The world is full of places that can mesmerize us with their beauty. Some of those are naturally made, and some are manufactured. And if I am looking for a piece of heaven on earth, the answer is certainly Switzerland. According to my perception, Zermatt is not just a place that is enriched with beautiful landscapes; the nature of the people is also jaw-dropping.
However, if you are unaware of this beautiful place, I am here to enlighten you about the top 32 Places To Visit in Zermatt. I assure you that you will not be able to stop rolling your eyes. Apart from other qualities, it is the most prominent place that is suitable for couples, friends, and family, though I was completely alone during the trip. Anyway, stay with me and read the rest of the article to know the names of the places that make Zermatt a heaven.
Best Places to Visit in Zermatt
1. Monte Rosa Hut
If you are a person who loves to climb a mountain that is covered by snow, Monte Rosa Hut is the place your heart is looking for. The Monte Rosa Hut lies at the middle point of the Piedmont terrain of Italy and the Aosta Valley. Monte Rosa is not just a single place. There is a group of mountains, and together the group is called Monte Rosa.
The prime thing you can do here is to climb the Monte Rosa, and the track ends at 4000 meters. Eventually, you will end up seeing a heavenly scene from above. In short words, white is everywhere from the top of any mountain of Monte Rosa.
Location : 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
2. Klein Matterhorn
If you have visited Zermatt, you must know about Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The first fact is that you need a cable car to reach the point which is above 3883 meters from the ground, named Klein Matterhorn. Yes, it is the other name of Klein Matterhorn.
Secondly, the weather in the mountain is so serene that you can visit any time of the year. There is no such restriction you need to face. Meanwhile, you can enjoy different landscapes in summer and winter. Yet, if you are a hiker, I would suggest that summer is optimum for you. On the other hand, if you are a skier, choose winter to visit Klein Matterhorn.
You can enjoy the 360 views of the entire Zermatt from the point of Klein Matterhorn.
3. Gornergrat
Another mountain that a traveler must not avoid while traveling to Zermatt is Gornergrat. It is above the sea by 3100 meters. It is considered the best view of the Matterhorn.
When you are at the point of Gornergrat, you will experience 29 mountains and the peaks of those. To get there, you need to use a cogwheel railway. The train will go through the verdant Arven forest on Riffelap. You can experience the black-nosed sheep while going through the forest.
If you desire to visit Gornergrat, summer is the ultimate time to visit. There you will experience a plethora of mountains bashing by the clear clouds. In addition, there are binocular facilities that will allow you to see the mountains and the peaks by 360.
4. Breithorn
Another tourist attraction on the earth is Breithorn. Locals know it as Breithorn Occidentale means Western Breithorn. It is one of the Monte Rosa Group, and the charming part of this, the mountain is completely covered with ice. Generally, it is on the border of Italy and Switzerland.
There are two other Breithorn. Breithorn Centrale and Breithron Orientale. In the list of three Breithorn, the Western Breithorn is the easiest one to climb and the highest too. Though it is on the borderline of Italy and Switzerland, the snow-covered area is on the Switzerland side. You can also stay overnight, and surely, it will be a memorable night above 4000 meters or 13,123 feet.
You can also climb the Breithorn from Italy, but from Switzerland, it is easier.
5. Dufourspitze
Now let’s talk about the highest point of Monte Rosa, that is Dufourspitze. The whole area is covered by ice, and the height is around 4634 meters. This is the second highest alpine in the world. If you are a mountaineer, you can take the traditional routes. The best time to start the climbing journey is in summer.
In addition, you can find a pack to accomplish their journey. You can find local authorities who manage everything you will need while climbing. The scenic beauty from the top of the mountain called Dufourspitze is the one you will never forget in your entire life.
6. Weisshorn
Weisshorn mountain has an altitude of 2653 meters above sea level. It is the top peak in the Arosa territory. After reaching Weisshorn point, you will perceive a magnificent view, including the peak of 400 mountains. All the mountains are not in Switzerland. Many of those are from neighboring countries.
Weisshorn is one of the favorite destinations for hikers in summer and winter. Another attraction of Weisshorn is the paragliding and bird’s eye view.
If you want to get there, you must use the Rhaetian Railway railway. Firstly, you must go to Chur and later on from the Schanfigg to Arosa through the train. After that, you need a cable car to reach the Weisshorn. You can step towards the Weisshorn anytime since the wind and other climate factors are favorable all the time.
7. Riffelsee
You can hike to the Riffelsee through the point named Gornergrat. Riffelsee is the natural reservoir that is below the Gornergrat. The altitude of this lake is around 2,757 meters. So whenever you go to Gornergrat, don’t forget to hike towards Riffelsee.
The fascinating fact about Riffelsee is the weather is not hazy or cloudy. Therefore, you can get a clear view of everything. The second most attractive point is you can find a significantly mesmerizing view of the lake as a reflection of the mountains surrounding it.
There are also camping facilities on the bank of Riffelsee. You can contact your hotel authority to enjoy the serenity of Riffelsee and its scenic beauty at night. A moonlit night with the reflection of mountains of Matterhorn and dazzling stars. However, Riffelsee is a small lake of 100 meters in length and 50 meters in width.
8. Dent Blanche
Dent Blanche stands on the chest of Switzerland with a significant height of 4,357 meters. It is the top choice for people who love to hike in ice-free mountains. Another most beautiful fact is that hiking requires a 1700 meters upright slope, though it is quite an effort demanding.
The prime barrier to climbing the mountain is the rocks instead of the snow and ice. To get to the top, you must get to the Dent Blanche hut first, above 3507 meters. After that, there is a ridge next to the hut named Wandfluelucke, and you need to follow the pathway of the ridge. Later on, you need to go through snow and stone paths. After all the ways, you will be able to reach the top of Dent Blanche.
9. Matterhorn Museum
Matterhorn Museum is the place in Zermatt which reserves the natural and cultural elements. At first glance, you may not recognize it as a museum since the appearance of the entire area looks like a village where people may live. In reality, 14 houses are there that demonstrate the total cultural and natural views.
You can find the stone that Claude Nicollier received from the summit and brought in the mission named Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-61. The entire village, including 14 houses, is the spitting image of the historical pages of Switzerland.
Eventually, if you are missing the Matterhorn Museum, you are missing the historical events and elements of Zermatt.
10. Allalinhorn
If you visit the Pennine alpine that is located between Saasfee and Zermatt, missing the Allalinhorn will be similar to cutting heaven on a mountain. The mountaineering of the Allalinhorn started in 1856, and since then, it has been one of the top choices for mountaineers.
From the top of the mountain, you will get a panoramic view of several miles of areas. For your kind information, the weather on the top is so cold due to an enormous altitude of 4027 meters above sea level.
You can assume the climbing is a hard one from the horizon, which is entirely false and on the list of accessible climbing mountains.
11. Unterrothorn
If you are looking for a significant place to ski, Unterrothorn is the place which can fill up your desire. In addition, it is one of the best and safest places to ski around in Zermatt. Unterrothorn offers some other activities like trekking and hiking, and the best is you can experience chamois during the stepping.
Unterrothorn is located in the territory of Swiss Pennine alpine. You can reach the peak point using a cable car through the Sunnegga and Blauherd. And the destination for the skiers is called Rothorn.
Here is a tip, in my opinion, you must have proper skiing gear. You can also get the utter gear solution there, though it is more pricey than the market.
12. Lyskamm
Another fantastic destination you must keep on your traveling list is the Lyskamm. It is also located in the Pennine alpine. The fascinating fact about this mountain is that it has two peaks, and the distance is around 5 kilometers. And the altitude of the peak point of Lyskamm is 4527 meters.
The second fascinating fact is from any of the peaks, and you can have both views of Switzerland and Italy since this mountain is just at the border of these two countries.
When visiting the Lyskamm, you must keep one thing in mind. Going through the ridge between two peaks, you must be patient. The duration can be 1 to 1.5 hours if the weather is favorable. If the weather is unfavorable, it can be as long as 3 to 4 hours.
13. Matterhorn
According to statistical research, Matterhorn in Zermatt gains more than 3 million visitors annually. Now you can assume slightly what I am going to talk about. It is known as the heaven for skiers and mountaineers. When you cover the 4000 meters towards the peak, you will experience the African rock. According to the geographical statements, the rock came from the African plates during the earth crust collision.
Here is a shocking fact for you. Though climbing Matterhorn is a prevalent activity, it is risky. More than five hundred people have died while climbing Matterhorn. In addition, it is harder to get down than climbing. Besides this, it can rejuvenate your soul through the four-dimensional pyramid mountain of it.
14. Alphubel
Another accessible climbing peak is the Alphubel, and the altitude of this peak is 4000 meters. It is also notable that the difficulty of climbing this peak is moderate. As a result, you will require sound health with significant energy. This makes Alphubel peak one of the enjoyable points to reach for mountaineers.
Another vital fact regarding Alphubel is you must choose the eastern side to climb and ski. The surface from that corner is impressive for both mountaineering and skiing.
On the other hand, the west side is full of rock walls and certainly not an ideal option to climb.
15. Pollux
Pollux is not a place or mountain; it is the name of a peak of the Valais alpine. The name came from Greek mythology, and another peak nearby Pollux was named Castor. Of these two, Pollux has the more petite height, which has an altitude of 4092 meters. Moreover, climbing the Pollux is more accessible than the Castor. As a result, people choose to climb without any hesitation.
You can also reach the top without mountaineering by using a cable car. Yet, the climb has a few problematic routes to obtain consciously.
16. Schwarzsee
Here comes another lake that I must mention in this article: Schwarzsee. It is a small reservoir near the Zermatt. It is also known as the Black Lake due to several myths. The most frequent quote is about a giant who washed his feet and turned the water of this lake dark.
From the bank of the lake, you can experience several hues on the water with the mountain’s reflection. The primitive hues are turquoise blue, green, yellow, etc. Moreover, impressive changes occur in the premises of the Schwarzsee with the evolution of the seasons. The best time to be there with family is summer, so you can sit at the bank of the Schwarzsee and enjoy the landscapes. But if you are the one who loves to skate, the frozen Schwarzsee will add a significant experience of skating to it.
17. Bishorn
Skiing is always fun in Switzerland. Here is another name which you must add to your list Bishorn. It has an altitude of 4151 meters. What made it the easiest climbing destination is the accessible climbing mechanics. The Bishorn mountain is in the Valais alpine and has two western and eastern peaks. The height difference between these peaks is pretty meager, only 16 meters.
The surface of this mountain indicates the accessible skiing facilities. Moreover, it is one of Zermatt’s most extended skiing tracks with favourable weather conditions. From both peaks, you can enjoy panoramic scenes of the entire mountains of Zermatt.
18. Trockener Steg
Trockener Steg is basically a small area, and it lies between Matterhorn and Breithorn. More precisely, it is in the south of Zermatt. The altitude of this area is 2,939 meters, which causes freezing weather with a charming sightseeing facility.
If you desire to visit Klein Matterhorn, you must visit here first since you can access the cable car from here. Being there and looking for a good cable car will cost you some time, like 1 hour. So you must be earlier if you desire to reach Klein Matterhorn by afternoon.
19. Signalkuppe
Another hit place between the Swiss and the Italian border is the Signalkuppe mountain. The total height of this mountain is 4,554 meters and belongs to Monte Rosa. There is another name for the peak of this mountain that is Punta Gnifetti.
The place where the highest building in Europe stands is Margherita Hut. Climbing towards Margherita Hut is ideal from the Italian side. If you are visiting Switzerland, there will be no issue with climbing from the Italian side.
20. Grand Mountet Hut
Grand Mountet Hut is neither a mountain nor a peak. It is a cottage-like building that is located in the area of Pennine alpine. Around 115 people can live here simultaneously, and it stands above 2,886 meters from sea level.
If you are hiking, you can have a resting time in the hut with an impressive view of the mountains. Moreover, being there is not that much difficult for mountaineers. You will get plenty of refreshment with the server.
21. Solvay Hut
Imagine a cottage above 4000 meters from the ground. Yes, the Solvay Hut is the architectural structure I am talking about. It is the highest hut on the territory named Matterhorn. The purpose of this tiny home is to serve around 10 persons in an emergency.
Solvay Hut is built and regulated by the Swiss alpine club. When you are on the trail of Hornligrat, you can have the opportunity to sit beside the hut. But you can’t enter since it is only for emergencies and rules are regulated strictly. If you are about to climb the Hornligrat mountain, you must keep the law in mind.
22. Theodul Pass
The eastern Pennine alpine has a high mountain pass called Theodul Pass. It is more like a connection bridge between Valais canton from Switzerland and the Aosta Valley of the Itay. Theodul Pass has an altitude of 3,295 meters, and it is the second lowest pass that connects Switzerland and Italy.
The Theodul glacier is an excellent part for skiers, and it is on the east side of the Theodul Pass. The Italian name of this pass is Colle Del Teodulo. You can also find a hut named Rifugio Del Teodulo to rest yourself while trekking.
23. Matterhorn Glacier
If you have visited Zermatt, you must know about Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The first fact is that you need a cable car to reach the point which is above 3883 meters from the ground. Around 3,883 meters above, you will experience the Matterhorn Glacier, and it is also known as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It has another name that is Klein Matterhorn.
24. Margherita Hut
Another hut we are going to disclose now, and that is Margherita Hut. You will find it on the top of Punta Gnifetti. And it stands above an altitude of 4,556 meters from the ground. The most impressive fact about Margherita Hut is it is the highest hut in the whole of Europe.
The Margherita Hut has also a use which is for scientific research. And the name was formed according to the name of the Queen Margaret of Savoy.
25. Rifugio Gnifetti
The word Rifugio is used to indicate the place where the trekker and mountaineers rest while climbing. Rifugio Gnifetti is one of those huts where you can rest for a while. It is located in a town named Gressoney La Trinite.
The hut is above the 3,647 meters in the Pennine alpine. You can stay here overnight and enjoy the Swiss welcoming restaurant service. Rifugio Gnifetti can consist of 176 people at the same time. It is also known as Giovanni Gnifetti hut.
26. Britannia Hut SAC
Britannia Hut is also known as Britanniahutte. It is in the Valais canton, Swiss alpine. It has plenty of facilities and is the most booked hut of the Swiss alpine club. At first glance of the building, I am sure you will fall for it to attain a night over here.
The building was built in 1912. Therefore, you will get the Swiss historical aroma from this hut. From the Britannia Hut, you will perceive a significant and memorable view of the peaks of Allalinhirn, Weissmies, and Strahorn.
27. Mattmarksee
Mattmarksee is a lake-like reservoir, also known as Mattmark Dam. It is located in the Saas Valley, Valais canton. In 1960, the procedure of creating this lake was started and finished in 1965.
About the altitude of the lake, it is 2,197 meters from sea level. Getting there beside the Mattmark Dam will let you have the scenery of Strahlhorn. Strahlhorn is the highest peak, with a height of 4,190 meters.
28. Tracuit Hut
Another mountain hut belongs to the Swiss alpine club, Tracuit Hut, located on Zinal mountain. Eventually, for better understanding, it is in the canton named Valais. The overall height that Tracuit Hut is standing on is 3,256 meters from sea level. If you are hiking from the west slope of Zinal mountain, you will surely experience the hut. And you will get every service from the servers of Tracuit Hut.
29. Dom Hut
Dom Hut is another mountain hut for hikers, and it is the most beautiful hut I have ever experienced. It is located on the Randa mountain in Valais canton. The overall height of the ground that this hut is standing on is 2,940 meters. If you are climbing the Festigletscher, a 3,200 meters mountain, you will indeed have the opportunity to rest in Dom Hut.
30. Felskinn
Felskinn is generally the rocky surface on Saas Fee, Valais canton. If you don’t know about Saas-Fee, it is a village in the Saastal. It is located above 1800 meters. However, I kept Felskinn on the list because you must go through it when heading towards Mittelallalin. The name of the station is Metro Alpin which will give you access.
31. Zinalrothorn
The last mountain that we are keeping on the list is Zinalrothorn. The height of this mountain is 4,221 meters; therefore, you will perceive a fantastic view if you climb towards the peak of it. You must go to Zinal village to start your journey or hiking and trekking.
32. Matterhorn Guides Hut
When you are climbing the incredible Matterhorn, there is a place where you can rest as much as you desire. The name of the hut is Matterhorn Guides Hut. It is also known as Matterhorn and Hornli Hut. It is situated above 3,260 meters from sea level, and the building structure is so advanced that it can compete with any ideal hotel or motel in Bern.
There are 17 beds, and the service was started in 1880 by the Swiss alpine club. Due to its limited accommodation, you need to reserve it earlier. Otherwise, there is a high chance that you might not get a bed to rest in. If you are tired of hiking and desire to spend a night with the view of the mountain of Matterhorn, only Matterhorn or Hornli Hut can serve you the pleasure.
However, let’s make it easy for you. The authority of Matterhorn Guides Hut has an optimal online booking system available for the mountaineers.
Conclusion
Roaming around the world is fun, and if you love to step on the ice and snow, there is no alternative to Switzerland. Moreover, Zermatt is the ultimate place where you must roam by keeping at least 10 days in your hand. Other than this, a short period is not adequate to have all the scenic beauty of Zermatt.
Furthermore, you will find all types of emergency services near you. So, you don’t need to worry about that. Just make sure you have the proper attire to cover yourself since the weather and temperature of Switzerland can turn you into ice.