In the Shadow of the Matterhorn — Car-Free Alpine Paradise
Zermatt is one of the world's great mountain destinations — a car-free village at 1,620m in the Swiss Alps, dominated by the iconic Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain on earth. The village itself is a delight: narrow lanes of traditional chalets, world-class restaurants, and a warmth of hospitality that makes it feel like the most welcoming place in the Alps.
In winter, Zermatt is one of Europe's finest ski resorts — 360km of pistes, the highest ski area in the Alps at Klein Matterhorn (3,883m), and skiing that continues year-round on the glacier. In summer, it transforms into a hiker's paradise with 400km of marked trails, including the legendary 5 Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk) that reflects the Matterhorn in five different mountain lakes.
The Gornergrat railway — the highest open-air cog railway in Europe — takes you to 3,089m for views of 29 four-thousand-metre peaks, including Monte Rosa, the second-highest mountain in the Alps.
Dec–Mar (ski) or Jun–Sep (hiking)
Schengen Visa required
~9 hrs to Zurich, then 3.5 hrs by train
₹1.5L – ₹3L per person
-5°C – 5°C (winter), 15°C – 22°C (summer)
German (English widely spoken)
CHF (1 CHF ≈ ₹95)
CET (UTC+1)
Hand-picked by our travel experts — the experiences that define this destination.
360km of pistes — from beginner slopes to the legendary Hörnligrat
The most beautiful hike in Switzerland — 5 Matterhorn reflections
The ultimate Alpine challenge — guided ascent from July to September
Downhill trails from Gornergrat and Sunnegga in summer
Learn to ice climb on the Gorner Glacier with a certified guide
Europe's highest open-air cog railway — 29 four-thousand-metre peaks
Europe's highest cable car — year-round glacier skiing
The Matterhorn turns pink at dawn — set your alarm for 6am
Start or end the world's most scenic train journey in Zermatt
The Matterhorn reflected in the Riffelsee — the most iconic Alpine photo
The story of the first Matterhorn ascent in 1865 — fascinating and moving
The oldest English church in the Alps — built for Victorian mountaineers
Traditional Swiss fondue in a mountain restaurant — the perfect après-ski
Zermatt has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere in Switzerland
Luxury watches, Swiss chocolate and mountain gear on the main street
Melted Gruyère and Emmental — the quintessential mountain meal
Melted cheese scraped over potatoes — best eaten at a mountain hut
Papperla Pub and Hennu Stall — Zermatt's legendary après-ski scene
Restaurant Chez Vrony — the most romantic mountain restaurant in the Alps
Buy directly from local chocolatiers on the Bahnhofstrasse
The dishes and drinks that define this destination — don't leave without trying them.
Melted Gruyère and Emmental — the mountain meal of champions
Melted cheese over potatoes with pickles — best at a mountain hut
Buy from local chocolatiers on the Bahnhofstrasse
Crispy potato cake — the Swiss national dish
Local Fendant and Pinot Noir from the Valais valley below
Cold beer at Papperla Pub after a day on the slopes
Swiss croissant with mountain honey — the perfect breakfast
Swiss Alpine mac and cheese with potatoes, cream and onions
December–March for skiing (book 6 months ahead). June–September for hiking and the 5 Seenweg. April–May and October–November are quieter and cheaper.
Indians need a Schengen visa. Apply at the Swiss consulate 3–4 weeks in advance. Cost approx. ₹7,000.
Fly to Zurich or Geneva, then train to Visp, then the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt. Total journey: 3.5–4 hours. No cars allowed in Zermatt.
Zermatt is car-free. Leave your car at Täsch (5 minutes away) and take the shuttle train. Electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages operate in the village.
Zermatt is at 1,620m — take it easy on your first day. Klein Matterhorn is at 3,883m — dress warmly even in summer.
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Gornergrat Railway and most mountain transport — excellent value if combining with other Swiss destinations.
Day-by-day plans crafted by our experts — fully customisable to your preferences.
Arrive by train, explore the village, Matterhorn Museum, sunset views from the village.
Morning Gornergrat railway to 3,089m. Afternoon 5 Seenweg hike (or ski in winter).
Cable car to Klein Matterhorn glacier (3,883m), glacier walk, afternoon departure.
Explore Zermatt, Matterhorn Museum, fondue dinner.
Cog railway to 3,089m, Riffelsee reflection, Riffelberg hike.
The iconic 5 Lakes Walk — 5 Matterhorn reflections, 10km.
Europe's highest cable car, glacier walk, Italy views.
Sunrise at Sunnegga, Leisee lake, farewell raclette lunch.
Village walk, Matterhorn Museum, first fondue.
Cog railway, Riffelsee, Monte Rosa views.
Five Lakes Walk — the most beautiful hike in Switzerland.
Glacier Paradise, ice cave, Italy panorama.
Sunrise funicular, Leisee lake, Rothorn hike.
Day trip on the Glacier Express to St. Moritz and back.
Last Matterhorn sunrise, chocolate shopping, departure.
Our Zermatt specialists will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored entirely to you. Starting from ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per person.