17 Best Things to do in Zermatt – For First Time Visitors (2025)

Zermatt, yes the pretty idyllic mountain village tucked away in the Matter-Valley in the Swiss Alps. Are you wondering what the best things to do in Zermatt are? And how best to see the mighty Matterhorn?

The Matterhorn is that mountain that dominates the skyline, creating one of the most unique alpine landscapes in Europe if not worldwide. We have it all covered for you.

I have put together some of the best things to do in Zermatt and highlights we experienced whilst visiting Zermatt as a family on multiple occations.

You will find below enough things to do in Zermatt to create a jam packed two days or more.

Best Things to do in Zermatt

Being an all year-round Swiss resort, you can use this Ultimate Zermatt Guide for first time visitors pretty much in any season.

Whether it is for the hiking trails, the unforgettable journeys up into the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or the most amazing train ride of the Gornergrat Bahn. The choice is really yours, even a simply stroll the picturesque streets of Zermatt will be an unforgettable memory in Zermatt.

And not to forget, the skiing in Zermatt. Not only available during the winter months, Zermatt offers skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year!

How amazing is that! The list of the best things to do in Zermatt is endless.

Need a Hotel in Zermatt

One day is NOT enough to say you have been to Zermatt. To get the most out of this beautiful Swiss village you should stay at least 2 nights, and arrive early the first day and leave late afternoon on day three.

Otherwise try to make it 3 nights. Zermatt has all kind of hotels fitting every budget. We have put together a hotel guide for Zermatt  with some of our favourite hotels some of we have stayed multiple times over the years.

Our absolute favourite is Hotel National Zermatt. Its location right opposite Sunnegga Funicular station makes it super convenient for a stay anytime during the year. If you cant find what you’re looking for on our blog, brows the map below.

On this map you will see the locations of our 15 best things to do in Zermatt Switzerland. This gives you a good idea of the locality and an area overview. For a larger map view click on the picture.

What you Need, to Experience these best things to do in Zermatt

Apart from a camera, hiking boots, a picnic bag & a Zermatt Peak Pass, you do not need much for the discovery of the best things to do in Zermatt.

However, if you are following this Guide for First Time Visitors then the best option is to get the 2 days Peak Pass.

This gives you the ultimate freedom to discover the best things to do in Zermatt and its surrounding mountains. And if this is your one and only time visiting Zermatt Switzerland, then definitely the option you must choose.

All three alpine regions, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Rothorn, and Gornergrat are included in this unlimited pass. And with it is covers pretty much all the best things to do in Zermatt we have listed in here.

Ticket Price

A one-day peak to peak pass in summer 2025 is Chf 212.- per person but a two-day pass is only Chf 260.-.

Therefore, definitely well worth to spend the night and make the most of your visit with a two-day pass and ride all cable cars. Some even Multiple times.

For other ticket options and to check on the accurate pricing structure, please do refer back to the local website, because it may change from season to season. And there are also many special offers to be found.

Travel TIP

Should you be travelling on a Swiss Travel Pass, you might get some discount on the lift tickets, please check with Zermatt-Bergbahnen directly as they can help you book the perfect Zermatt ticket for the whole family.

Children up to 8.99 years of age travel free. You can find more on train tickets on our “How to travel Switzerland on a budget” article.

Also check out these tours if you are just coming for the one day to Zermatt and book your tickets online.

1 / Visit the Zermatt- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

This will be your highest altitude visit in Zermatt (3883m) and simply must be on your things to do in Zermatt Switzerland list.

Be prepared to marvel at 16 glaciers and count thirty 4000+ metre peaks in 3 countries.
Europe’s highest cable car station is at Klein Matterhorn and already the ride up there is an adventure not to be missed.

You can read our full article here, on how to get to Klein Matterhorn and its Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

2 / Step deep in to The Glacier Palace at Klein Matterhorn

Honestly, this was one of my favourite things to do in Zermatt during our two day stay. To physically enter deep inside a glacier (15 metres) at nearly 4000m altitude, left me in awe.

And the whole Palace does not disappoint. Some of the most amazing ice sculptures you may have ever seen are displayed inside, just stunning. Shine your phone torch into the deep crevasses, everything is sparking like little diamonds. Magnificent.

But it is cold, so make sure you are appropriately dressed for it, and believe me just a jumper is not enough.

Check out our full experience stepping in to the world’s highest  Glacier Palace at Klein Matterhorn

3 / Ski, Sledge or Build a Snowman at Zermatt’s Klein Matterhorn Ski Park

Would you have thought that building a snowman could be on your “Best Things to do in Zermatt Switzerland”  list, on your summer trip?  Well it is. While you are up at Klein Matterhorn enjoying the Glacier Palace and marveling at the breathtaking view on the viewing platform, step out onto the snow.

Build a snowman, even rent some ski’s (in Zermatt village) and tick the bucket list activity “Skiing on a glacier during the summer in Switzerland”. Fun is guaranteed!

You can rent the ski gear in any Zermatt Sport shop and there is even one right at the Matterhorn Express cablecar station from where you start this adventure.

4 / Hike to the Suspension Bridge and cross the Gornergorge at Furi

First, this is not to be confused with the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge – which is the world’s longest suspension bridge. This one here is in Zermatt, located at Furi and crosses over the Gornergorge.

A great combination is to firstly visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise up at Klein Matterhorn, and on your way back down to Zermatt, exit the cable car in Furi and follow the yellow hiking sign “Hängebrücke”.

It is only about 15 min hike from the cable car station. Along the path through Furi you will pass some cosy and super cute alpine restaurants. All of which have a very good reputation for food and ambience.

5 / BBQ at the Dossen Playground

Just a little further from the “Hängebrücke” point 4, (suspension bridge) you will find an amazing play area with great BBQ facilities, sponsored by the “Schweizer Familie” magazine. Wood is provided all you need to bring are the sausages or steaks.

The kids, and you can have fun on the zipline, climbing wall, swings or practice a little tune on the wooden musical instrument.

An amazing place to spend some quality family time. I can imagine that this place is on many things to do in Zermatt lists. Therefore, it is getting quite full at weekends or during the school holidays. But the bbq area is quite large, so if it’s busy ask to share a bbq, place your sausage on the hot charcoal and enjoy.

6 / Visit the Gletscher Garten in Zermatt

We absolutely loved this place, the kids as much as us and it must be on every things to do in Zermatt Switzerland list. Don’t think your kids will be too young for it. Ours at age 5 found it the coolest place and by explaining to them in simple words what it was all about their interest was heightened.

It is in the same area as the “Hängebrücke” (No.4 suspension bridge) and the Dossen Play Area (No.5), just a little further up the trail. Here you step back in time, the time when the glacier has covered the entire area you are about to enter.

The path is equipped with a lot of information boards and old photographs of how it was many, many years back.

See holes in the rocks formed by the sheer force of swirling water and at the same time creating a smooth surface.

There is also a BBQ station should the other one be super packed.

7 / Stroll through Zermatt’s old Town

To finish the day in Zermatt Switzerland, it is always nice to stroll through the old town of Zermatt. Look for the street where the “Mazots” are nestled one next to the other, where one can imagine history and stories floating amongst these traditional Valaisanne houses.

Some of these old Mazots have been transformed into beautiful holiday accommodation combining old and new within tasteful renovations.

You also find the Matterhorn museum not far from here.  Discover the history of the Matterhorn, when it was 1^st climbed, by whom, and more. As Zermatt attracts a lot of wealthy tourists, you quickly discover that it is home to jewelry shops displaying some of the most expensive watches you may have ever seen.

Plenty of wine bars, coffee shops and other restaurants invite you for a drink. Or why not enjoy a nice traditional cheese or even a tomato fondue in the “Fondue Stube”

8 / Ride Europe’s Highest Train – The Gornergrat Bahn

If you have not yet been up the Gornergrat it is now time to ride the Gornergrat Bahn. Be prepared for a scenic 33min ride with a vertical climb of 1,469 m.

The Gornergrat Bahn is Europe’s highest open-air cog railway and brings passengers direct from Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat at 3135m.

You can get off the train at Riffelalp and Riffelberg if you wish. Or why not hike from Riffelap to Riffelberg and hop back on the Gornergrat Bahn for the last few metres up to the Gornergrat.

At the top, visit Europe’s highest shopping centre (small but fine). You will also find a restaurant, hotel and facilities.

Photography Tip
Sit on the right side of the train to go up and make sure there is a window you can open if you would like to make some great pictures.

Read all about the Gornergrat Railway Journey

9 / Walk to the Glacier View Point at Gornergrat

Once you have arrived at the Gornergrat the vista over the Gorner-Galcier and the other glaciers left and right of it is stunning. But there is more. When you are at the top of the viewing platform don’t just be satisfied with this. Yes, it is amazingly beautiful but make it exceptional. Follow the footpath sign for the round trip. It will take you about 20 minutes and to my amazement, only a handful of people actually walked this path.

At the furthest point it feels like you are standing at the edge, in other words paradise lies in front of you. To see this icefield with so many glaciers stretching down in the same direction from the high snowcapped mountains was an unbelievable sight to see. Don’t forget there might come the time when seeing glaciers is no longer on your Best Things to do in Zermatt list. So, make the most out of it whilst you still can.

This path starts just before the viewing platform and finishes at the top of the platform.

10 / Hike to the Famous Riffelsee from Gornergrat

Even if you have not planned to make this a hiking adventure, whilst up at the Gornergrat you must hike down to the Riffelsee.

You can do this in 2 ways. The longer option is a hike down from the top of Gornergrat to Riffelsee. It will take you no more than one hour including photo stops.

It is a bit steep in some places but nothing too much to worry about. The path is also used by mountain bikers as of 16h00. Therefore be prepared to make some space for them as well.

The easier and faster option, would be to ride back down with the Gornergrat Bahn to Riffelsee and walk down to the lake which will only take you about 5 min.

You will have seen many photos of the Matterhorn mirrored in a lake, well this is the place. If you are lucky, and the weather is calm with no wind you should have an amazing photo opportunity.

Photography Tip
An amazing place to be at the end of the day due to fewer people, but the sun will be right in front of you and therefore not that perfect for great photography.
Sunrise is amazing here or if you are not an early riser make it early as possible to get the perfect click.

11 / Marvel at the Matterhorn from Rothorn and walk the Peak Collection Path

As I have said at the beginning it is best to get the 2 day peak pass to ensure you can fit as many of these best Things to do in Zermatt activities. Consequently, you can ride up every peak which makes these two days so worth it.

To reach the Rothorn you have the joy of first riding the Sunnegga Funicular from Zermatt up to Sunnegga. Followed by Blauherd bubble lift and finally finish the ride in the Blauherd-Gondola up to Rothorn at 3101m.

It feels like you are at the same height as the top of the Matterhorn, and to see it from this perspective is another amazing experience.

There is an interesting walkway featuring signs showing many the first climbs of the surrounding peaks. Each sign has a rock from the featured mountain placed as a symbol. Beautifully done and interesting to read. We had enough time to do the circle walk and take the gondola back down again, 30 minutes later.

Travel Tip
If you are collecting the Photo Points of the Swiss Grand Tour – there is one up at Rothorn.

12 / Let the Kids have fun at the Leisee & Wollipark, At Sunnegga

No matter your itinerary, you cannot omit the Leisee from your best things to do in Zermatt itinerary list. It’s an amazing playground, with BBQ stations and the view of the Matterhorn, definitely a family paradise.

You could even just spend the whole day up here with BBQ, play and swim.

The kids loved the little cable ferry, and transported hikers from one side of the lake to the other. Such a joy to watch.

Check our One Day in Zermatt with Kids You will find all the info on how to get to Leisee from Zermatt Switzerland

13 / Visit Findeln and Walk Down to Zermatt Village

Our last activity on our handpicked Best Things to do in Zermatt – the Ultimate Guide for First Time Visitors article is the walk down to Zermatt through Findeln.

Of course, if you do not have the time to walk down you could take the funicular back to Zermatt.

But if you do still have some energy, it is a nice 3.5 km hike down to Zermatt. I highly recommend it.

And what we loved is that it brings you through Findeln, the little hamlet below Sunnegga. Maybe you will encounter the Valais Blacknose sheep which are a friendly breed and can be patted. But careful they have horns.

You can find the hiking map down to Zermatt here –  “How to spend a day in Zermatt with Kids”

14 / Meet the Blacknose Sheep At Gornergrat

If you visiting Zermatt during the summer months, then you simply cannot miss to meet the Blacknose sheep up at the Gornergrat. This is an activity that makes everyone hiking even the ones out of the family that would rather not go on a hike.

From Zermatt village you ride the scenic train up to the Gornergrat. Whilst on the train you can check on the GPS tracker map where the sheep Flock is located. This helps in the decision of where exactly you will hike.

Once you have found the Blacknose sheep the cuteness starts.

Read our Article and watch the Video by clicking on the Photo. ” Meet the Blacknose Sheep”

15 / Hike Wolli Wonderland Theme Trail

Any theme trail is always a families favourite, and so is Wolli Wonderland’s theme trail. This perfect 2km trail involves no cable cars and is perfect also during bad weather in Zermatt.

The kids and you will help Wolli the Zermatt sheep to find Mitza the cat. This involves in solving puzzles, taking part in some active games and listening to some audios which give you the clues.

Read all about the hike and find the map of the starting point. Wolli Wonderland Theme Trail

16 / Hike to Stellisee & Fluhalp Hut

Fluhalp Hut is more than just a place to sleep – it’s a front-row seat to one of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. From the peaceful dawn light over Stellisee to the rewarding trails of the Five Lakes Walk, every moment here feels like a postcard come to life. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or simply someone who loves the mountains, Fluhalp promises experiences – and views – you’ll treasure for years to come.

You can tick off quite a few of the best things to do in Zermatt here.

We came with our mountain bikes which worked well. Whether you hike or bike to Fluhalp and Stellisee lake the direction and travel way is the same.

Read how to hike to Stellisee and Fluhalp hut

17 / Hit the epic Zermatt flow trail from Sunnegga

If you love biking, but are still a bit new when it comes to flow trails, than the Zermatt F1 trail is for you. It dose exactly what is says, flow! No to very little obstacles on the trail, clean bends and fun little jumps makes this the ideal family flow trail in Zermatt.

Ride the Sunnegga Funicular from Zermatt village up the mountain and head straight out the tunnel. Keep to your right until you see the start. 5.2km of pure fun awaits, plus a good 3km back down to Zermatt on the mountain road.

Check out the map and more details here

Our Thoughts About The Best Things to do in Zermatt

We have done these things to do in Zermatt already multiple times and will be doing them again and again.

It has opened up an amazing perspective and afforded knowledge about Zermatt and its different areas. This Ultimate Zermatt Guide for first time visitors, gives you a good overview of the whole area. Pick where you like to visit and explore a bit deeper.

We were busy bees over these two days, but this is what exploring in a short time is all about. And we left Zermatt with four happy hearts. We are already looking forward to returning during the winter season.

Where to stay in Zermatt

If you are looking for a place to sleep, consider the Mountain Paradise Hotel.
A chalet style small hotel only 3 min from the Matterhorn Express Station and the RED BUS line stops right outside the door. Plus it is away from the crowds and has a magnificent view of the Matterhorn.

Alternatively scroll through the map and find your best hotel in Zermatt that suits your budget and needs. You can also check out our list of the suggested Best Hotels in Zermatt 

Tips & Suggestions for Zermatt

When I’ve first written this post in 2022 there where only 11 points. As you can see I have since added new discoveries in Zermatt. Meanwhile there are 17 of the best things to do in Zermatt.

You can use them as an itinerary as well.

• Day one was points 1-7
• Day two was point 8-10 & 14
• Day three & four point 11,12 & 16 followed by point 13 or 17

However, there is one suggestion I would have. If you do have the Peak to Peak Pass which means there is unlimited riding on all lift stations. After number 6 the Gletscher Garten (Glacier Garden) I would have loved to head over to Riffelberg with the bubble cable car from Furi and do some of points 8-10 and 14.

It was an amazing afternoon and from there we could have gone up to the Gornergrat again to capture the evening sun. But the lift was closed on our weekend, so to go all the way down to Zermatt and back up with the Gornergrat Train would have made it far too late for the kids.

Check out if this connection is working when you visit as it would make a nice finish to the day. I have marked this lift on the Zermatt Map above.

Good to know

Remember to bring warm clothes for the Matterhorn Glacier Palace.

If you want to make nice photos of the Matterhorn mirroring in Riffelsee, the afternoon sun is right by the Matterhorn which means it is not the ideal light for photography. The perfect lake in Zermatt to capture the Matterhorn mirroring is Stellisee, best combined with Fluhalp. Check our combo point 16.

If you are new to hiking and are planning to do some hiking in Zermatt you might like to read this article first Useful Hiking Tips for Beginners

Zermatt Travel Guide

• Meet the Blacknose Sheep at the Gornergrat
• Where is the best place to stay when in Zermatt. Hotels for all Budgets
• Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – An Epic Family Experience
• World’s Highest Glacier Palace – Why you should visit
• Zermatt – A Family Day trip to Zermatt
• Gornergrad – Viewpoint reachable with ease – NO HIKING

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when planning your trip to Zermatt on your discovery of  the 15 Best Things to do in Zermatt Switzerland

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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