123 Things to Do in Zermatt 2024

Zermatt is known for its mountain giants. 38 of the total 48 four-thousand-meter peaks in Switzerland can be found in Zermatt. Therefore, Zermatt is a well-known mountaineering center. The glaciers in the high valleys of Zermatt still have wide and contiguous glacier areas, consisting of 22 glaciers, despite the glacier shrinkage

11 Highlights in Zermatt

A comprehensive network of mountain railroads and lifts takes visitors directly up the mountains and into high alpine nature. The activities in Zermatt's mountain world are very diverse all year round. Not only for children there are many adventures to discover

• The 4,478 m high Matterhorn is the landmark of Switzerland.
• In 2.5 hours up to a four-thousand-meter peak: from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you go with a mountain guide to the summit of the Breithorn.
• At an altitude of 3,135 meters above sea level, the Gornergrat has one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Europe: the view of more than twenty four-thousand-meter peaks.
• The highest free-running rack railroad in Europe reaches the Gornergrat from Zermatt in one hour.
• The Gornergletscher glacier system covers an area of 41 square kilometers. After the Aletsch Glacier, it is the second largest continuous glacier in the Alps.
• The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on the Klein Matterhorn has the highest mountain railway station in Europe at an altitude of 3,883 meters above sea level. It is reached in just 45 minutes by gondola lifts from Zermatt.
• At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lies the famous Theodul Glacier. 15 meters below it is the accessible glacier palace
• The summer ski area on the Theodul glacier is the highest within Europe and is used by international skiers as a training location. The Gravity Snowpark offers the best conditions for jumps and slalom skiing.
• In winter, there is a snow park and 340 kilometers of slopes, which are easily accessible and interconnected by 54 mountain railroads and lifts.
• Heliskiing lets you enjoy the snow in freeride from five peaks, including Monta Rosa from 4,200 meters.
• In summer there are 400 kilometers of hiking trails, as well as bike trails and via ferrata for a variety of activities in the mountains.

Mountain hikers appreciate the magnificent hiking area of Zermatt, where seven wonderful mountain lakes are located between 2,100 and 2,800 meters above sea level. They are also particularly worth seeing next to the huge mountains with their glacier valleys. In them the high peaks are reflected and at the same time become uniquely beautiful photo motifs. The cold, clear and "thin" air offers a good view of the high mountain ranges everywhere. The 5-Lakes Trail is a popular hiking trail and is ideally suited for spectacular photos

The walkable Gorner Gorge shows the development since the last ice age. Here you can admire high waterfalls, beautiful rock formations and colorful water pools. For a change of pace, there is some culture in the car-free village of Zermatt, where ancient houses or the museum "Zermatlantis" await visitors in the old part of the village. The neighboring villages of Randa and Täsch are also worth a visit.

Zermatt is located in Valais and is the southernmost Swiss destination with German language. French and Italian are spoken to the left and right, respectively. From Zurich, a car journey via the A4 takes just under four hours

Zermatt is car-free. However, the car must be left in a parking garage in Täsch. To get to Zermatt you can take the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn in 12 minutes. In the village of Zermatt, you can take an electric cab or the electric bus if your feet are no longer willing or able.

By train, you can even get to Zermatt from Zurich a little faster than by car: it takes 3.5 hours to reach the village of Zermatt. If you want to be active at high altitudes in Zermatt, you should plan at least 7-10 days for your vacation. The body needs some time to get used to the high altitude air

Sights in Zermatt

Places of interest in Zermatt include:

• Museums and photo points in the village of Zermatt
• Chapel "in der Wildi" and museums in Randa

Museums and photo points in the village of Zermatt

The car-free village of Zermatt offers two interesting museums. In the old part of the village there are thirty houses worth seeing, which have been preserved as a museum. They show the construction of the old Walser houses and their barns. Some of them are 500 years old. The Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis informs about the history of the Valais and the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Beautiful photo motifs can be found from the church bridge and the church stairs. At the church steps, the view of old wooden dwellings with the Matterhorn in the background can be captured. The church bridge gives a direct view of the mighty Matterhorn. The village of Zermatt is located at 1,610 meters above sea level.

Chapel "in der Wildi" and museums in Randa

the chapel "in der Wildi" was built in 1882 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It stands in Randa in the middle of the village. The white church shows on its facade of the semicircular choir a stylized figure of the Virgin Mary. An open ridge turret stands out, covered with shingles on its pyramid shape and protecting the church bell from 1688. Inside, the small altar makes a nice photo motif

The Lorihiischi is a former dwelling house built in the middle of the 15th century in the Valais style. At the beginning of the 18th century an additional floor was added. The building has been preserved in that condition ever since. Today it serves as a historical residential museum and gives an insight into the past life of the farmers of this region.

A triple landslide in 1991 is commemorated both by the accident site Bergrutsch and an exhibition in Randa. The picture gallery is freely accessible in a former stable of the parsonage without admission.

Excursion destinations in the Zermatt area

The excursion destinations in the Zermatt area primarily include the surrounding mountain giants with their glacier valleys. The mountains are very well served by mountain railroads and can therefore be reached quickly from the village of Zermatt Particularly popular excursion destinations are for example:

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Klein Matterhorn, Breithorn and Theodul glacier
• Gorner Glacier
• Gorner Gorge
• Five Lakes Trail
• Gorner Ridge
• Lost Valley
• Charles Kuonen suspension bridge (Europabrücke)
• Rothorn
• Schwarzsee
• Sunnegga

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Klein Matterhorn, Breithorn and Theodul Glacier

At 3,883 meters above sea level stands the highest mountain railway station in Europe in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. From here, the professional mountain guides take off with mountain hikers to the 4,164-meter-high Breithorn

The viewing platform on the Klein Matterhorn offers sweeping views that often reach as far as Mont Blanc in France at 4,810 meters above sea level. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise forms the summit of the international ski area, which is open year-round and becomes the largest ski area in Europe during the summer. The Theodul Glacier here unites two glaciers that run along between the Breithorn and the Matterhorn. They are called the Upper and Lower Theodul Glaciers and are part of the Gorner Glacier system.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is also home to the Glacier Palace. It is located about fifteen meters below the surface of the Theodul Glacier. The Glacier Palace is reached by a passenger elevator and shows very old ice formations as well as sculptures artistically carved into the ice.

The Gorner Glacier and its System

Southeast of Zermatt is the Gorner Glacier, which is about 12 kilometers long. Its origin begins north of the Dufourspitze. The Grenzgletscher comes from the south of the Dufourspitze and joins the Gornergletscher. On the main ridge above this union stands the Monte Rosa hut, a popular stop on hikes

Other side glaciers united in the Gorner Glacier system are those between three and seven kilometers long:

• Monte Rosa Glacier
• Findel glacier
• Twin glacier
• Schwärze Glacier
• Breithorn Glacier
• Triftjigletscher
• Lower Theodul Glacier

The Gornergletscher system thus reaches an area of 41 square kilometers of glacier, which, however, continues to shrink due to increasing glacier melt. In 2007, the area was still about 54 square kilometers. The Grenzgletscher has even lost its direct connection to the Gornergletscher since the summer of 2019.

The Gornergletscher glacier system is a popular destination. Hikers, mountain bikers or paragliders look at the glaciers from afar, fascinated. More and more people are venturing directly onto the glaciers. This requires a professional guide, because dangerous crevasses and other pitfalls could otherwise easily lead to fatal accidents. Glacier hiking is a mixture of climbing and mountain hiking.

Gorner Gorge

The Gornervispe River, fed by glacial runoff, has created the Gornerschlucht since the last ice age. Even today it continues to be washed out. The gorge can be crossed on foot in summer. In the upper part of the gorge, the path leads over well-secured boardwalks. You can see rock formations, waterfalls and colorful pools. Open daily 09:15 - 17:45, the Gorner Gorge costs CHF 5 (children CHF 2.50) admission

The gorge is also well suited for canyoning under professional guidance. A special highlight here is the trip over a long tyrolienne through the gorge. The following Himalaya bridge consists of a narrow board and two ropes (right and left). Another highlight of the via ferrata is a pendulum on which participants swing from side to side in the gorge.

Lakes in the Zermatt area

Zermatt has over 150 lakes. The mountain lakes are located above 2000 meters above sea level and are very diverse. In addition to clear lakes where you can watch the fish, there are also milky looking waters. This comes from the glacier runoff. Between Blauherd and Sunnegga alone there are five of the pretty lakes. A designated hiking trail (11) visits them one after the other.

The most famous lakes in the Zermatt area are:

• Stellisee
• Grindjisee
• Green lake
• Moosjisee
• Lake Leisee
• Lake Riffel
• Black lake
• Schalisee
• Weingartensee

In addition, since the increasing glacial melt, there are almost innumerable nameless dead lakes.

Gornergrat in Zermatt

It is said that the Gornergrat is one of the places you have to see at least once in your life. It lies at 3,089 meters above sea level and provides postcard motifs. In particular, the view of the Matterhorn is one of the best spots in Zermatt. The mighty Monte Rosa massif with the Dufourspitze, the view of the mighty Gorner glacier and of 29 four-thousand-meter peaks within reach remain unforgettable.

You can get up there by cogwheel railroad. The Gornergratbahn is the highest rack railroad built in the open air. It takes 33 minutes to climb almost 1,500 meters in altitude from the Zermatt train station. With a bit of luck, a marathon or half-marathon is taking place right now. They are usually scheduled for the beginning of July. At the Zermatt train station, these competitions are also celebrated with a small folk festival. A spectator train runs between St. Niklaus and Zermatt on these days as a "moving grandstand".

Lost Valley

The Lost Valley is not so easy to find. There is no sign or even a hiking trail here. If you are looking for the Lost Valley, it is best to take a local guide who will use his insider knowledge to explain the glaciological and geological peculiarities of this valley. Such a hike is also very suitable for families with children over 12 years old.

The valley offers the chance of wildlife watching, hiking away from mass tourism and beautiful photo opportunities. The Lost Valley is located near the Stockhorn at the place where the Findel Glacier was and has already retreated

Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (Europabrücke)

The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps is about five hundred meters long and the highest point is 85 meters high. It is located above Randa. A circular walk leads over this suspension bridge as a four-hour hiking trail, for which absolute freedom from vertigo is a prerequisite. The bridge is 65 cm wide, the floor consists of step grids. The path is accessible from May to October and closed during the rest of the year. During thunderstorms it is not allowed to walk on it (danger of lightning). The bridge offers the best view of the 4,506-meter-high Weisshorn. The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is part of the two-day "Europe Trail". It is also called Europabrücke on signposts.

Rothorn

When people talk about the Rothorn, they usually mean the Unterrothorn. It lies at 3,103 meters above sea level and can be reached by mountain railroad from Zermatt via Sunnegga and Blauherd. There is also a restaurant here. The Rothorn is very popular with hikers as a starting point. In winter, the highest point of the Zermatt-Rothorn ski area is marked by the Unterrothorn. The slopes here are very popular because of the incoming sun.

In addition, there is also the Oberrothorn at 3,414 m.a.s.l., which is reached exclusively on foot. There is a marked hiking trail and also the summit is completely ice-free in summer. The hike to the Oberrothorn takes about five hours from Zermatt. From the summit, the surrounding four-thousand-meter peaks can be seen very well.

Zermatt Schwarzsee

Schwarzsee is located at 2,583 meters above sea level and, in addition to the lake, also has a cable car station. It takes only 12 minutes to get up there from Zermatt. Schwarzsee is the starting point for the ascent of the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn Glacier Trail also starts here. Next to the lake is the chapel "Maria zum Schnee", which is often visited by mountaineers after a successful ascent of the Matterhorn. From Schwarzsee the hiking trail also leads to the Hörnli hut. In winter Schwarzsee is located directly at the ski slopes. The restaurant Schwarzsee has a sun terrace.

Sunnegga

At 2,288 m.a.s.l. lies Sunnegga, which is reached by funicular from Zermatt through a rock tunnel in less than 5 minutes. The view of the Matterhorn is particularly beautiful here. Sunnegga is especially geared towards families. An observation post for marmots including information boards can be reached on foot in a few minutes. The clear Leisee is very popular as a bathing lake, especially with families. In winter, winter sports take place further up, but the sun terrace is popular for relaxing. The Wolli beginners' park in Sunnegga is suitable for skiing beginners and winter hikes and snowshoe trails also start in Sunnegga.

Swiss Activities Tips Zermatt

In Zermatt there are some tips that will make your stay even more enjoyable. Among them are opportunities for exceptional photo motifs (with and without camera) at certain times or in special places.

Skiing in summer

In the summer ski area all international athletes of speed disciplines train regularly. If you want to see them, you have a sure chance to do so on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Sunrise

From the church steps in the village of Zermatt, the view of the Matterhorn during sunrise makes for a particularly impressive spectacle. The sun first appears at the summit and then seemingly moves down the east face of the Matterhorn.

Gornerschlucht

If the Gorner Gorge is visited from mid-October between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., the water shines in turquoise blue due to the special light conditions

Animal Observations

For animal observations, a hike in the late afternoon from the Blauherd station to the Oberrothorn is worthwhile. Kristallweg or Panoramaweg are equally suitable. As soon as the cable cars stop, ibexes and marmots appear. The way down, however, can only be done on foot.

Special ski run

The ski slope 69 runs as close to the Matterhorn as no other slope.

Zermatt Activities

Zermatt is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts all year round. When all other ski resorts have long since closed, winter sports enthusiasts from all over Europe and sometimes the whole world train here at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in summer. The Gornergrat is also very sporty several times a year. Various marathon and half-marathon competitions take place here in the summertime, accompanied by small folk festivals.

Visiting a ski school in Zermatt is worthwhile even for the youngest ones. For them there is the Snowli Kids Village Zermatt, where already children between 4 and 6 years receive professional ski lessons. For teenagers there is the Cool Teens Camp Zermatt.

Paragliding is a special experience in the Zermatt region. If you don't have the courage for a tandem flight, you can also book a helicopter flight and enjoy the special atmosphere in the area of the 4000-meter-high mountains in this way.

For children, Kid Camps are offered in Zermatt, which provide common activities and games for children of similar ages. Each summer camp lasts 5 days and does not include overnight stays. Qualified supervision is provided during the day, usually between 9 am and 4 pm.

Those who are not so good on foot have the possibility, especially in summer, to use one of the combined tickets of the mountain railroads. So you can be driven criss-cross through the Zermatt area.

The Glacierexpress lets you travel on the "slowest express train in the world" from Zermatt to St. Moritz. It's a pleasure ride with large panoramic windows.

Skiing, snowboarding, heliskiing and snow tubing in Zermatt

The "Matterhorn Ski Paradise" - as the winter sports area of Zermatt - consists of these three large ski areas:

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise incl. Schwarzsee Paradise
• Gornergrat
• Rothorn Paradise incl. Sunnegga Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is reached from Zermatt via an aerial cableway via Trockener Steg. An additional three-cable gondola from Trockener Steg increased the capacity from 600 to 2000 persons/hour. The top station is located at 3,820 meters above sea level. Visitors reach the ski area to the south through a tunnel.

Snow tubing is offered in summer at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It is located at the top station. Air-filled round tubes with handles to hold on to are available free of charge above the tubing slope. This snow tubing is suitable for children as young as six years old, but adults can also have fun

Schwarzsee Paradise

Schwarzsee Paradise is reached from Zermatt via the modern eight-seater gondola lift Matterhorn-Express via Furi. In the extension, the Matterhorn-Express continues via Furgg to Trockener Steg.

Gornergrat

To Gornergrat (3,089 m.a.s.l.) a rack railroad runs from Zermatt via Riffelalp (2,222 m.a.s.l.) and Riffelberg (2,600 m.a.s.l.). The ski area has mainly red and blue slopes and is therefore particularly suitable for families with children from Gornergrat to Riffelberg.

Rothorn Paradise

Rothorn Paradise is reached from Zermatt by funicular to Sunnegga. From Sunnegga, cable cars travel via Blauherd to Unterrothorn. The locals call the Rothorn the "chocolate side of the Matterhorn". In the skiing area around Sunnegga, skiing beginners are trained in the skiing school of the adventure and beginners' park, and advanced skiers come down from the Rothorn.

All areas are connected via the Furi-Riffelberg cable car.

The Italian ski area of the village of Breuil-Cervinia also received a direct connection to the winter sports area of Zermatt. East of the village begins the skiers chairlift Bontadini with a mountain station at the pass Col de Sommeiller. Every year, on the second Sunday of July, the motorcycle meeting Stella Alpina takes place here. It is at 3000 m.a.s.l. the highest motorcycle meeting in the world

The two longest runs lead from:

• Klein Matterhorn over 16 km in length via Theodulgletscher - Trockener Steg - Furgg - Furi down to Zermatt
• Klein Matterhorn over 13 km length via Theodul glacier to Breuil-Cervinia

The most difficult descent (No. 62) overcomes between Furgg and Furi 565 meters of altitude over a length of only three kilometers.

Winter Snow Park

A Winter Snow Park is available on the Theodul glacier near the Furggsattel glacier lift Here you can find:

• Beginner Line,
• Rail Garden and
• Slopestyle

The Beginner Line contains twelve boxes and twelve jumps with the level easy. In the Rail Garden eight rails and in the Slopestyle three rails and three jumps with the levels intermediate to professional are provided.

The summer ski area at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The highest summer ski area in the Alps is located at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Winter sports can be practiced here all year round and therefore the area is used as a training area by very many athletes from Europe and all over the world.

Gravity Park, the Snow Park Zermatt

Here you can find - at the foot of the Klein Matterhorn - the Snow Park Zermatt, also called Gravity Park. Snowboarders and freestylers can enjoy the snow here in summer

At your disposal are:

• a Mega Half Pipe,
• a slalom area,
• a jump area and
• Outdoor lanes

At the Mega Half Pipe acrobatic figures are ridden on the walls, the Slalom area serves to maintain precision and power and in the Jump area both flat and high jumps can be practiced. On the Plateau Rosa there are 15 rails, 7 boxes, 10 jumps (of which 2 small, 5 medium, 3 large). A 15 by 15 meter wide and 3 meter high airbag helps to perfect the high speed jumps without any danger.

Heliskiing

Heliskiing is a special kind of skiing and snowboarding. A helicopter takes the athlete to a mountain top and from there the ride goes down through untouched snow. The descent is accompanied by experienced guides. Avalanche transceiver and climbing harness are provided.

In Zermatt, two companies offer heliskiing: Zermatters and Air Zermatt.

Zermatters offers flights to the following mountains:

• Monte Rosa (4,200 m.a.s.l.)
• Valpelline (3.799 m.a.s.l.)
• Alphubeljoch (3.782 m.a.s.l.)
• Äschihorn (3.562 m.a.s.l.)

Flights to these mountains are possible with Air Zermatt:

• Monte Rosa (4,200 m.a.s.l.)
• Alphubeljoch (3.782 m.a.s.l.)
• Äschihorn (3.562 m.a.s.l.)
• Testa Grigia in the Matterhorn ski paradise (3.480 m.a.s.l.)
• Unterrothorn (3.103 m.a.s.l.)

Paragliding

In Zermatt, flight schools offer tandem flights as well as pilot training in paragliding. Besides the unique feeling of flying, paragliding flights in Zermatt have another special feature: they offer a direct view of the Matterhorn and 37 other four-thousand-meter peaks. Paragliding is possible all year round. It is launched from different mountain peaks. Tandem flights from one of the four-thousand-meter peaks are considered particularly spectacular.

Starting altitude and approximate flight time

• Blauherd, Schwarzsee, Riffelberg approx. 2,400-2,600 m.a.s.l. - flight time approx. 15-20 min
• Gornergrat/Rotenboden, Rothorn approx. 2,500 -3,100 m.a.s.l. - flight time approx. 20-25 min
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise/Klein Matterhorn approx. 4.000 m.a.s.l. - flying time approx. 30-35 min
• Breithorn approx. 4100 m.a.s.l. - flying time approx. 40 min

Mountain hiking in Zermatt

Four hundred kilometers of hiking and mountain trails are designated in the Zermatt-Matterhorn area. At least 365 different hiking trails are hidden behind them. They are divided into hiking trails (yellow), mountain hiking trails (red) and alpine hiking trails (blue). A beautiful two-day hike leads from Grächen to Zermatt. The Europaweg runs through the Mattertal and over the longest suspension bridge in the Alps.

Some of the most spectacular and beautiful day tours are described below

Circuit over the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (69):

Randa - Hauspil - suspension bridge - (Europahütte) - Gere - Randa

From the Randa train station, hiking trail no. 69 leads according to the signs "Europabrücke" first to Hauspil. The path leads through larch forests and passes the viewpoint "Hohtschuggen". The suspension bridge is almost 500 meters long, the crossing takes about ten minutes. The floor consists of grids, so a head for heights is an absolute requirement. A detour to the Europahütte, which stands on stilts, is possible from here. The descent is via Gere to Randa train station. The page Europaweg currently shows whether the suspension bridge is open.

Facts:

• 4 hours
• 8.6 km
• approx. 1000 vertical meters up and down
• also suitable for children
• May till October

Five Lakes Trail (11) in Zermatt:

The period from June to September is well suited for a hike from one lake to another. Hiking trail no. 11 starts at the Blauherd mountain railway station at 2,571 m.a.s.l.. After Blauherd you first take the funicular to Sunnegga. Then you take an eight-seater gondola lift and a six-seater chair lift to Blauherd. The trail ends after just under ten kilometers in Sunnegga at the funicular station at 2,288 meters above sea level. From here it is about a 4.5 minute cable car ride to Zermatt

The path leads to these lakes one after the other

• Stellisee
• Grindjisee
• Green lake
• Moosjisee
• Lake Leisee

If the trail is started in Sunnegga, first take the marmot trail and turn right to Stellisee just before the Blauherd cable car station.

Adventure Path (1):

This hike leads either only downward or in the reverse way only upward. Described is the descent, which is accompanied by a direct view of the alpine panorama. On this tour, in the morning and in the evening, there is a very high probability that chamois can be observed. The descent starts at the Rothorn (3,103 m) and ends in Tufteren (2,215 m). The Rothorn (Unterrothorn) is reached from Zermatt via Sunnegga and Blauherd directly by cable car in half an hour. From Tufteren (Zermatt Wichje) you take the bus 572 back to the village of Zermatt.

Facts:

• 1.4 hours (uphill 2.4 hours)
• 4,3 km
• 877 vertical meters down
• June till September

360° Loop on Gornergrat:

A short hike that beautifully shows off all the surrounding peaks. It is not only suitable for people who can't or don't want to walk that far anymore. Start and finish are at the viewing platform behind the Kulm Hotel.

Facts:

• 15-20 min
• 1,1 km
• approx. 40 vertical meters up and down
• June till September

Climb Breithorn:

Climbing a four-thousander is a special dream for many people. After a few hours of ascent, the goal is reached. Thus, even non-alpinists can conquer a 4000-meter peak with moderate effort. This mountain tour is considered to be of medium difficulty, but should not be underestimated. It should only be undertaken by experienced mountain hikers who are absolutely sure-footed. The high altitude air at 4000 meters makes many people uncomfortable. The trail starts at the Klein Matterhorn at 3,883 meters above sea level, the destination Breithorn is 4,164 meters above sea level. The guidance of an experienced and local mountain guide is absolutely necessary.

Facts:

• 3.5 hours
• 5.4 km
• 415 vertical meters up and down
• not suitable for children because of the thin altitude air
• January till December

Glacier hiking in Zermatt

Glacier hiking in Zermatt is offered under the professional guidance of experienced mountain guides of Zermatt. In the small groups, children from the age of 12 can also go along. Glacier hikes lead over the Lower Theodul Glacier, to the Monte Rosa Hut with Gorner, Grenz and Monte Rosa Glaciers or over the Gorner Glacier. On the way, insider knowledge is imparted, for example about the formation of moraines and crevasses. Glacier hikes are a mixture of mountain hiking and via ferrata walking. Trees, footbridges, rocks and abseils are overcome. Proper equipment, fitness and surefootedness are important prerequisites.

Glacier hike to the Lower Theodul Glacier

This hike starts with the ride with the mountain railroad Matterhorn - Express to Trockener Steg. The Lower Theodul Glacier is about seven kilometers long and one kilometer wide. The glacier is reached via a ten-meter abseil that leads to the via ferrata of the gorge. Tyroliennes are also used in the gorge. The way back to Zermatt is a rather leisurely hike in the end.

Facts

• 5 - 6 hours
• 600 meters of altitude
• Via ferrata/gorge
• Middle of June until end of October

Glacier trekking to the Gorner glacier

The Gornergratbahn takes you from Zermatt first up to Rotenboden (also called Roten Boden). From here a natural path leads down to the Gorner glacier. The rest of the hike leads across the glacier to Furi. You will walk over snow and ice and you can hear the crackling and cracking of the ice under tension. At the end of Furi, the train takes you back to Zermatt.

Facts

• 7 - 8 hours
• End of June until mid September

Glacier trekking to Monte Rosa hut

This trekking is offered for two days. The Gornergratbahn runs from Zermatt to Rotenboden. From here, a nature trail leads to the Gorner glacier, where you walk to the hut. The Monte Rosa hut stands at 2,883 m.a.s.l. at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif and above the confluence of two glaciers. The Grenzgletscher joins here with the Gornergletscher. The view of the mountains shows, besides the Matterhorn, especially the Breithorn and the twins Castor and Pollux. There are 120 overnight places in the Monte Rosa hut. The following day, the Gornergratbahn takes you back to Zermatt via Rotenboden.

Facts

• 2 days with 4-5 hours hike each
• End of June until mid-September

From the Monte Rosa hut there is the possibility to walk over the west ridge to the Dufourspitze in the Monta Rosa area. At 4,634 m.a.s.l., the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif is the highest four-thousand-meter peak in Switzerland. It is reached exclusively on foot and is reserved for alpinists accompanied by professional mountain guides.

Trailrunning in the Zermatt area

Trail running is very popular in the Zermatt area. Six mostly very challenging tours are officially available here.

These include:

• Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon
• Täschalplauf
• Matterhorn Ultraks Trail Active (easy) and Mountain (medium)
• Matterhorn Ultraks Trail Sky (difficult) and Vertical (difficult)

Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon

The Marathon is held between St. Niklaus (1,116 m.a.s.l.) and the Riffelberg (2,585 m.a.s.l.). The route through the Mattertal valley via Randa and Täsch to Zermatt is considered a half marathon with 600 meters of altitude to be reached. The further course leads steeply upwards to the Sunnegga and from there almost evenly further to the Riffelalp lying 2.222 m.a.s.l.. On the further way to the Riffelberg, the course is partly run directly next to the streetcar line there. The last three kilometers of the marathon up to Riffelberg offer a direct view of the Matterhorn. More than 1800 meters of altitude are overcome in total. As an increase, the further run up to the Gornergrat (3,089 meters) is possible. It is called ultramarathon. All routes can be run at any time in summer.

Facts about the marathon:

• 5 hours
• 42 kilometers
• 1.840 meters of altitude upwards
• 400 meters of altitude down
• May till October

Täschalplauf

This run is a folk run, which is combined with a big, cosy folk festival on the Täschalp every year in July. It can be run at any time outside the folk festival. The run starts in Täsch (1.450 m.a.s.l.) and ends on Täschneralp (2.214 m.a.s.l.).

Facts about the Täschalp run:

• 1 hour
• 9.2 kilometers
• 916 vertical meters upwards
• 142 vertical meters down
• June till October

Matterhorn Ultraks Trail Active (easy)

Zermatt - Ried - upper altitude trail - Sunnegga - Riffelalp - Blatten - Zermatt

Start and finish of this easy trail is Zermatt. The run runs largely west of the Vispa River and has nice spectator spots. The official races are held every year in August. Beginners can handle this route well.

Facts about the easy Matterhorn Ultraks Trail Active:

• 1.25 hour
• 20 kilometers
• 1.150 vertical meters upwards
• 1,150 vertical meters down
• June till October

Via ferrata

A via ferrata has been created in Schweifinen above Zermatt village with three routes. All three routes (A, B and C) require different skills. All sections are open from June to October.

Via Ferrata Schweifinen A (easy)

This route is already open for children who have reached the age of ten.

Facts:

• 1,15 hrs.
• 2,9 km
• 314 meters of ascent and descent

Access is via Bahnhofstrasse from the village of Zermatt. The hiking trail branching off in the direction of Edelweiss and Trift leads upwards. Before the bridge over the Triftbach, turn right to the entry point. The entry point at Turuwang is signposted. At the finish point is the Beresina hut. the descent to the village is signposted.

Via ferrata Schweifinen B (medium)

The route B can be directly connected to the route A. It is intended for experienced via ferrata climbers. The most important part is a vertical and smooth rock face, which is partly overhanging. In addition, there are swaying logs that have to be crossed

Facts:

• 2.15 hrs.
• 3,3 km
• 458 meters of ascent and descent

The access is the same as for tour A and is signposted.

Via ferrata Schweifinen C (medium)

The route C can be directly connected to the routes A and B. It is intended for experienced via ferrata climbers. The most important part is a vertical and smooth rock face, which is reached via a wobbly and back-and-forth swinging wire rope ladder. Iron bars carved into the rocks provide the only support to overcome traverses.

Facts:

• 3.30 hrs.
• 5,5 km
• 791 meters of ascent and descent

The access is the same as for tour A and is signposted.

Mountain biking and e-biking

The terrain in Zermatt at altitudes between about 1,400 and 3,000 m.a.s.l. is excellent for touring by mountain bike or e-bike. This is mainly the area around Gornergrat, Schwarzsee and Sunnegga/Rothorn. Between May and October, bikes are also transported by most mountain railroads. A prior request is advisable.

For mountain bikers and e-bike riders who are not yet professionals in mountain riding, professionally guided bike tours are offered. In mostly two-hour trails, exercises, techniques and tricks are taught.

easy bike tours:

• Zermatt village square (66) - 11 km round trip in 1.3 hrs, 340 meters of altitude gain
• Gletschergarten loop (24) - 16 km in 2 hrs. from Zermatt via Furi, Schweigmatten, Gletschergarten, Gletschertor, suspension bridge back via Furi to Zermatt, 500 vertical meters
• Lake-Tour Täsch (32) - 4.4 km in 0.25 hrs. from the train station Täsch to the Schalisee, 33 vertical meters. The shuttle of the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn goes to the train station Täsch.
• Täsch-Randa-Täsch (31) - 14.4 km in 1.45 hrs. from Täsch train station, along the Vispa river to Randa - (debris cone of the rock slide of 1991) - Mettel bridge - Täsch, 300 m altitude difference
• Moos-Trail (F1) - 1,3 km in 10 min from Restaurant Alm (Schweigmatten) down to Moos, 100 vertical meters down. To Schweigmatten you take the cable car (Furi station).
• Riffelberg trail (F3) - 7.2 km in 45 min from Riffelberg to Restaurant Alm (Schweigmatten), 740 vertical meters down. You can get to the trail with the Riffelberg Express from Furi or with the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt. The trail can be combined with F1
• Sunnegga -Trail (F2) - 6.4 km in 30 min from Sunnegga (2,288 m.a.s.l.) to Haueten Riedstrasse (1,756 m), almost 500 vertical meters down. To Sunnegga takes the funicular from Zermatt.

moderately difficult tours:

• Blauherd - Riffelalp (23) - 7.5 km in 50 min from Blauherd (2,571 m.a.s.l.) to Riffelalp (2,211 m.a.s.l.), 100 vertical meters up and 447 down. Blauherd can be reached via Sunnegga from Zermatt by funicular and gondola. The route offers a particularly beautiful view.
• Kalbermatten - YoYo (3) - 12.7 km in 70 min from Schwarzsee (2,583 m.a.s.l.) to Zermatt (1,620 m.a.s.l.), more than 1000 meters of descent. The Matterhorn Express goes to Schwarzsee. For this tour a head for heights is an advantage, some curves are very narrow and at one point the ascent is steep (41 meters of altitude). The trail leads over Chalbermatten, Zmutt, Herbrigg and Bodmen.
• Oberer Höhenweg (30) - 3.5 km, 35 min from Findeln (2,100 m.a.s.l.) to Patrullarve (2,000 m.a.s.l.), 132 vertical meters down, 31 vertical meters up. The hamlet of Findeln is well reached via Sunnegga

difficult tours:

• Furi - Schwarzsee (21) - 9.1 km in 3.10 hrs from Furi (1,867 m.a.s.l.) via Stafel to Schwarzsee (2,583 m), 759 vertical meters up, the gravel road leads close to the Matterhorn - North Face
• Stafelalp - Schönbielhütte (26) - 6.3 km in 1.40 hrs from Stafelalp (2,199 m.a.s.l.) to Schönbielhütte (2,694 m.a.s.l.), 520 vertical meters up. Stafelalp is reached via Schwarzalp or via Furi. The gravel road passes the power station and becomes very steep over the moraine of the Zmutt glacier. The bike has to be carried for the very last section to the hut.

Winter hiking and snowshoeing

Winter hiking and snowshoeing trails are often combined, as the following small selection shows. The routes shown always end at one or more restaurants.

Snowshoe tour Route 145 from Sunnegga to Riffelalp

This snowshoe tour starts with a winter hike from Sunnegga to Findeln. In Findeln the snowshoes can be put on; because it goes into the untouched nature. At first the trail leads slightly downhill to a bridge. After the bridge it leads into a Swiss stone pine forest, which leads up to Riffelalp.

Facts:

• 2:30 hrs.
• 5.6 km

Winter hike Route 113 from Rotenboden to Riffelberg

The hike starts directly at the mountain station Rotenboden. Facing the valley, it leads left along the tracks to the snow-covered Riffelsee, the Riffelhorn is clearly visible. Halfway along the trail, the Matterhorn can be admired and photographed. At the Riffelberg is the end point of the hike.

Facts:

• 1 hr.
• 2,4 km

Snowshoe tour Route 141 from Gornergrat to Rotenboden

This tour starts at Gornergrat and leads down directly along the railroad tracks. The correct route is marked every 100 meters with a pink pole.

Facts:

• 1 hr.
• 1.7 km

Tobogganing in Zermatt

Several beautiful tobogganing tours are available from December to April. The trip from the Gornergrat down into the valley is considered particularly beautiful. Here, sledders enjoy a direct view of the Matterhorn.

Easy sledding runs are:

• Rotenboden (2,815 m.a.s.l.) on the Gornergrat to Riffelberg (2,582 m.a.s.l.) with a length of 1.5 km and 234 meters of descent. The ten-minute toboggan ride is considered particularly beautiful because of the view of the Matterhorn. Every ten minutes, the railroad runs from Riffelberg back up to Rotenboden. Sleds are rented at the mountain station.
• Randa (1,441 m.a.s.l.): a 200-meter hill that climbs 29 meters in altitude and is especially suitable for children

A moderately difficult sledding tour is considered an insider tip:

• Resti (1,890 m.a.s.l.) to Täsch (1,450 m.a.s.l.), the trail climbs 458 meters in altitude over a length of 3.6 kilometers. From the Täsch chapel you have a beautiful view over Täsch and at Eggstadel you catch a glimpse of the Matterhorn. However, the toboggan must be brought up on foot beforehand.

Events and happenings Zermatt

Events and activities in the region of Zermatt are very diverse. In addition to sporting events, musical and other artistic events are offered. However, Swiss tradition is not neglected either.

• January: Horu Trophy curling tournament - Obere Matten Zermatt
• April: Zermatt Unplugged music festival - 13 x in Zermatt, 3 x in the mountains
• April: Patrouille des Glaciers toughest ski touring race - between Zermatt and Verbier
• July: Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon - from St. Niklaus to Gornergrat
• July: Täschalp mountain run with alpine festival - from Täsch to Täschalp
• August: National holiday festivities - Zermatt and communities in the Upper Matter Valley
• August: Ringkuhkampf
• August: Sommerstechfest
• August: Folklore festival - Zermatt Obere Matten and church square
• August: Matterhorn Ultraks Trail long-distance mountain race - various routes from Zermatt Obere Matten
• August: Traillove Alpine Mountain Bike Festival
• September: Zermatt Music Festival & Academy Classical Concerts - at various locations in the village of Zermatt and on Riffelberg
• September: Matterhorn Eagle Cup Golf Team Competition - Riffelberg
• September: Shepherd Festival Black Nosed Sheep - Matterhorn Arena Zen Stretches

Restaurants in Zermatt

Zermatt is a popular tourist area. This is also reflected in the number of restaurants and pubs. In the village of Zermatt alone there are about 100 restaurants. In addition, there are about 50 mountain huts and alpine pubs. They mainly offer traditional and local Swiss cuisine. However, the popular Swiss classics should not be missed. Cheese fondue, raclette, rösti or Älplermagronen taste especially good after sporting activities. Swiss cuisine is a good mix of German, northern Italian and French dishes. International cuisine is also available. At least three restaurants serving Asian food can be found in Zermatt. The following selection of restaurants offers a small taste.

Sonnmatten

The Sonnmatten restaurant offers home-style dining during the summer and winter months. The motto is "simple and good". The kitchen uses daily fresh products from the region, which should be healthy, down-to-earth and varied. Hot food is offered in the summer from 12:00 to 21:00 (Wednesday day off). Open until 23:00. On the sun terrace there is the view of the Matterhorn for free. The lemonades, freshly prepared daily with fruits and herbs, are especially popular. There are 80 seats inside and 100 outside. In the winter season the restaurant opens one hour earlier.

Pizzeria Klein Matterhorn

Right next to the valley station of the gondola lift, the Pizzeria Klein Matterhorn tempts you with fresh pizza from the charcoal oven. The predominantly Italian cuisine is offered hot throughout between 11:30 am and 10:00 pm (open daily until 11:00 pm). It is a good idea to stop here first after physical activities and the downhill ride before heading to the hotel

Eagle Hitta

The Adler Hitta is located on the Findeln Alp at an altitude of 2200 meters. It is known for its delicious grilled dishes, for example the Mistchratzerli. A large terrace seats 120, and inside there are another 120 seats. A large lounge with bar offers deck chairs for sunbathing. The view of the Matterhorn is spectacular. Since it has an e-bike charging station, charging time can be pleasantly shortened. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, hot food is available between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

The Adler Hitta is located directly on the hiking trail between Zermatt and Findeln. In winter the ski slope Sunnegga-Findeln runs through here. The mountain railroad to Sunnegga shortens the walk to 15-20 minutes

Bistro-Bar Gornergrat

Directly at the station square of Zermatt, the bistro bar with 50 seats opens from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Hot food is available between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm. At noon, a lunch plate is served from 18 CHF, before that you can enjoy sandwiches or coffee and croissant. The bistro bar is part of the Hotel Gornergrat.

Lusi Brasserie & Lounge

Located in Zermatt's Bahnhofstrasse, the brasserie offers very uncomplicated French cuisine. The Matterhorn is in view on the terrace. Open between 12:00 And 22:00, warm cuisine until 20:30. Specialty of the gourmet cuisine is fish. The summer season here goes from the end of May to mid-September, in winter is open again from the beginning of December.

Zum See

The 350-year-old Zum See restaurant has a small kitchen. Nevertheless, gourmet dishes are conjured up here and the restaurant in the small hamlet of Zum See is a worthwhile destination. In addition to traditional dishes, mainly Mediterranean dishes are offered. Those with a sweet tooth will get their money's worth here with dessert. The crème cake, made fresh daily, is legendary. Anyone who is in the vicinity should not miss out on trying it.

Open in summer from mid-June to early October and in winter from mid-December to mid-April. The restaurant has 75 seats inside and 120 outside. Open daily from 10:00 - 17:00, hot food is served between 11:30 and 17:00.

The restaurant Zum See can be reached from Zermatt by cable car to Furi. Afterwards it is a 600 meter walk.

Chez Vrony

Chez Vrony is one of the best restaurants in Zermatt and offers gourmet cuisine on the slopes. Chez Vrony is located at 2130 meters above sea level in Findeln. Only organic own products are used and house sausage, dried meat and alpine cheese are produced by Chez Vrony according to old, traditional recipes. The cattle are fed exclusively on alpine grass. Popular dishes here include the Rösti-Hörnli pan or the ravioli with mountain goat cheese. there are 170 seats both inside and outside. The view of the Matterhorn is a pleasant addition. Open in summer from mid-June to mid-October, Chez Vrony is open daily from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. In winter from the beginning of December to mid-April daily from 10:00 - 16:00. At noon, food is served in two times: between 12:00 and 14:00 and between 14:00 and 16:00.

From Sunnegga in summer you can reach Chez Vrony in 30 minutes on foot. In winter you take the ski slope no. 6.

Hotels in Zermatt

There are 131 hotels in Zermatt alone. In addition, there are far more than 1000 vacation apartments

For a special luxury vacation, Zermatt has six five-star hotels to offer. All of them have spa wellness. The Riffelalp Resort is one of them and even stands at 2,222 meters above sea level. 45 hotels offer comfort and good service with 4 stars and another 45 three-star hotels give above all coziness....

Riffelalp Resort

With 70 rooms and suites, the Hotel Riffelalp Resort is located in the middle of the hiking, skiing and biking area. The ski slopes are reached directly from the hotel. The hamlet Riffelalp is reached from Zermatt with the Gornergratbahn. Afterwards, the 865-meter-long Riffelalptram takes you directly to the hotel. The Riffelalp Resort has the highest outdoor pool in Europe (35°C warm). Ski and bike rental are available directly at the hotel

Romantic Hotel Julen

In the middle of the village of Zermatt stands the four-star Hotel Julen. It has its own SPA area and two restaurants. The herd of black-nosed sheep belonging to the hotel grazes in summer on one of the three pastures (at an altitude of 2,400 meters). Hotel guests can visit the sheep every Wednesday. The hotel offers 32 rooms, an elevator is available. Pets are also allowed here.

Chesa Valese

The four-star hotel Chesa Valese has a rather small SPA area. The 23 rooms are newly designed in alpine style with lots of wood and large balconies offer comfort. There are rooms with direct Matterhorn view.

Hotel Romantica

The small three-star hotel has 13 rooms and two Valais barns. The hotel stands in a beautiful garden not far from Zermatt's Bahnhofstrasse. A rustic furnished house bar invites you to relax.

Hotel Bellerive

With 25 rooms, the three-star Hotel Bellerive also offers a small SPA area. Children under 9 sleep free of charge in their parents' room. Sleds and hiking poles are rented free of charge and against boredom the hotel offers a media library with 300 DVDs. This then also fits the free late riser breakfast brought to the room until 11 o'clock.

Silvana Mountain hotel

In Furi in the midst of the moving, ski and Bikegebiet stands the three-star hotel Silvana Mountain. The SPA area here offers an experience with whirlpool and float areas under the starry sky at 34 °C water temperature. The hotel has 21 rooms, a chalet and a lodge. Dogs are allowed in the hotel. The hotel includes the well-known mountain restaurant Gitz-Gädi with a variety of lamb and goat specialties, but also fondue and vegetarian cuisine are not neglected. The hotel is reached by cable car from Zermatt to Furi. About 450 meters are to be walked.

The vacation apartments also have a high proportion of 5-star classifications with 130 houses. 384 houses have 4 stars and the 3-star houses are in the absolute majority with 516. Some large apartment houses combine a large number of the vacation homes. These include the 5-star apartment house La Bohème, the Chalet Altesse (5 stars) and the Chalet Merlin (4 stars) For those who want to save money, there are still more than 100 houses with two and less stars to choose from.

Chalet behind the Rot Stei

The four-star house lends itself to chilling out. A heated outdoor pool and a terrace with sun loungers, parasol and gas barbecue make the stay outdoors perfect. In winter, a wood-burning stainless steel fireplace and a cozy snug with a recliner chair make for a pleasant relaxation. A sauna is also available. The chalet is a detached house with 110 square meters on two floors. It is located below the mountain railway station Furi and directly at the entrance to the red ski slope. In summer hiking trails lead along here.

Chalet Ruth

The mountain chalet Ruth has two stars and is located in Findeln. It can be reached on foot from Sunnegga in 20 minutes in summer. In winter you can get to the house on skis. The Findeln chairlift is also accessible by ski. The Matterhorn can be seen very well from the chalet.

Arrival to Zermatt and location

Zermatt is located in the Valais region of southern Switzerland at the upper end of the Mattertal valley and near the border with Italy. The Mattertal is a side valley of the Rhone Valley between the Val d'Anniviers and the Saas Valley. Zermatt can only be reached from the north. Only by public transport you can get directly to the village of Zermatt.

In the village itself, you can take an e-taxi or the e-bus. There are 15 stops scattered throughout the village. By the way, the Zermatt e-mobiles are produced here on site as unique specimens.

**According to municipal regulations, pedestrians always have priority in Zermatt

The Matterhorn, which reaches 4,477 meters above sea level, is accessible by mountain railroads up to an altitude of 3,883 meters above sea level. The Matterhorn, so famous for its striking shape, is not the highest of these giants. It comes only in tenth place.

The nearest towns within a radius of about forty kilometers are Visp (pop. approx. 7,000), Sierre (pop. 16,000), Brig-Glis (pop. 13,000) and Sion (pop. 35,000)

By public transport

The fastest connection from Zurich is from the main train station via Visp to Zermatt. It takes 3 hours and 32 minutes and costs 75 - 150 €. Cheaper is the journey by bus from Zurich to Bern and from there by train. The cost is 58 - 114 €.

For a luxurious vacation, the Glacier Express with 5-course meals can be taken from St Moritz to Zermatt in three days and two nights. On this route, the Glacier Express passes through 91 tunnels and crosses 291 bridges.

By car and parking

Those arriving by car must leave it in Täsch and take the shuttle to Zermatt. In Täsch there are several parking lots and parking garages available. A large parking garage with 2,100 parking spaces is located at the Matterhorn Terminal, but there are also private providers. Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn shuttle trains leave every 20 minutes, and the trip to Zermatt takes twelve minutes. The shuttle costs CHF 16.40 for a round trip for adults, CHF 8.20 for children (6-16 years) or Half-Fare Card or Swiss Card.

Parking costs CHF 16 per day for a car up to 2.30 m high in the Matterhorn Terminal parking garage, CHF 15 per day for 8 days or more. For electric vehicles there are 17 parking spaces with 2/16 A and 3 Ph sockets. Charging is free of charge.

Mountain railroads from Zermatt

Zermatt has a very well developed network of mountain railroads. The cable cars are coordinated in their sequence. The individual mountains are also connected to each other by railroads, so that you can quickly get from one mountain to another. Cogwheel railroads, funiculars, gondola lifts and chair lifts provide access to the Zermatt area. Several ski lifts are used in the ski resorts.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Schwarzsee

In the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Schwarzsee area there are 5 gondola lifts, 2 aerial tramways and one 3S lift:

• Zermatt - Furi (Matterhorn Express gondola lift)
• Furi - Schwarzsee (gondola lift)
• Schwarzsee - Furgg (gondola lift)
• Furgg - Trockener Steg (gondola lift)
• Furi - Riffelberg (gondola lift)
• Matterhorn Glacier Ride (3S cable car)
• Furi - Trockener Steg (aerial tramway)
• Trockener Steg - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (aerial tramway)
• Furggsattel (chairlift)
• Furgg - Sand Boden

In the winter season 5 ski lifts are operated here.

The trip from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn is done with three consecutive cable cars and takes 45 minutes. From Zermatt (1,608 m.a.s.l.) to the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m.a.s.l.) 2,275 meters of altitude are covered.

Sunnegga - Rothorn

Two funiculars, one aerial tramway and one gondola lift operate in the Sunnegga-Rothorn area:

• Zermatt - Sunnegga (funicular)
• Sunnegga - Blauherd (gondola lift)
• Blauherd - Rothorn (aerial tramway)
• Leisee - Shuttle (funicular)
• Patrullarve (chairlift)
• Hublot-Express: Gant-Blauherd (chairlift)
• Eisfluh (chairlift)

The trip from Zermatt to the Rothorn is made by three consecutive cable cars and takes 20 minutes. From Zermatt (1,608 m.a.s.l.) to the Rothorn (3,103 m.a.s.l.) 1,495 meters of altitude are covered.

Gornergrat

The Gornergratbahn, a rack railroad, runs to the Gornergrat. It has these stations:

• Findelbach
• Riffelalp (with connection to the Riffelalptram)
• Riffelberg
• Rotenboden
• Gornergrat

The Riffelalptram is a narrow-gauge railroad that runs from the Riffelalp station over a length of 675 meters to the Riffelalp Hotel. It operates from mid-June to mid-October.

The journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat takes 33 minutes. From Zermatt (1,608 meters above sea level) to Gornergrat (3,089 meters above sea level), 1,481 meters of altitude are covered.

In addition, there are in the area Gornergrat:

• Rote Nase (aerial tramway)
• Gant - Hohtälli (aerial tramway)
• Gifthittli (chairlift)

The ski lift Triftji is opened in winter.

Climate and weather in Zermatt

In Zermatt the "Tundren climate" prevails. The tundra climate is one of the main climate types within the subpolar climate zone according to Köppen.

In the Zermatt area it is cold all year round. The average annual temperature in Zermatt is around zero degrees Celsius. The climate in Zermatt is optimal for a trip to this area all year round.

When hiking in the Zermatt area, it is important to climb higher altitudes slowly. If you want to go high, it is best to first stay in an accommodation at an altitude of about 2000 meters and then continue to climb from there

Health risks are the rather rare pulmonary altitude edema and altitude cerebral edema, which are caused by the fact that from 3000 meters altitude there are already fewer oxygen molecules in the air. If the lungs receive less oxygen, the vessels constrict.

Mountain sickness is rather common. It already develops in 20% of mountain hikers who reach an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. At just under 6,000 m.a.s.l., up to 77% of mountain hikers fall ill. It begins with malaise, headaches, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. The severity of this mountain illness is determined internationally by the Lake Louise Symptom Score (LLSS). The individual symptoms are rated in terms of severity with zero to three points each. If the results are added up, an acute mountain sickness is confirmed if the score exceeds three points.

**There is only one way to prevent mountain sickness: slowly gain altitude and divide higher mountain tours over several days