I don’t think I’ll ever stop reeling from my recent visit to 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!
Top 10 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. Climb up to the Matterhorn Viewpoint
Ok, so it’s not really a climb (unless you go completely the wrong way like we did on our first visit).
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!
3. Sunset at the 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.
Bonus points if you change into a ball gown at the top…!
Amazing things to do in Zermatt:
4. 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.
More hotels in Zermatt
5. Go to the top of the mountain via the Zermatt–Sunnegga Funicular
Weirdly, you don’t get to the top of the mountain 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…
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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!
10. Walk through the Old Town
Something you have to do is walk through the Old Town.
It’s small but oh so beautiful. The snow was steadily melting on our visit so sadly it had that kind of muddy gross melted snow look but it’s still so unique and cool to explore.
I’d love to stay in one of these places sometime!
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