any of the above city take a train to Zermatt.
By Train - The best way to reach Zermatt is by using the World's finest Railway Network of Switzerland. The trains are clean, fast, frequent and always on time. The rail journey also gives great option to view breathtaking countryside of Switzerland.
There are trains to Zermatt on hourly basis from all major Swiss cities. Tourists can also get direct train from Zurich and Geneva airport. It takes 4 hours from Geneva and 3 and half from Zurich to reach Zermatt via train.
By Road - Zermatt is also well connected to other cities in Switzerland via roads. The roads are well maintained. Just follow the road signs from any Swiss city to reach Zermatt. Remember you can go as far as Tasch by car, the remaining 7km has to be covered by train or taxi.
