Zermatt is located on the southern border of Switzerland, and stands in the area known as the Swiss Alps. It is a small but picturesque township that plays host to many hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. It is actually found at the foot of some of Europe's most breath-taking mountains, including Monte Rosa and Matterhorn.
Due to its location, it is fair to say that Zermatt is mainly a tourist resort because of its excellent mountaineering and skiing possibilities. Getting into the city is best achieved via the train, but if visitors have enough money, then flying is also a possibility.
Zermatt hotels are literally found all over the city. As a matter of fact, Zermatt contains one of the highest hotel-population ratios in Switzerland. In addition, they are also very expensive, so camping may be the cheapest option found in the city. Visitors have a plethora of recreational activities in the town of Zermatt. Simply read below to find out more!
Skiing
- One of the most popular skiing areas in the town of Zermatt is the Sunnega Paradise Ski Area. It is only a few kilometres from the heart of Zermatt township, and is reachable via several cable cars and a funicular railway. It is also one of the better slopes too for young skiers or those just beginning to learn.
- Another popular ski area close to Zermatt is Gornergrat. Using the Gornergratbrahn Railway, visitors can reach the top of the peak in just under 30 minutes. In addition to skiing, tourists will also be able to find a beautiful hotel, restaurants, and shopping centre at the top of the mountain.
- Klein Matterhorn is an another famous skiing area, and due to the notoriety of Switzerland's Matterhorn Mountain, many skiers travel from all over Europe just to ride the slopes of this sunning peak. Because this ski area, and Schwarzsee, are located on the southern end of the city of Zermatt, and Gornergrat is situated to the north, visitors must travel through the town to get between each slope.
- In addition to these ski areas, Switzerland's highest peak, Monte Rosa, is home to some spectacular ski fields too. Skiers of all levels, from absolute beginner to experts, will be able to find plenty of runs to choose from. Some of the mountain slope is located inside Italy. One of the most famous slopes on this large and picturesque mountain is the Alagna Valley ski field.
Hiking/Climbing
- The Breithorn is a magnificent mountain peak that is regarded as one of the easiest Zermatt has to offer. From the Zermatt township, visitors can hike up to the top of Breithorn in just a few hours. Better yet, there is no need to climb this mountain, as a hiking trail can be followed all the way to the top.
- Experienced climbers are recommended to climb Switzerland's famous Matterhorn. However, the same encouragement is certainly not given to non-experienced climbers. The ascent up the Matterhorn generally takes two days, and climbers need to remember that climbing the mountain in the early morning is essential to miss the afternoon storms that hit the peak.
- Aside from the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa is the ultimate climbing experience. It stands at more than 4500 metres, and only experienced climbers should try to summit this mountain. Even those who have climbed many a mountain should at least opt for a mountaineer guide from Zermatt.
Although the city of Zermatt is famous for skiing and hiking, other attractions available to visitors includes its mountain biking scene. There are plenty of exciting paths and trails worth attempting during the summer months.
Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Zermatt Hotels content.