I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about Switzerland’s Zermatt.

The iconic town nestled in the Swiss Alps is quite simply, breathtaking.

No matter where you look, there’s a feast ready for your eyes. I will never forget visiting here for as long as I live and I cannot wait to travel back again.

And it’s important to remember – it’s not just a town for skiers!

You can easily have a wonderful visit staying firmly off the slopes. As a non-skier, I had an incredible adventure exploring the area.

And if we’d been skiing the whole time, I might have missed out on some of these amazing experiences!

How to get to Zermatt:

When you arrive in the town of Zermatt… it can ONLY be by train. Seriously!

A super cool thing about Zermatt is that it’s a no car zone! There are instead little taxi shuttles everywhere. Most hotels have their own which will come and pick you up at the station.

We decided to drive in Switzerland, so we flew into Geneva and then drove (it’s a 2 hour 30 minute drive) to Tasch station. We parked our car at the Tasch station and proceeded to catch a 12 minute train into Zermatt. The return journey costs CHF 17.20 (which is about £15 or $19).

And trains run every 20 minutes. It truly couldn’t be easier. Once you arrive into Zermatt, let your hotel know and they’ll come and pick you up.

Or there is an area where taxi shuttles park up and each one is labelled with their hotel name – it’s a super smooth and easy process.

Top 15 things you HAVE to do in Zermatt:

1. Travel to Zermatt on the Glacier Express

It’s one of the best bucket list experiences I can tell you about!

You can get the train from St. Moritz eight hours to Zermatt where the train ends. Read all about the unbelievably luxury experience here.

And book tickets on the Glacier Express here!

2. Gornergrat Train

A waaaaay less expensive train journey in Zermatt is the Gornergrat Train.

Prepare for a journey straight out of a postcard.

This iconic cogwheel railway winds its way to a breathtaking 3,089 meters above sea level, where you’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of the legendary Matterhorn and its surrounding peaks.

It’s a ride that feels more like stepping into a snow globe, especially during the winter season! At the top, sip on something warm, soak in the scenery, or lace up for a hike in the fresh alpine air.

Hotels in Zermatt, Switzerland

3. Climb up to the Matterhorn Viewpoint 

Ok, so it’s not really a climb. But you do go up a seriously steep hill with steps to climb. There are few ways you can walk to the viewpoint.

From our hotel, it took us a very roundabout way which involved walking along a ski path and then scaling down the mountainside.

I recommend NOT doing that and going the route through the town’s streets.

You can easily access this viewpoint from the street which leads to a stairway path straight up. It’s much simpler this way than my first attempt at scaling down a mountain. And don’t forget to take a water bottle with you – seriously! You will be out of breath at the top!

4. Sunset at the Matterhorn Viewpoint

So good I’m adding it on here TWICE.

I very much suggest doing this at sunset. We continued to visit the viewpoint on repeat during our trip. Not only did I end up getting some crazy extra steps in… but the breathtaking views somehow never get old.

I personally think that Zermatt looks like how I picture the fictional city of Velaris from A Court of Thorns and Roses series, what do you think??

Amazing things to do in Zermatt:

5. Stay at the BEAUSiTE Hotel

Woah, this hotel is truly one of a kind. And one of the best hotels I could recommend for when you’re visiting Zermatt.

Overlooking the city and the Matterhorn, rooms here are an absolute dream. Not to mention fondue at the little chalet outside, perfect for the most romantic evening.

We also had our best ever meal here at their restaurant!

If you’re looking for more on this stay… here’s my full review.

6. Fondue in the Witch’eese Hut

Of course, in the wintertime, it’s very essential to book an evening in the Witch’eese Fondue Hut at the BEAUSiTE!

Because when in Switzerland, you must get as much fondue as possible. Sorry, I don’t make the rules!

And this, in particular, was such a romantic experience.

Though I’m sure it would be just as fun with a group to book out. Truly a can’t miss and make sure to book ahead of time as slots do fill up quickly!

7. Cocktails at the Infinity Terrace Bar

Trust me on this! I am so glad that we ended up staying at Chalet Hotel Schönegg on our first Zermatt visit because I would never have known about their Infinity Terrace bar.

It offers the best views of the town below. You also have to specially order the fondue.

They serve it in the evenings where you don’t have to book ahead, but if you want to enjoy yours during the afternoon, call to pre-order your fondue and spot on the terrace the day before.

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8. Pop into the Champagne Bar along the slopes

Wow this is SUCH a cool thing that you have to do when visiting Zermatt! One way to get here is by skiing down the mountain on the descent from Sunnegga to Zermatt.

However, if you don’t ski (hello, me!) then you can also walk up to this location. It’s probably a 20 minute walk from Zermatt’s centre and yes… it’s all uphill. I’d recommend going up the elevator/lift at the Chalet Hotel Schönegg, then walking past CERVO from there.

Obviously, order a glass of two of champagne while there! Get me one too please!

9. Head to the top of the mountains on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

This is an INCREDIBLE journey! This journey to the top includes strictly gondola rides. Normally, this is the way up to the top for skiiers and snowboarders.

However, it’s also available for those who are just keen for a visit to the top of the mountain – me again! You can take the gondola rides all the way to the top to enjoy the views.

It’s a little bit scary going up if you’re nervous about heights, but we felt super secure and it was a total bucketlist experience!

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10. Go to the top of the mountain via the Zermatt–Sunnegga Funicular

Weirdly, one way to the top of the mountain is NOT via chairlift or big gondola’s in Zermatt.

You take the Sunnegga Funicular! You can purchase tickets the day of down at their ticket office, which is right in front of the Funicular.

Ticket cost is roughly £18 per person for one return ticket and it takes less than four minutes to travel 2,290 feet up. WILD.

At the top you can either head straight to the slopes, indulge in the restaurant at the top or head hiking along the trails. I’d suggest a hike to get to Paradise restaurant…

11. Fondue on top of a mountain

Paradise is one of the coolest spots you could possibly enjoy melted cheese and a cocktail.

Once you get to the top of the mountain, you walk (or ski!) down a 10 minute path to get to Paradise. Built right into the side of the mountain, it’s the perfect mid-ski treat.

It would be wrong not to order the fondue and a cheeky cocktail while you’re there. I highly suggest booking in advance. I booked our table three weeks ahead.

You can also walk to visit their sister restaurant slightly further down the mountain Chez Vrony. I haven’t been before, but if Paradise is anything to go by, both are clear winners.

More things to do in Zermatt:

12. Dinner at Joseph’s Bar

Located in Mont Cervin Palace, you’ll find the ultra modern yet very cosy, Joseph’s Bar.

After a few days of non-stop fondue and heavy meals to keep you warm during the winter, I craved a big Cesar salad.

We popped in on a whim and were pleasantly surprised to sit right next to the glorious fireplace in the middle of the room. I’d definitely recommend a visit.

13. Après Ski at Harry’s Ski Bar

Whether you are skiing or not, a visit to Harry’s is essential. Either stand outside in all your gear or head into the small establishment to warm up with a pint or two! 

14. Pizza and pasta at Grampi’s

After all, you aren’t too far away from the Italian border, so you can easily expect delicious Italian food.

Their staff are super friendly and you’re guaranteed a delicious meal. Again, things book up pretty quickly in Zermatt, I’d recommend booking ahead to ensure your carbohydrate feast!

15. Walk through the Old Town

Something you have to do is walk through the Old Town.

It’s small but oh so beautiful. There are also so many shops you can pop into! Not sure I’m really in the market for a Rolex (eek!) but there are a mix of high and and more affordable places to go.

And that’s your complete list so far of things to do in Zermatt!

I can’t wait to explore and discover even more incredible experiences to share with you.

Have you been to Zermatt before? What did you think?!

Kelly xox

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