Holidays in Zermatt

Start the day with a scenic taxi to the remote area of Täschalp. From mid-June - end August, the local cheese maker will be up on the mountain pastures with his herd of dairy cows. The walking route follows a gently undulating path from Täschalp, via Tuftern and through larch forest to Sunnegga, where we take the funicular back to Zermatt. Along the way, enjoy views of the Matterhorn and the chance to spot wildflowers, mountain goats or marmots.

• Grade: moderate
• Distance: 8.5km
• Walking time: approx. 3.5 - 4.5 hours
• Ascent/descent: 290m
• Terrain: mainly forest path or single trail (may be uneven and rocky/rooty in places)

In Summer 25, this walk will run on: 3 Jun, 16 Jun, 30 Jun, 16 Jul, 29 Jul, 11 Aug, 27 Aug and 9 Sep

The walk up to Furi is a rewarding one, passing traditional rustic farm buildings and villages, all with spectacular views. The highlight is the section through the Gorner Gorge, which has been carved by powerful waters over thousands of years.

• Grade: easy - moderate
• Distance: 8km
• Ascent/descent: 300m
• Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours
• Terrain: mainly easier trails through the forest and meadows (may be a little uneven in places) with a section through the gorge path

In Summer 25, this walk will run on: 5 Jun, 19 Jun, 3 Jul, 18 Jul, 31 Jul, 14 Aug, 29 Aug and 11 Sep

Starting at Blauherd at 2,571 metres altitude, the chance to spot the altitude-loving Edelweiss flower is quite high. The route goes gently downhill, with impressive Matterhorn views the whole way. The first lake we pass is the Stellisee, famous for the mirror reflection of the famous peak which is the perfect Zermatt photo opportunity.

• Grade: moderate
• Distance: 6.5km
• Walking time: approx. 2.5 - 3.5 hours
• Ascent/Descent: 400m descent and 100m ascent
• Terrain: mainly gentle walking path (can be a bit rocky and uneven in places)

In Summer 25, this walk will run on: 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 19 Aug, 1 Sep and 15 Sep

The cable car to Furi takes the leg work out of the uphill and the trail starts from the top. Follow a beautiful, shaded trail to the hamlet of Zmutt which is made up of traditional barns and farmhouses - the people who live here still have a traditional way of life. On the way back to Zermatt, we try to see the famous black-nosed sheep.

• Grade: easy - moderate
• Distance: 5.5km
• Ascent/descent: 120m ascent and 340m descent
• Walking time: approx. 2 hours
• Terrain: mainly easier trails through the forest and meadows (may be a little uneven in places)

In Summer 25, this walk will run on: 29 May, 12 Jun, 26 Jun, 10 Jul, 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 22 Aug, 4 Sep and 18 Sep

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 4.6km
• Walking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Terrain: Dirt/gravel path with some rocky sections

This walk is perfect for those who enjoy alpine flora. Starting at the Blauherd mountain station, the path follows a simple dirt trail with views of the Zermatt valley and the towering Weisshorn. As you descend towards Sunnegga, you'll likely spot some of the most iconic alpine flowers, including Edelweiss. Along the way, several information panels provide insights into the plants and wildlife of the region.

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 4.4km
• Walking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Terrain: Steep gravel path with grassy sections

This walk is a must-do, especially in the autumn when the Larch trees are in full colour. Starting from Schwarzsee, the path descends through alpine meadows with views of the Gorner Glacier and Zermatt below. The trail passes by grazing Zermatt Black Nosed Sheep before reaching Furi, where you can enjoy a break at one of the rustic alpine restaurants. Afterward, take the gondola back to Zermatt.

• Grade: Challenging
• Distance: 4.3km
• Walking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Terrain: Steep rocky trail with metal walkways in places

Following the route of the first climbers to conquer the Matterhorn, the Hörnli Trail is a Zermatt classic. Starting at the Schwarzsee gondola station, you’ll ascend past the lake and its historic chapel before tackling the steep, rocky ridge. As you near the hut, stunning views of the Matterhorn Glacier and seracs unfold. Be sure to chat with climbers at the hut about their summit expeditions.

Enjoy unrivalled views from the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 metres above sea level. You'll need plenty of time to explore up here as the air is quite thin, but the views will certainly keep you entertained for a long while - on a clear day views stretch as far as the Jungfrau and Mont Blanc. You can also visit the Glacier Palace which is a network of tunnels and caves 15 metres below the surface of the ice, with sculptures and an ice toboggan run. 

Why not take a trip to Italy while you're there, too? The new 3S cable car link completes the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing which enables cable car travel over into Italy on a stunning panoramic journey.

Tickets for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

You can buy tickets to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise locally through your Destination Expert. With individual tickets, entry to the Glacier Palace is not included. Alternatively you can pre-book a Peak Pass which includes travel up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and entry to the Glacier Palace, plus many other lifts and mountain railways throughout the Zermatt-Matterhorn region. (Please note: ski lifts and the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing lift are not included in the Peak Pass and must be purchased separately).

Many more options are available locally through your Destination Expert.

Prices shown include a Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Zermatt Tourism Pascal Gertschen)

Traditional, black-nosed sheep spend their summer grazing the pastures of the Gornergrat, and thanks to the shepherdess, you can meet them. They’re tracked with GPS so are easy to find as they laze in the sun and graze in the meadows - Shepherdess Nathalie is happy to share interesting information about her woolly companions.

Image: (Copyright: Zermatt Tourism Nicholas Iliano)

Enjoy family time outdoors and solve puzzles as you go at Wolli Wonderland – an exciting family trail that has 17 stops with puzzle exhibits and play areas along the way. Learn about the wild animals of Zermatt, help Wolli find Mitza the cat, and have lots of fun along the way.

There’s also Wolli’s Adventure Park at Sunnegga, where there’s an adventure playground, mini beach, and barbeque areas by the Leisee Lake. The lake is also a popular place for a cooling afternoon dip.

Image: (Copyright: Zermatt Tourism Nicholas Iliano)

A day trip to the mountain hamlet of Furi gives lots of options for exploration, from the Furi Suspension Bridge to the Gorner Gorge. There’s a charming playground at the Dossen glacier garden, the Ricola herb garden and spots to barbeque too.

The Schalisee lake is the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon, with lake swims and games on the grass. It’s easy to get to, on the walking trail that links Täsch and Randa, and there are plenty of trees for shade and picnic tables. For the children, there’s a playground and beach volleyball area, plus the Bike Zone Schali with pump track and skills loop and a small cable wake park too.

Image: (Copyright: Zermatt Tourism)

Enjoy a scenic train transfer up the Gornergrat on the famous Gornergrat Rack Railway – the highest open-track railway in Europe. At the top, incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains await, including the most amazing views of the Matterhorn.

At the top of the Gornergrat there's plenty to do, from the interactive ZOOOM the Matterhorn exhibition to picturesque walking trails, the Alpine Garden and the opportunity to meet the Blacknose sheep. Take a hike to the Riffelsee lake to try to capture the ultimate mirror-reflection of the Matterhorn, or head to the viewing platform to see the all-round panorama of 29 four-thousand-metre peaks.

Tickets for the Gornergrat

You can purchase your ticket for the Gornergrat railway at the time of booking, or buy locally. It's also included on the Peak Pass.

Prices shown include a Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism)

The Zermatt-Matterhorn area is the largest and highest summer skiing area in Europe with 21 kilometres of slopes open on the Theodul Glacier at Klein Matterhorn. There's the Zermatt Summer Snowpark for freestyle fans too, plus you can rent equipment or book lessons. Conditions are best in the mornings before the sun gets stronger, and the ski-specific lifts close at midday to preserve the slopes for the following days.

Image: (Copyright: Matterhorn Paradise)

Zermatt offers a wide variety of trails, from flow trails through the forests to natural alpine trails that are more technical. Weave through the Swiss stone pine forest on the Sunnegga flow trail, explore the hamlet of Furi and then enjoy the flowy descent down the Moos Trail back to Zermatt or experience alpine meadows on the Riffelberg Trail. There's also a mobile pump track in Zermatt throughout the summer season and the Bike Zone Schali next to the Schalisee in Täsch which has a pump track, skills loop and some jumps. Zermatt permits biking on many trails, so long as there's no signs forbidding it, so for those wanting to explore more alpine terrain and natural trails, there's plenty on offer here. 

Image: (Copyright: Zermatt Tourism)

Just a short walk from the top of the Sunnegga funicular, the Leisee lake is popular with families. There's plenty of space to relax and enjoy a dip in the lake while you enjoy the spectacular Matterhorn views, and for children there's a play area and wooden ball track.

Image: (Copyright: Matterhorn Paradise))

Follow a 1.6-kilometre route through alpine meadows on your three-wheeled mountain cart as you wind from Blauherd down to Sunnegga, enjoying Matterhorn views as you go.

Image: (Copyright: Matterhorn Paradise)

A kickbike or trottibike is like a cross between a mountain bike and a scooter. Enjoy a thrilling ride as you zig-zag through the stone pine forest from Sunnegga down to Zermatt with the wind in your hair.

Image: (Copyright: Leander Wenger)

The forest fun park in Zermatt provides adrenaline-filled fun for all ages with five routes for adults, and a large kids' trail too. Test your strength and balance on the different obstacles and feel the thrill as you whizz down the zip lines. 

Image: (Copyright: Zermatt Tourism Pascal Gertschen)

Take a remarkable journey from Zermatt into Italy on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing. Cross the border at 3,500 metres above sea level while you enjoy views of 14 glaciers, three difference countries and 38 four-thousand-metre peaks - including the majestic Matterhorn of course.

Along the way, stop off to explore different highlights of the route such as the Matterhorn Glacier Palace, or Europe's highest museum at Plateau Rosa. Admire the view from Schwarzsee or the rocky landscape at the Cime Blanche Laghi. Take a wander through the mountain village of Breuil-Cervinia in Italy before making your way back to Zermatt - this is bound to be a day out you'll remember.

Tickets for the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing

Return tickets can be bought locally for the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing. 

Please note that travel beyond the Matterhorn Alpine Paradise is not included on the Peak Pass, so if you have this pass, you'll need to buy tickets for travel from the Matterhorn Alpine Paradise over into Italy on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing separately.

Image: (Copyright: Matterhorn Paradise)