Free Zermatt Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Zermatt trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Zermatt
Zermatt photo 2
Zermatt photo 3
All photos

Zermatt pairs Matterhorn views with car-free village streets, Swiss alpine history, scenic railways, glacier excursions, skiing and memorable hiking.

Mountain Setting and Village Character

Zermatt lies at the head of the Matter Valley in southern Switzerland, surrounded by some of the Alps’ most recognisable peaks. The village is best known for the Matterhorn, whose sharply angled profile rises above the resort, but its character is more layered than a single mountain view. Traditional wooden barns and weathered stone buildings survive in Hinterdorf, while hotels, restaurants and outdoor shops line the central Bahnhofstrasse. Because private cars are not permitted within Zermatt, the village has a quieter, more pedestrian-oriented atmosphere than many major Alpine resorts.
Read more about Zermatt

From Farming Village to Mountain Resort

The surrounding landscape reflects centuries of pastoral life as well as the development of modern mountaineering. Cable cars, mountain railways and marked paths provide access to high viewpoints such as Gornergrat, Sunnegga and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, where visitors can see an extensive chain of glaciers and peaks. In the village, the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis presents the region’s mountaineering history, including the consequences of the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Walks through the old settlement, visits to the parish church and excursions into the valleys reveal a destination shaped equally by local tradition, tourism and the high mountain environment.

Four-season Outdoor Culture

Zermatt’s appeal changes with the seasons. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and mountain railway excursions, while summer opens a broad network of hiking and mountain-biking routes. The landscape is also a setting for glacier observation, climbing and guided alpine activities, although conditions can change rapidly at altitude. Beyond the organised slopes and viewpoints, hamlets such as Zmutt offer a slower perspective on the valley, with old farm buildings and paths leading through meadows beneath the surrounding summits.

When is the best time to visit Zermatt?

Best: July–September · 12–16°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-264
February-155
March258
April466
May997
June13122
July (best)16115
August (best)16107
September (best)1285
October874
November375
December065

Getting to and around Zermatt

How to get there

The usual approach is by Swiss Federal Railways to Visp, followed by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train to Zermatt. Travellers arriving from Geneva, Zurich or other Swiss cities can connect through the national rail network, while international rail journeys commonly enter Switzerland via major border and city stations. Zermatt has no public road access for private cars. Drivers leave vehicles in Täsch, the nearest road-accessible settlement, and continue by shuttle train, taxi or another permitted transfer. Geneva and Zurich airports are the principal long-distance air gateways, with rail connections onward to the valley; Sion Airport is closer geographically but has a more limited range of services.

Transportation

Zermatt is compact and most central streets are easiest to explore on foot. Private cars are not permitted in the village, although local electric taxis, hotel transfers and service vehicles operate under the destination’s access rules. The railway station provides a central arrival point, while mountain railways and cable cars connect the village with Gornergrat, Sunnegga, the Rothorn area and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Walking paths vary from gentle valley routes to demanding high-altitude tracks, so travel times can change considerably with gradient, snow and weather. In winter, skis and snowboards are commonly carried between accommodation, lifts and railway stations.

Best attractions in Zermatt

Zermatt’s principal attractions are inseparable from its mountain setting. The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, beside the village church, explains the history of the first ascent and the development of Alpine tourism through reconstructed scenes and artefacts. The Gornergrat Railway carries visitors above the valley to expansive views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and surrounding glaciers, while the funicular to Sunnegga reaches a sunny terrace with walking routes and family-oriented mountain scenery. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise provides access to a high glacier environment and panoramic views in clear conditions. Within the village, Hinterdorf offers a quieter encounter with old timber barns, granaries and farmhouses, and paths to Zmutt lead through meadows and traditional Alpine buildings. The surrounding trails range from gentle valley walks to demanding high-mountain routes.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Zermatt

The Matterhorn is Zermatt’s defining natural landmark, its pyramidal summit serving as both a geographical reference and a symbol of the history of modern mountaineering. In the village, the parish church of St Mauritius stands beside the Matterhorn Museum and forms part of the central architectural ensemble, while the English Church recalls the international climbing community that helped shape nineteenth-century tourism. Hinterdorf preserves a group of traditional wooden farm buildings, including raised granaries and storehouses characteristic of the valley’s rural heritage. The Gornergrat Railway is also a landmark of Alpine engineering and tourism history, climbing from the valley towards a celebrated high viewpoint. In the wider landscape, the old hamlet of Zmutt provides a tangible link to seasonal farming and the settlement patterns that predate the modern resort.

Show more landmarks

Explore Zermatt on the map

Plan your Zermatt trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Zermatt

Zermatt’s dining scene reflects Valais traditions, Swiss mountain cooking and the expectations of an international resort. Local menus commonly feature raclette, fondue, rösti and dried or cured meats, while Valais specialities such as dried beef and wines made from grapes grown elsewhere in the canton add regional character. Farm-style restaurants and mountain establishments often emphasise simple dishes suited to cold weather and strenuous days outdoors; in the village, restaurants broaden the choice with Italian, French and other international influences. Cafés and bakeries provide practical stops for coffee, pastries and packed provisions before excursions, while après-ski venues serve snacks and drinks in the late afternoon. Dining areas around Bahnhofstrasse and the older village lanes range from informal to refined, with reservations often relevant during busy periods.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Zermatt

Zermatt’s evening scene is concentrated and strongly shaped by the ski and mountain calendar rather than by a large urban club culture. Après-ski begins in venues close to the pistes and lifts, then continues in the village with hotel bars, traditional-style pubs, wine bars and cocktail lounges. Bahnhofstrasse and nearby central streets contain much of the social activity, while live music and DJ-led evenings appear in some resort venues during the winter season. The atmosphere can move from relaxed drinks around a fireplace to livelier late-night entertainment, although the scale remains that of a mountain resort. Visitors seeking a quieter evening can choose a restaurant, attend a seasonal cultural event or enjoy the illuminated village streets; opening arrangements and entertainment programmes vary by season.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Zermatt

Zermatt’s evening scene is concentrated and strongly shaped by the ski and mountain calendar rather than by a large urban club culture. Après-ski begins in venues close to the pistes and lifts, then continues in the village with hotel bars, traditional-style pubs, wine bars and cocktail lounges. Bahnhofstrasse and nearby central streets contain much of the social activity, while live music and DJ-led evenings appear in some resort venues during the winter season. The atmosphere can move from relaxed drinks around a fireplace to livelier late-night entertainment, although the scale remains that of a mountain resort. Visitors seeking a quieter evening can choose a restaurant, attend a seasonal cultural event or enjoy the illuminated village streets; opening arrangements and entertainment programmes vary by season.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Zermatt

Shopping in Zermatt is concentrated around Bahnhofstrasse and the adjoining central lanes, where outdoor equipment shops, ski specialists, jewellers, watch retailers, sports-fashion stores and food shops serve both residents and visitors. Traditional souvenirs often draw on the Matterhorn and Alpine imagery, while practical purchases include walking gear, ski equipment, woollens and weatherproof clothing. Local food products may include Valais wines, cheeses, dried meats and chocolate, although provenance varies between individual shops. Small galleries and craft-oriented retailers provide alternatives to resort clothing and technical equipment, while the older parts of the village offer a more historic setting for browsing. Zermatt’s shopping character is therefore closely connected to mountain life: part specialist outdoor centre, part Swiss resort high street, with a modest but visible rural heritage behind the commercial frontage.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Zermatt, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Zermatt essentials

Currency and Payment
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, abbreviated CHF. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, transport facilities, shops and many restaurants, though smaller businesses, mountain huts or rural services may have different arrangements. Cash machines are available in the village, but carrying a modest amount of Swiss francs is sensible for minor purchases and places where connectivity or card acceptance is limited. Travellers paying with foreign cards should check the exchange-rate option offered by the terminal before confirming a transaction. Switzerland is outside the eurozone, and euro cash may be accepted in some tourist-facing businesses but is not the standard currency.
Safety
Zermatt is generally well organised for visitors, but the mountain environment demands more care than the village streets suggest. Check weather, snow and trail conditions before leaving the resort, and choose routes suited to fitness, equipment and experience. At altitude, exertion and sun exposure can affect visitors quickly, while narrow paths, loose rock and sudden storms create hazards in summer. Winter travellers should follow piste markings and mountain safety guidance, particularly away from maintained ski runs. Keep valuables secure in busy areas and on trains, use marked paths after dark, and take local warnings about avalanches, rockfall or unstable snow seriously.
Emergency Situations
In Switzerland, call 112 for the general European emergency number; 117 reaches the police, 118 the fire service and 144 ambulance medical assistance. In the mountains, provide a precise location, route, visible landmark or lift reference, and describe the condition of anyone affected. Mobile coverage can vary in steep valleys and remote terrain, so do not rely solely on a phone when planning a hike. Mountain rescue may involve specialist services and substantial costs, making appropriate travel insurance important. For non-urgent medical questions, ask accommodation staff or local tourist services for current information about healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked paths, pasture gates and private land, and keep dogs under control around livestock. In mountain huts, follow the house rules and carry waste back to suitable disposal points. Dress and behave discreetly when entering the parish church or other religious spaces, and ask before photographing people, homes or working farms. Punctuality and quiet consideration are valued on Swiss trains and in shared accommodation. Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary. Do not underestimate altitude, changeable weather or the difficulty of a route simply because a viewpoint is accessible by transport.
Local Tips
Use the village railway station and the surrounding pedestrian streets as the practical orientation point, then explore beyond the central hotels to find Hinterdorf’s older buildings and the paths towards Zmutt. Mountain transport makes dramatic viewpoints accessible, but the best choice depends on visibility, season and walking ability rather than on collecting every summit station. Early starts usually provide calmer trails and more time to adapt to altitude. Ask locally about current path conditions, lift operations and snow cover, especially in shoulder seasons. A regional Swiss travel pass may be useful for rail journeys, but mountain transport supplements and exclusions should be checked before purchase.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüezi[gru-e-tsi]
GoodbyeUf Wiederluege[oof vee-der-loo-ge]
YesJa[yah]
NoNei[nigh]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[bit-te]
Thank youMerci[mer-see]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie goots?[vee gohts]
Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?[gweet. oont deer]
Do you speak English?Rede Sie Inglish?[ray-dee zee ing-lish]
I don't understandIch verstah nöd[eech fair-shtah nerd]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen[eech merkhteh bit-te dee shp-eye-zeh-kahr-teh zay-en]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[eech ess-eh kine fly-sh]
Cheers!Prost![prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen[eech merkhteh bit-te beh-tzah-len]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![hil-feh]
Go away!Geh weg![gay vegg]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsy]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![roo-fen zee ine-en ahrts]
I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt[eech hah-beh meesh fair-irt]
I'm illIch bin krank[eech been krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen[eech merkhteh ... kow-fen]
I'm just lookingIch schau mich nur um[eech show meesh noor oom]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?[vee feel kaws-tet duss]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[duss ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?[kern-en zee den prize zain-ken]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[vee shpet ist es]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[es ist iyn oor]
Half past (10)Halb elf[halb elf]
MorningMorga[mor-ga]
AfternoonNamitag[na-mee-tahg]
EveningAbig[ah-bi-g]
YesterdayGestern[ge-shtern]
TodayHüt[hoot]
TomorrowMorn[morn]
1eins[iyns]
2zwei[tsvay]
3drei[dry]
4vier[feer]
5fünf[fuhnf]
6sechs[zeks]
7sieben[zee-ben]
8acht[ahkt]
9neun[noyn]
10zehn[tsayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?[voh ist iyn/dehr]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[vahs ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[kern-en zee meer (owf dehr kahr-teh) tsee-gen]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[vahn kohmt dehr nayk-stuh (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Billett (nach ...)[ine bi-let (nahkh ...)]

History of Zermatt

Early Alpine Settlement

The upper Matter Valley was shaped for centuries by pastoral farming, seasonal movement and trade across the surrounding Alpine passes. Zermatt, known historically in German as Mattertal’s upper settlement and in older records as Praborgne, developed within a landscape where meadows, forests and high summer pastures were central to local life. The community’s traditional economy depended on livestock, haymaking and small-scale agriculture, while routes over the Theodul Pass connected the valley with the area around present-day Cervinia in Italy. The old wooden barns and storehouses preserved in parts of Zermatt reflect this agricultural past, even though the village economy later became dominated by tourism and mountain recreation.

Walser Culture in the Matter Valley

From the medieval period, the upper valleys around Zermatt were influenced by Walser settlers, German-speaking Alpine communities known for adapting farming and settlement to high mountain terrain. Their building traditions and seasonal use of upland pastures left a visible cultural imprint on the Matter Valley. Timber structures were often raised on stone supports designed to protect stored food from rodents, while scattered settlements reflected the demands of grazing and hay production. Zermatt’s local dialect and surviving rural architecture retain links to this wider Walser heritage. The village remained relatively remote for much of its history, with access governed by mountain paths and the seasonal conditions of the valley.

The Opening of Alpine Tourism

Zermatt began to attract mountaineers and foreign travellers during the nineteenth century, as advances in Alpine exploration brought the surrounding peaks to wider attention. The Matterhorn became the central focus of this interest, although attempts to reach its summit had repeatedly failed. The first successful ascent took place on 14 July 1865, led by Edward Whymper from the Swiss side. Four members of the climbing party died during the descent, and the event made the mountain internationally famous. Hotels and guiding services expanded soon afterwards, transforming Zermatt from a remote farming community into an early centre of Alpine tourism.

Railways and the Resort Era

Improved transport accelerated Zermatt’s transformation at the end of the nineteenth century. The Visp–Zermatt railway opened in 1891, linking the village with the wider Swiss railway network and making access more reliable. The Gornergrat Railway followed in 1898, carrying visitors towards one of the region’s foremost panoramic viewpoints. These connections supported the growth of hotels, mountain guides and excursion infrastructure while preserving the village’s dependence on the surrounding landscape. Tourism continued to develop through the twentieth century, first around summer mountaineering and later around winter sports as lifts, pistes and mountain transport expanded.

A Modern Car-free Alpine Community

Zermatt’s contemporary identity combines international tourism with an effort to preserve the character of a compact mountain settlement. Private combustion-engine vehicles are not permitted in the village, and visitors generally arrive by rail before continuing by electric taxi or local electric transport. Skiing and hiking remain central to the economy, while the Matterhorn, Gornergrat and high glacier viewpoints draw visitors throughout the year. At the same time, the village retains traces of its earlier life in Hinterdorf, Zmutt and the surrounding agricultural landscape. The result is a resort whose modern infrastructure remains closely tied to the history, ecology and visual drama of the Matter Valley.

Travel experiences inspired by this city

Explore more travel diaries

Zermatt in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Zermatt

The closest cities to Zermatt, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Switzerland
More of the region

Explore more of Switzerland

Discover Switzerland's majestic landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture. From alpine adventures to urban exploration, experience the best of Europe in one destination.

Explore Switzerland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Zermatt

Explore Zermatt with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and discover effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive information on Zermatt's attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Discover the best of Zermatt with Evendo, your free, all-in-one travel guide app. Explore famous landmarks, top-rated restaurants, and exciting activities with ease.

  • History of Zermatt and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience Zermatt like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Planning a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland? Make the most of your visit with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app designed to help you explore this beautiful alpine destination like a local. From the iconic Matterhorn to the charming streets of Zermatt Village, Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you the hassle of searching for what to see and do. Imagine standing at the foot of the Matterhorn, learning about its history and taking in local tips on the best photo spots, all from your phone. Picture yourself dining at Chez Vrony, one of Zermatt's top-rated restaurants, after reading reviews and checking out the menu within the app.

Evendo also offers rich sets of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Whether you're exploring the Gornergrat Railway, hiking to the Zermatt Five Lakes Walk, or enjoying the nightlife at Snowboat Bar & Yacht Club, Evendo ensures you have all the essential details at your fingertips.

The app includes features like the history of Zermatt, travel essentials, and curated local advice to help you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near me' feature allows you to easily see what attractions and amenities are around you, no matter where you are in Zermatt. And the best part? It's completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.