Zermatt is a car-free mountain village at about 1,620 m in the canton of Valais, world-famous as the gateway to the Matterhorn (4,478 m), whose almost perfect pyramid rises directly above the town. Because petrol vehicles are banned, only electric buses, electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages move through the streets, giving the resort its clean air and distinctive alpine-timber character. As of 2026 its mountain infrastructure runs at full swing, including the Gornergrat cog railway, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Europe's highest cable-car station), and the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing linking Switzerland to Italy entirely by cable car. It works well as a base you can plan around both village strolling and shopping and day trips to the high-altitude viewpoints.
Head-on Matterhorn views (4,478 m) - the classic shot from the Kirchbrücke bridge in the village centre, looking across the Matter Vispa river
Gornergrat cog railway - climbs to about 3,100 m for a panorama of 28 four-thousand-metre peaks and the Gorner Glacier
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - at 3,883 m the highest cable-car station in Europe, with snow and a Glacier Palace even in summer
Bahnhofstrasse - the main street lined with watch shops, outdoor stores and restaurants, where only carriages and electric vehicles pass
Sunnegga-Rothorn - the signature reflection photo spot where the Matterhorn mirrors upside-down in the calm waters of the Leisee
Good to know
RulesThe entire village is car-free. Leave rental cars at the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch car park down the valley and take the shuttle train, roughly 12 minutes, up to Zermatt. Confirm current parking and shuttle fares and departure intervals before you book.
SeasonThe Matterhorn is often crisp and cloud-free in the morning but clouds up in the afternoon. It pays to ride up to Gornergrat or Glacier Paradise early, and always check the forecast (e.g. the MeteoSwiss app) before setting out.
SafetyAscending quickly from the ~1,620 m village to the 3,883 m viewpoint can trigger mild altitude symptoms such as headache or dizziness. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity right after arriving up high.
SeasonMountain weather changes fast. Even in midsummer the top stations can be below freezing, so pack windproof and warm layers, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable hiking shoes.
MannersIn Switzerland service is already included, so tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up the change for good service is more than enough.
CautionWatch for pickpockets on crowded mountain trains, viewpoints and the busy Bahnhofstrasse. Wear bags to the front and keep valuables like passport, cash and phone close to your body.
RulesThe Matterhorn Alpine Crossing lets you cross the border to Cervinia in Italy entirely by cable car. Although it is within the Schengen area, ID checks are possible, so carry your passport if you plan to cross.
Practical info
From Zurich, Geneva or Bern, take a train changing at Visp, then ride the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for about 75 minutes to the terminus at Zermatt station; drivers park at Matterhorn Terminal Täsch and switch to the shuttle train. The village is open year-round, but mountain railways and cable cars run to seasonal and maintenance schedules, so verify ticket prices (such as the Peak Pass) and operating hours on the official sites for the latest information.
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