Things to Do in Zermatt

The bright-red Glacier Express passes over glaciers, across gorges, and above river valleys through Switzerland’s spectacular mountain scenery. This narrow-gauge line is the only direct service between the exclusive ski resort of Zermatt and chic St. Moritz—and is considered among the most beautiful scenic trains in Europe.

The Glacier Express train is fitted with picture windows and glass skylights so passengers can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps along the panoramic route that winds through the cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubunden. Much of its track runs along and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes.” On its 180-mile (290-kilometer) journey, the train makes five stops, passes under 91 tunnels, and goes over 291 bridges and viaducts; its highest point is the Oberalp Pass between Andermatt and Disentis, which sits at 6,667 feet (2,033 meters). You can take a one-way trip in a single day, or stop off at the towns along the way and stay overnight in Zermatt or St. Moritz for a three-day, round-trip journey. To fully appreciate the stunning landscape and easily manage your seat reservation and connections, book a Glacier Express tour and make the trip accompanied by a private guide.

Most passengers board the Glacier Express at Zermatt or St. Moritz, though you can purchase tickets for shorter sections of the route. From Interlaken, take a train to Brig and board the Glacier Express there; from Lucerne or Zurich, take a train to Chur to make your connection. From Geneva, connect to the Glacier Express in Zermatt.

The Glacier Express service runs daily, with the exception of a few weeks in fall when service is suspended. For lush Alpine scenery, take one of the three trains that depart each morning in the summer. For dramatic winter views, book the one daily departure that runs from December to May.

Additional train lines that link to the Glacier Express route run to Davos in the Engadine, and to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Bernina Express route to Lugano (via Tirano) on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore.

Europe’s highest aerial cableway leads to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, beneath the north face of the mighty triangular peak made famous by the Toblerone logo. At an altitude of 12,740 feet (3,883 meters), the glacial wonderland offers incredible views over the Alps and thrilling activities year-round.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest you can go in the Alps without climbing—which is best left to experienced mountaineers. A ticket includes a return ride on the cable car and access to the viewing deck, ski area, and hiking trails. Once at the top, you can tour the Glacier Palace ice sculpture gallery, visit the Cinema Lounge, or enjoy lunch at the mountaintop restaurant; optional activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, and skiing. Combo tickets are available that include Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Gornergrat railway.

Zermatt is the gateway to the Matterhorn and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, but you can also explore on a day trip from Zurich, Lucerne, Montreux, or Stresa, Italy, across the border. 

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located in the foothills of the Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps, just south of Zermatt. From Zermatt, take the 45-minute cable car from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Valley Base Station up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At the top, a summit lift takes you to the highest observation point. 

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open year-round, and the Matterhorn is an impressive sight any time of year. The most popular times to visit are July and August for hiking, tubing, and other outdoor activities, and from December to March, when ski season is in full swing.

The open-air observation deck at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise affords 360º panoramic views, spanning 38 alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and Mont Blanc. It’s not the only spot with a great view of the Matterhorn, though—ride the cog railway to the top of the Gornergrat for a classic view of the mighty peak; take the Sunnegga funicular to Blauherd and Rothorn for a photo-worthy view framed by alpine valleys; or look out across the Riffelsee lake for a stunning view of the mountain reflected on the water.

The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps that reaches a high of nearly 2500 meters above sea level. Considered one of the best drives in Europe, it connects the town of Gletsch in Valais with the town of Realp in Uri. The pass may be best known as the site of a memorable car chase scene in the James Bond film, Goldfinger. A drive along the pass starts from Gletsch with a few tight switchbacks before turning into a long path along the rock face of the valley for about six kilometers, providing scenic views of the surrounding area. The road then gets steeper toward the top of the pass and the route down the other side is quite narrow and steep.

The pass also brings visitors within a few hundred meters of the Rhone Glacier, the source of the Rhone River. Stopping at the Hotel Belvedere, just short of the top of the pass, is a good opportunity to walk to the glacier, just two minutes from the hotel. Don’t miss the glacier grotto, an ice chamber that is built anew each year. 

Before starting out, visitors may want to check out the short nature hike near Gletsch that provides information about the pre-glacier era. Also in Gletsch is the train station for the Furka steam train to Realp.