Zermatt 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Zermatt Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on experiencing Zermatt’s iconic scenery and alpine adventures. It can be adjusted based on your interests and energy levels!

Day 1: Matterhorn Views & Scenic Exploration

  • Morning:

    • Where to go: Start your day with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn! Grab breakfast at your hotel or chalet (see accommodation suggestions below) and then head up to one of the many viewing points.
    • Activity:
      • Sunrise Hike: For a truly unforgettable experience, join a guided tour for a pre-dawn hike to the Sunnegga area. The early morning light illuminates the Matterhorn in stunning ways, creating a magical sunrise backdrop.
      • Gornergrat Hike: Enjoy a scenic train ride up the Gornergrat (or take the funicular for a less strenuous option) and experience panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
    • Lunch:
      • Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of the Gornergrat, taking in the majestic mountain scenery.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch with a View: Enjoy your pre-packed lunch while soaking in the stunning views from the viewing platform. The Matterhorn Paradise station offers incredible vistas and is a great place to soak up the alpine atmosphere.
      • Where to eat: Grab a coffee and pastry at a cafe near the train station before heading up for lunch with a view.

  • Where to stay:

    • Accommodation:
      • Budget: The “Youth Hostel” in the village offers affordable dorm-style accommodation and has great views of the Matterhorn.
      • Mid-range: Consider staying at a traditional Swiss chalet like the “Hotel Bellerive” or “Alpine Lodge” for a cozy and authentic experience.
      • Luxury: For a splurge, stay at one of the iconic hotels near the Matterhorn with views of the mountain. Some popular choices include “The Omnia” or “Mont Cervin Palace”.

  • Accommodation Options:

    • Budget: Hotel Krone-Hof (affordable rooms and apartments)

  • Things to know:

    • Car-free village: Zermatt is a car-free village, so transportation is primarily by foot, electric taxi, or the Matterhorn Express gondola.
    • High altitude: Be prepared for the effects of high altitude, such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day.

  • Things to eat:

    • Traditional Swiss food: For a taste of traditional Swiss cuisine, head to “Chez Vrony” or “The Spycher” - both offer delicious fondue and other local specialties.

  • Mountain views:

    • Where to see them:

      • Gornergrat Mountain Viewpoint: Enjoy stunning panoramic views from this mountaintop destination. Accessible by a scenic train ride, the Gornergrat offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
      • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Take the highest cable car in Europe for incredible access to the mountain’s summit.

  • Things to do:

    • Gornergrat:

Take the Gornergrat Bahn (funicular) up to the top of the Matterhorn, a truly iconic experience!

    * **Hiking:**

Explore the many trails around the village and enjoy the fresh mountain air and the breathtaking views. * Visit the Matterhorn Museum: Learn about the history of the mountain and the climbers who have attempted its summit. * Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

Enjoy panoramic views from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a popular destination for tourists.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner at one of the restaurants in the village with a view of the Matterhorn (see “Sunnegga” and “Chez Vrony”).
  • Experience a vibrant evening in a car-free village. Stroll through the streets and admire the scenery without traffic noise.
  • Explore the local nightlife: For those looking for a more lively experience, there are several bars and pubs in Zermatt where you can enjoy drinks and live music.

Day 2: Adventure & Relaxation

  • Morning:

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Zermatt.

* **Things to do:**
    * **Adventure:** Take a mountain bike tour down the slopes of the Matterhorn!
  • Afternoon:

Take a scenic train ride up the Gornergrat and enjoy the view from the top (see “Gornergrat” for ideas).

Evening:

  • Enjoy a final meal in Zermatt with a stunning view of the Matterhorn, perhaps at one of the mountain restaurants, enjoying the sunset views.

  • Things to consider:

    • Altitude: Be aware that altitude sickness is a real risk. Take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of water.

  • Other things to do:

    • Enjoy a scenic hike with the Matterhorn as your backdrop.
    • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Explore the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a mountain station with breathtaking views and activities for all ages.

Day Trips:

  • Gornergrat: Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest altitude viewing platform. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys.**

    • Enjoy the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and its breathtaking views.
    • Zermatt: Explore the charming streets of Zermatt, a village known for its stunning views and car-free environment.

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere

of a car-free village nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn.

Possible activities:

  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the Matterhorn.

  • Sunnegga: Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Matterhorn.

    • Gornergrat Bahn: Experience the iconic mountain railway journey and its stunning views.
      • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
        • Take a scenic hike to the summit, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.

**Other things to do in

Switzerland:

  • Zermatt Matterhorn Ski Area: Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of the Matterhorn.
  • Zermatt Matterhorn Bike Park: Rent bikes and explore the mountains around the village.

Enjoy a delicious fondue at:

  • “The Matterhorn Express”: A funicular ride to the top of the mountain is a must-do for any visitor to the area.

Other things to do:

  • Visit Zermatt’s charming shops and cafes:

Sample local Swiss cheeses, chocolates, and pastries.

  • Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at “Chez Vrony” or another nearby restaurant with stunning views of the Matterhorn.

Things to consider:

  • Switzerland is a notoriously expensive country. Be prepared for high prices on everything from food and lodging to transportation and activities.
  • The altitude in Switzerland can be challenging: The air is thinner at higher elevations, so take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated.
  • Switzerland has a strict anti-smoking policy: Smoking is not allowed in any enclosed public spaces.

For a delicious dinner experience with spectacular views of the Matterhorn:

Try “Chez Vrony” for their stunning mountainside restaurant and breathtaking views.

  • Enjoy the fresh Alpine air and the Matterhorn’s majestic presence as you dine.

  • Hiking:

Take advantage of the incredible mountain views to enjoy a traditional Swiss experience.

  • Gornergrat Paradise Trail:

Enjoy the beauty of the alpine meadows while hiking, and take in the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Other things to do:

  • Take a hike on one of the many trails in the Alps:

Visit “Restaurant Klein Matterhorn” for a traditional Swiss meal with stunning views of the Matterhorn and other nearby restaurants for more casual dining options, like pizza or burgers.

Enjoy the views:

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the top of the mountain.

  • Enjoy the scenic view:

Take advantage of the “Gornergrat” viewing platform.

  • Enjoy the stunning views from the Matterhorn’s summit and the breathtaking scenery of the Alps.

Enjoy a delicious dinner in a traditional setting:

  • Try the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which is accessible by a scenic train ride and offers panoramic views while you enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine like fondue.

Hope this helps!