📱 Digital Guide Companion
Download the Official Zermatt Matterhorn App
Make the trip seamless by installing the destination's primary digital companion. It is incredibly useful for navigating the region dynamically.
Key Features:
• Real-Time Updates: Live operating status of all mountain railways, cable cars, and open hiking trails.
• E-Ticketing: Purchase and manage mountain passes directly on your smartphone.
• Live Webcams & Weather: Check peak conditions and visibility instantly before leaving the hotel.
🏔️ Panoramic Highlights & Trails
Gornergrat & Riffelsee
Take the legendary cogwheel railway up to the Gornergrat for the ultimate panorama. Before hiking down, enjoy the spectacular loop trail at the summit. Afterwards, get off at Rotenboden and hike to Riffelberg. This trail takes you right past the famous Riffelsee, where the Matterhorn beautifully reflects in the water.
Don't miss the short, fully accessible 360° Loop Gornergrat right at the summit station for panoramic views over massive glaciers and mountain peaks.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Schwarzsee
Ride the highest cable car in Europe up to Klein Matterhorn. Before beginning your hike, experience the peak attractions! Afterwards, take the cable car down one station to Trockener Steg and do the impressive hike from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee, walking directly along the base of the Matterhorn.
• Viewing Platform: Head up to the 360° panoramic platform for breathtaking views of 38 alpine giants.
• Glacier Palace: Step inside the real world of eternal ice! Walk deep into the glacier to admire stunning ice sculptures and ice tunnels.
5-Lake-Hike (5-Seenweg)
A gorgeous, classic trail that passes five crystal-clear alpine lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee).
Includes a fantastic culinary stop right by the lake at Mountain Hotel Grünsee. Note: Advanced table reservation is absolutely mandatory!
Riffelalp to Findeln Höhenweg (Sonnenweg)
A stunning high-altitude panorama trail starting from Riffelalp and leading into the charming mountain hamlet of Findeln.
Includes a fantastic culinary stop at Findlerhof. Note: Advanced table reservation is absolutely mandatory!
Zermatt Suspension Bridge Trail (Furi)
A beautiful circular hiking trail directly from Furi (accessible via a short cable car from Zermatt) up through the Gletschertor area, taking you across an impressive local suspension bridge floating 90 meters high above the Gorner Gorge.
🚲 Action & Culture
Mountain Biking & Dirt-Biking
You can rent a mountain bike in the village and ride the scenic trails down from the glacier stations. Experience the unique "Touch the Glacier" track for an unforgettable adventure.
Zermatlantis Mountaineering Museum
A fantastic indoor option right in the center of the village to learn about the dramatic and gripping history of the first ascent of the Matterhorn.
☀️ Lunch on the Mountain
Findlerhof
The perfect place to stop during the Riffelalp-Findeln hike. The food, alpine atmosphere, and Matterhorn views from the terrace are spectacular. Reservation required!
Chez Vrony
A world-famous culinary highlight located in Findeln, ideal for a rewarding lunch during or after the 5-Lake-Hike.
Restaurant Grünsee
Beautiful mountain lodge directly along the 5-Lake-Trail. Offers traditional, hearty alpine cuisine and a sunny panorama terrace. Reservation required!
Restaurant Paradise Zermatt
A cozy and scenic spot in Findeln serving delicious regional specialties with spectacular mountain backdrops. Perfect for a relaxing alpine lunch breaks.
Restaurant Alphitta
Charming mountain restaurant situated directly below the Riffelalp station, offering excellent service, rustic food, and superb close-up terrace views of the Matterhorn.
🧀 Excellent Dinner Options (Vegetarian & Swiss Cheese Specialties)
Restaurant Le Mazot
A legendary chalet-style dining spot in the center of the village. While famous as a premium grill house, it is highly attractive for vegetarians too, featuring exceptional Swiss cheese specialties (like classic fondues and premium raclettes), rich vegetable starters, and fresh alpine salads in a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Restaurant HORNOX (Alpine Grill)
A stylish modern alpine grill located inside the Hotel Alpen Resort & SPA. Alongside high-end meat selections, it offers fantastic vegetarian options, sophisticated plant-based side dishes, gourmet salads, and traditional cheese plates presented with a contemporary gourmet flair.
Vegistube (Hotel Pollux)
Dedicated, highly creative vegetarian/vegan menu combined with excellent traditional Swiss cheese fondues. Rustic alpine atmosphere.
Ferdinand (CERVO Resort)
Modern Swiss alpine food. A paradise for cheese lovers serving premium regional raclette and fondues in a trendy chalet setting.
saycheese! (Zermatterhof)
Elegant restaurant delivering local cheese specialties with a refined, contemporary touch. Truffled fondue is highly recommended.
Restaurant Schäferstube
Deeply traditional, rustic historic cellar restaurant. Outstanding classic cheese fondue and authentic open wood-fire raclette.
⚠️ Crucial Preparation & Travel Tips
🍽️ Restaurant Reservations Notice
Advanced dining planning is essential in Zermatt. All mountain lunch spots and dinner restaurants must be pre-booked well ahead of time. Please note that many establishments now require a credit card guarantee to secure and finalize your reservation details.
🥾 Weather Conditions & Proper Equipment
Alpine weather shifts rapidly. Always verify the current local forecast and trail conditions before departing on any trek. Sturdy, high-quality hiking footwear with robust grip is absolutely mandatory.
Need to upgrade or purchase gear? Premium mountaineering equipment can be bought directly in the village at Matterhorn Sport:
Matterhorn Sport Shop📞 Important Phone Numbers & Contacts
| Service / Contact | Phone Number | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Scherer (Personal Contact) | +41 78 833 92 45 | None |
| Air Zermatt (Rescue & Flights) | +41 27 966 86 86 | Website |
| Zermatt Tourism Office | +41 27 966 81 00 | Website |
| Restaurant Le Mazot | +41 27 966 69 59 | Website |
| Restaurant HORNOX | +41 27 966 30 00 | Website |
| Findlerhof | +41 27 967 25 88 | Website |
| Chez Vrony | +41 27 967 28 52 | Website |
| Restaurant Grünsee | +41 27 967 25 53 | Website |
| Vegistube (Hotel Pollux) | +41 27 966 40 00 | Website |
| Ferdinand (CERVO Mountain Resort) | +41 27 966 88 88 | Website |
| saycheese! (Grand Hotel Zermatterhof) | +41 27 966 66 00 | Website |
| Restaurant Schäferstube | +41 27 966 76 00 | Website |