Zermatt is one of my absolute favorite places in Switzerland. I’ve already visited it 3 times (twice in the summer and once in the winter for skiing). And I can’t wait to return and explore even more hidden gems.
I’d like to share my experiences in Zermatt and the best things you can do. Follow this 2-day Zermatt itinerary, and you can visit all the highlights.
Are you ready to explore Zermatt together?
Let’s get into it.
How To Spend 2 Days In Zermatt: Itinerary Overview
Here is an overview of what I recommend you explore throughout 2 days in Zermatt.
I’ve included a mixture of mountain excursions and stunning hiking trails, with a bit of culture and a culinary experience, so you can enjoy a little bit of everything.
1. DAY IN ZERMATT:
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat excursion
- Gorner Gorge
- Culinary experience in Zermatt & Spa
2. DAY IN ZERMATT:
- 5 Lakes’ Hiking Trail
- Explore Zermatt & Matterhorn Museum
- Evening Spa & Viewing Point
β Travel Resources For Your Trip β
Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.
Book your hotel on BOOKING.COM Best bank account & cards for travel (low fees, free withdrawals) – WISE Get the best travel insurance deals with SAFETY WINGS Do the best activities with GET YOUR GUIDE Mobile Data – use this eSIM CARD to stay connected |
1. Day In Zermatt Itinerary
Good morning in Zermatt! I hope you slept well because today, you can enjoy one of the best mountain excursions in Zermatt. I’ll give you 2 options, and you can choose which one you want to do.
Here is a quick overview of the day 1:
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise/Gornergrat
- Gorner Gorge
- Explore Zermatt with dinner & Spa
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Today, I highly recommend enjoying the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain excursion. It’s the highest cable car station in Europe (12’740 feet/ 3883 m), so prepare for some stunning views of the Alps and maybe even a quick trip to Italy.
The excursion starts at the cable car station in Zermatt called ‘Matterhorn Express‘. You’ll take this cable car and ride via 2 middle stations: Furi & Schwarzsee (stay seated). Get off at the end station called Trockener Steg. After, change to the world’s highest 3S cable car to the top of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
PRO TIP: You can visit the InfoCube – a small room where you can learn about the construction of this 3S cable car and the science behind it (it’s very interesting).
Have your cameras ready as you ride above massive glaciers with stunning views of Matterhorn. It’s an unforgettable journey; I was tearing up when I saw it.
Enjoy the views from the viewing platform, walk through the Ice Palace (cave) and the Alpine cinema, and get out of the station to walk in the snow. It feels like a different world up there.
A Quick Trip To Italy
Afterward, you can take a series of cable cars to Italy. If you choose this option, start with the 3S cable car to Testa Grigia, change to the giant cable car to Plan Maison, and then take the last cable car to Cervinia (Italy).
There isn’t much to do in Cervinia, but I enjoyed crossing the border to Italy on all these cable cars. So you might want to do it just for the experience.
PRO TIP: I recommend getting off at Testa Grigia station and enjoying Italian food at the local mountain hut called ‘Rifugio Guide del Cervino.’
Trockener Steg & Schwarzsee
Take the 3S cable car back to Trockener Steg station from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Get off there and enjoy the Matterhorn views for a while. You can walk around the Theodulgletschersee (lake).
From there, it’s also possible to walk the ‘Matterhorn Glacier Trail‘ to the Schwarzsee station (takes approx. 2.5 hours).
You can also take the Matterhorn Express cable car from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee (one of the middle stations). Get off here and take some pictures with the ‘Zermatt’ sign. You can also enjoy an afternoon snack at Hotel Schwarzsee. Walk around for a bit; it’s a beautiful area.
When you’re ready, hop on the Matterhorn Express cable car again and ride it via Furi back to Zermatt.
This is what the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise excursion is all about and what you can expect. If you visit Italy or make any of the stops I suggested, it’s a full-day excursion.
Gornergrat Excursion
Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy the Gornergrat area today.
First, take the Gornergrat train from Zermatt (opposite the main train station) and get off at the Rotenboden station. I recommend first getting off here instead of driving up to Gornergrat because there is something special I’d love for you to experience.
From the Rotenboden station, talk about 10 minutes to the Riffelsee (lake). The lake offers an amazing reflection of the Matterhorn. The best is to take the first departing Gornergrat train from Zermatt, and you’ll have the area for yourself. Enjoy the views and peace for a while, and walk back to the Rotenboden station.
Then, take the Gornergrat train to the top of Gornergrat. You can enjoy the views of massive glaciers around, spot the Monte Rosa mountain hut, see the highest mountain in Switzerland (Dufourspitze – 15,203 feet/4,634 m), and, of course, the Matterhorn.
Gornergrat also hosts the second-highest hotel in Europe – 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat.
You can also visit the ZOOM Matterhorn @Gornergrat rooms, which has an exhibition about ice trekking, hiking in high altitudes, mountain guides, and flying above the Swiss Alps using VR.
π READ ALSO: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Or Gornergrat: Which Is Better To Visit?
Hike The Swiss Top Walk & Pet The Black Sheep
After, take the Gornergrat train back to Rotenboden station and get off there again. I highly recommend following the so-called ‘Swiss Top Walk‘ from Rotenboden station to Riffelberg station.
It’s an easy downhill trail with breathtaking views and only takes about 40 minutes to complete. You can also find and pet the famous black sheep on the way (scan the QR codes on the trail to locate them).
In Riffelberg, enjoy lunch at the local restaurant (I recommend Riffelhaus 1853). It’s a great area to relax and even have a picnic.
Whenever you’re ready, take the Gornergrat train back to Zermatt. You can skip everything I suggested above and just take the train from Gornergrat back to Zermatt without stopping.
Can I Do Gornergrat And Glacier Paradise In One Day?
Yes, you can. It’s possible. If you just take the cable cars from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in the morning (takes approx. 45 minutes 1-way), spend about an hour at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, then ride the cable cars back to Zermatt, and walk to the Gornergrat station.
Then, spend the afternoon taking a train up to Gornergrat, enjoy Gornergrat with Riffelsee Lake for about 2 hours, and take the Gornergrat train back to Zermatt.
While it’s possible to visit both within a day, I wouldn’t recommend it, because you’ll miss out on the little things each excursion offers. You’ll be in a rush and unable to soak it all in. So I recommend splitting it into 2 days and taking your time.
π READ ALSO: Gornergrat And Matterhorn Glacier Paradise In One Day: Full Itinerary
Gorner Gorge
If you still have time in the afternoon, I suggest visiting the Gorner Gorge in Zermatt.
The Gorner Gorge is a stunning natural gorge carved by the Gornera River. It’s surrounded by dramatic rock formations, with crystal-clear water rushing through the narrow passageways.
You can walk through several bridges and pathways while enjoying the landscape. It’s an easy and fun walk if you want to stay in Zermatt and still feel the amazing nature.
Evening In Zermatt
In the evening, I suggest enjoying Zermatt and its culinary world. Zermatt has some of the best food scenes in Switzerland. Don’t miss out on trying traditional local food called ‘Raclette‘ or ‘Fondue.’
I suggest the following restaurants:
π Whymper Stube
π Restaurant SchΓ€ferstube
π Chez Heini
π Du Pont
You can also enjoy some spa at your hotel or as an external guest in one of the spa hotels. I recommend checking out:
π The Cervo Mountain Resor
π Alpen Resort & Spa
π 22 Summits
Have a great and relaxing evening in Zermatt, walk around its streets alongside the river, and go watch the stars with the shiny Matterhorn at night. It’s awesome and super romantic!
π READ ALSO: 3 Days In Switzerland: 11 Itineraries For Different Travelers & Seasons
Travel Itinerary Planning Services
β Did you know? I design customized travel itineraries. |
---|
β‘ Whether you’re traveling somewhere for the first time and don’t know where to start and how to plan your trip… β‘ Or you don’t want to spend a thousand hours planning your perfect trip… π LET ME HELP YOU – I’ll design a travel itinerary based on your needs and interests (fill out the form below π). |
2. Day In Zermatt Itinerary
On your second day in Zermatt, I recommend enjoying my favorite hike: 5 Lakes’ Hike. It’s a wonderful trail through pure nature and stunning meadows full of flowers while you hike from one lake to another. Altogether, you’ll visit 5 lakes as you hike through it.
In the afternoon, explore more of Zermatt, visit the Matterhorn Museum, a traditional street with wooden houses, and walk up to the best viewing point in Zermatt.
5 Lakes’ Hiking Trail
You’ll start the day at the Sunegga station in Zermatt. Take the funicular train up to the Sunegga station. Then, change to the cable car and ride it to Blauherd station.
Enjoy the views for a while in Blauherd, and then you have 2 options to start this hike.
1. OPTION: From Blauherd, take the last cable car to Rothorn Mountain. I wouldn’t skip Rothorn; it’s one of my favorite areas around Zermatt and offers some of the best views of Matterhorn and the Alps. You can start your hike from here and hike down to Fluhalp. Or you can take the cable car back to Blauherd and start the hike from there.
2. OPTION: Skip Rothorn Mountain and start your 5 Lakes’ Hike from Blauherd (the official trail).
I started the hike at the Rothorn mountain and couldn’t have done any better. There was barely anyone there; the views were breathtaking; I got to run, dance, feel free, and follow the signs first to the Fluhalp mountain hut.
Either way you decide to go, you’ll follow the signs, visiting 5 lakes:
π Stellisee
π Grindjisee
π GrΓΌnsee
π Moosjisee
π Leisee
If you start in Blauherd, you’ll first hike to Stellisee. From there, you can make a slight detour (approx. 30 minutes) to the Fluhalp mountain hut or just continue following the signs to the next lake (Grindjisee).
If you start your hike in Rothorn, you’ll first hike to Fluhalp and then connect to the 5 Lakes’ Trail, first visiting Stellisee and then continuing to the other lakes.
The entire hike takes 3 to 4 hours (starting in Blauherd), depending on how many times you stop. If you start in Rothorn, count with 4 to 5 hours for the entire trail.
It took me 6 hours from Rothorn because I was constantly distracted by the insane views. I took thousands of pictures and stopped several times to reflect and enjoy the beauty. Wow, what an amazing time it was.
You’ll end the hike at the Leisee lake at the Sunegga station. Then just take the same funicular train from Sunegga back to Zermatt.
Explore Zermatt & Matterhorn Museum
In the afternoon today, take some time to explore Zermatt. I suggest walking around and visiting the ‘Hinterdorfstrasse‘ street, which has traditional wooden houses.
Then, go inside the Matterhorn Museum to learn more about mountaineering, glaciers, and the area around Zermatt. The museum is free to enter if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.
In the evening or late afternoon, I highly recommend walking to the best viewing point in Zermatt (Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint) to take some pictures of the town with Matterhorn in the background.
π READ ALSO: Honeymoon In Switzerland: How To Plan Your Romantic Gateway
Zermatt Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Zermatt
I have some more tips to help you plan your stay in Zermatt even in more detail. In this section, I’ll explain how to get to and around Zermatt, where to eat, other things you can do, and my favorite places to stay in the town.
So check out all my tips below:
Map Of Zermatt & Location
Zermatt is a car-free village, so the only way to get there is by train. It’s located in southern Switzerland, close to the Italian border.
Here is a map of Zermatt so that you can picture its location:
Getting To Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free village, so the only way to get there is by train.
If you have a car, you can drive up to the small village called TΓ€sch. Then leave your car in TΓ€sch at the parking place, and there are regular trains to Zermatt.
If you’re riding trains in Switzerland, you can easily reach Zermatt by train from any other major Swiss city:
π Zurich – Zermatt: 3 hours & 15 minutes with IC6 train (1 change)
π Bern – Zermatt: 2 hours & 10 minutes vwith IC6 or IC8 train (1 change)
π Interlaken – Zermatt: 2 hours & 18 minutes (2 changes)
π Geneva – Zermatt: 3 hours & 45 minutes with IC90 or IC95 train (1 change)
π St. Moritz – Zermatt: 8 hours with the Glacier Express panoramic train (no change)
You’ll always have to change trains in Visp to get to Zermatt. Just make sure to catch the last train, departing Visp at 10:37 pm.
Best Way To Get Around Zermatt & Transportation Passes
The best way to get around Zermatt is to just walk. It’s a small town, and it only takes about 30 minutes to walk from one side of it to another.
You can also take a local taxi shuttle (small cars) that drives around. When you arrive at the train station, you can contact your hotel to arrange this taxi shuttle to pick you up.
Best Transportation Passes For Zermatt
If you can’t decide which travel pass to buy for your visit in Zermatt, here is all the information you’ll need. Whether you already have a Swiss Travel Pass and wonder how much extra these mountain excursions cost, or you are looking for more ways to save, I’ve got you covered:
Here are the best transportation passes and ticket options for your visit to Zermatt:
β PEAK2PEAK PASS – This pass enables you to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat within 1 day. You’ll start with riding up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and then switch to the cable car from Furi to Riffelberg and the Gornergrat train to the top.
β PEAK PASS – this pass offers the best value if you want to see many places in Zermatt and take many trains and cable cars multiple times. The longer you stay in Zermatt and the more things you want to do, the more this pass will pay off.
β SWISS TRAVEL PASS – if you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll get a 50% discount for all the mountain excursions in Zermatt:
β‘ Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: extra cost 47.50 CHF (return trip, excluding crossing to Italy-Cervinia)
β‘ Gornergrat Excursion: extra cost 66 CHF (return trip)
β SINGLE TICKETS – if you just want to buy a single ticket for each excursion, you can do so. You might consider this option if Zermatt is the only place you’ll visit in Switzerland and you only want to do 1 excursion and don’t have any other transportation pass:
β‘ Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – get a ticket here
β‘ Gornergrat Excursion – get a ticket here
β HALF-FARE CARD – if you have a Half-Fare Card, it’ll also give you 50% off for the mountain excursions
π READ ALSO: 11 Cheapest Ways To Travel Switzerland On A Budget
Best Time To Visit Zermatt
June, September, and October are the best months to visit Zermatt in the summer. These months tend to be less crowded, yet you’ll enjoy the most beautiful season full of flowers and stunning sceneries, beautiful weather, and colors during the fall.
The best winter months to visit are January and February. The ski and winter hiking seasons are in full swing; you can enjoy all the lifts, and all the facilities are open. There is usually also the most snow these months.
π READ ALSO: Best Time To Visit Switzerland: Monthly Guide By A Local & Tips
Where To Stay In Zermatt: My Favorite Hotels
Zermatt has some of the most beautiful hotels and traditional cottages in Switzerland. So even if you don’t want to do any excursions, it’s a perfect place to treat yourself, stay in a beautiful spa resort, and relax surrounded by nature.
Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Zermatt (from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxury hotels):
π Bolero Apartments – budget-friendly apartments – book here
π Alpine Hotel Perren – budget-friendly hotel – book here
π Hotel Holiday – budget-friendly hotel – book here
π Hotel Cheminee – budget-friendly hotel – book here
π Hotel ZERMAMA – mid-range hotel – book here
π 22 Summits Boutique Hotel – mid-range hotel – book here
π Matterhorn Lodge Boutique Hotel – mid-range hotel – book here
π La couronne Hotel & Spa – mid-range hotel – book here
π Matthiol Boutique Hotel – luxury resort – book here
π Nomad by CERVO Mountain Resort – luxury resort – book here
π Relais & Chateaux SchΓΆnegg – luxury hotel – book here
π La Vue Luxury Living Apartments – luxury apartments – book here
Best Places To Eat In Zermatt
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Zermatt. As I mentioned above, Zermatt provides one of the best culinary experiences in Switzerland, so prepare your stomach and check out at least a few of these spots.
Don’t miss out on my favorite bakery and its delicious fresh sourdough bread:
π Whymper Stube – great for Swiss dishes
π Restaurant SchΓ€ferstube – great for Raclette
π Du Pont – great for Fondue
π Grampiβs Bar & Restaurant
π Swiss Chalet
π Potato Fine Food Restaurant – fine-dining restaurant
π Chez Heini
π Chez Vroni – attention, this one is in Findeln (not in Zermatt)
π Golden India Zermatt
π Backzeit bakery & cafΓ© Zermatt – my favorite bakery & coffee shop
π Zermama Bistro – great snacks and meals
How Many Days In Zermatt Is Enough?
2 to 3 full days is the perfect amount to spend in Zermatt. You’ll get to see and enjoy all the highlights and get the most of your time.
You can also visit just for a day, but it would be too much in a rush, and it’s not enough to soak up Zermatt’s incredible atmosphere. So visit at least for 2 days.
Other Great Things To Do In Zermatt
If you have more time or are interested in doing something else in Zermatt, apart from the excursions I suggested above, here are my tips:
π Hike Matterhorn Glacier Trail (from Tockener Steg to Schwarzsee station)
π Hike from Schwarzee to Furi station
π Walk through the HΓ€ngebrΓΌcke Furi suspension bridge
π Mountain bike or walk on the Moostrail (from Furi to Zermatt)
π Go paragliding
π Ride the mountain carts from Blauherd to Sunegga
π Go glacier trekking to Monte Rosa hut
π Visit Findeln village
π Enjoy the Forest Fun Park Zermatt
BONUS: 8-Day Switzerland Itinerary
Take my free Swiss itinerary for 8 days if you want to visit more of Switzerland. It also includes Zermatt and other stunning places around the country.
I’ve designed it based on my own experience traveling around Switzerland. You can follow it daily, travel by train, and experience some of the best spots in Switzerland.
FAQs
I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about Zermatt and its excursions.
Check my answers below:
Is Two Days In Zermatt Enough?
Yes, 2 days is enough for Zermatt. It’s the perfect time to experience the highlights of the place. Although, if you want to do everything that Zermatt has to offer, consider spending 4 full days there.
How Many Days In Zermatt Should You Spend In Winter?
4 days in Zermatt in winter is a great amount to spend. You’ll get enough skiing, ride through the best slopes, enjoy hiking, and still have time to explore the town, enjoy its culinary experiences, and relax in a spa.
Which Is Better, Grindelwald Or Zermatt?
I can’t tell, honestly. Both are so different, and both are my favorite places in all of Switzerland. Grindelwald is bigger and has more options for activities (the entire Jungfrau region), while Zermatt is smaller and cozier and has fewer options for mountain excursions. Still, both are amazing.
How long is the ride from Zermatt to Gornergrat?
The ride from Zermatt to Gornergrat takes 38 minutes (1-way). The trains are always on time; there are many trains throughout the day, approximately every half-hour.
Which Is Better, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Or Gornergrat?
Both are very different, you can’t say that one is better. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is much higher and offers more stunning views, including the majestic cable car ride to Europe’s highest mountain station. It also offers more activities than Gornergrat.
Gornergrat is a train excursion that has fewer activities to offer. Still, it’s better for hiking, and the views of green meadows, glaciers, and black sheep are unforgettable.
Can I Walk From Gornergrat To Zermatt?
Yes, you can walk from Gornergrat to Zermatt, it takes about 4 hours.
WRAP-UP: Zermatt Itinerary 2 Days
This is my 2-day itinerary for Zermatt so you can see all the highlights this town has to offer. Get the most out of your time and enjoy every single moment. It’s such a special place, and I can’t wait for you to visit it.
If you have any questions or need some help planning your trip to Zermatt and Switzerland, I also create customized travel itineraries so you can request one. Or just contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com for more tips.
Enjoy Zermatt!
More Tips For Switzerland Travel
Looking to visit more places in Switzerland? Check out my related articles:
5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland
Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland
Jungfrau Travel Pass vs. Swiss Travel Pass
8 Best Mountains In Switzerland To Visit
Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Worth It? Ultimate Guide
22 Amazing Day Trips From Interlaken
23 Incredible Things To Do In Jungfrau Region
Where To Stay In Grindelwald: 9 Best Hotels
Zurich To Interlaken: Complete Travel Guide
Brienz Switzerland: Best Things To Do & Places To Visit
Do People Speak English In Switzerland? My Experience
Does Switzerland Use The Euro? All You Need To Know
How Swiss Cheese Is Made: 6 Simple Steps
About the author: Nicoletta is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.
SWITZERLAND: Interested in more articles for Switzerland?
Check out my Switzerland Travel Page.