Zermatt Holiday Itinerary

Flight from the UK to Zurich airport with rail travel to Interlaken (approximately 2 hours).

Your journey from the airport culminates in an incredibly scenic train ride up to Zermatt - enjoy the rushing streams and waterfalls and the sight of the mountains getting ever closer. After check in, take a stroll around this fantastic village which is everything you've dreamt of Switzerland being, and more! You can window shop along the chic boutiques and feast your eyes upon the tempting delicacies in the traditional bakeries, all the while with the Matterhorn as your backdrop. 

Helpful links

Zermatt resort page & hotels

Valais excursions

Your day begins in Zermatt, where you’ll make your way to the Gornergrat railway station, located directly opposite the main railway station. Climb aboard the famous cogwheel train and settle in as it winds its way through forests and alpine meadows. As you climb higher, the views become more spectacular, with the Matterhorn gradually revealing itself against the surrounding peaks.

On arrival, head straight to the viewing platform at 3,131 metres. This is one of the best places to see the Matterhorn, so take your time to wander around and enjoy the different perspectives. The Matterhorn looks different from every viewpoint, so there’s a photo opportunity around every corner. Take a moment to simply stand and enjoy the incredible alpine panorama. 

Gornergrat is about more than just the views, so make your way to Zooom the Matterhorn, an interactive exhibition that brings the Matterhorn and its surrounding Alpine world to life. It’s fascinating for all ages and a great option if the weather isn’t at its best. When you’re ready to continue, take the train down to Rotenboden and walk to Riffelsee, famous for its beautiful reflections of the Matterhorn. Continue towards Riffelberg, enjoying the changing mountain views along the way, before catching the train back to Zermatt where you can wander through the village, enjoy a well-earned coffee or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.

You may also wish to make your visit even more memorable by staying overnight at the hotel at the summit. Gornergrat is truly magical once the day visitors have gone. Step outside after dark and, with so little light pollution, the stars seem incredibly close - you can almost feel as though you could reach out and touch them. Alternatively, make the journey itself part of the experience by travelling in NostalChic Class, aboard a beautifully preserved historic carriage.

Your day to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise begins in Zermatt, where you’ll board the Matterhorn Express and journey high into the mountains. As you climb, watch the landscape change from green alpine meadows and forests to rugged scenery and snow-covered peaks. After around 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at 3,883 metres, home to the highest cable car station in Europe. Step onto the viewing platform and take in the incredible 360° panorama across Switzerland, Italy and France, with the Matterhorn standing proudly among the surrounding peaks. On a clear day, the views are simply unforgettable.

Next, explore the Glacier Palace, venturing beneath the glacier through sparkling blue ice tunnels and discovering fascinating ice sculptures. Then visit the Cinema Lounge to learn more about the Matterhorn, glaciers, wildlife and the surrounding alpine world. If conditions allow, you may also have the opportunity to experience the snow on the glacier, with skiing and snow activities available during the summer season. For an extra-special experience, you can even take the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing towards Cervinia in Italy.

When it’s time to relax, enjoy a meal, light lunch or drink at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise restaurant, dining at almost 4,000 metres with an incredible alpine panorama all around you. Before heading back to Zermatt, take one last moment to enjoy the views before beginning your descent. Watch as the snowy landscape gradually transforms into green alpine meadows and finally the village below.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers far more than incredible views - it’s a chance to experience glaciers, ice, snow, adventure and dining high above the Alps. And, of course, you’ll be experiencing the Matterhorn, one of the most photographed mountains in the world - a sight that will stay with you long after your visit.

Your next adventure begins with a short journey from Zermatt to Sunnegga, where you’ll emerge from the funicular to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular panorama, with the Matterhorn rising dramatically in front of you. From Sunnegga, set off on one of the scenic walking trails through the alpine landscape. The paths take you through meadows filled with wildflowers, past traditional mountain scenery and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot the famous marmots that live around the area.

One of the highlights is Leisee, a beautiful mountain lake just a short walk from Sunnegga. This is a lovely place to stop, take photographs and enjoy the views. In warmer months, you can relax by the lake, have a picnic or simply take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Continue exploring the trails at your own pace, with the Matterhorn appearing from different angles along the way. Whether you choose a gentle stroll or a longer hike, Sunnegga is the perfect place to experience the natural beauty of Zermatt without needing to venture too far from the village. 

As your time in Zermatt comes to an end, why not have a little fun and make your own Matterhörnli at Fuchs Bakery? Here, you can create your very own delicious chocolate Matterhorns to take home as a special souvenir of your trip - if they last that long, as they’re simply too delicious to resist!

For your last evening, head out into the village and enjoy dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants or cosy bars. It's a delight to wander through the bustling little streets, catching glimpses of the Matterhorn from every corner. As the evening draws to a close, look back one last time as the mountain seems to whisper “good night” before you say farewell to Zermatt.

Time to say farewell to Zermatt. Before you head back, why not stop for a coffee and souvenir shopping before your train departs for the scenic journey back to the airport.