Zermatt is one of the most popular mountain resorts in Switzerland. People from all over the world come to Zermatt for excellent skiing, some of the best apres-ski in Switzerland, thrilling hiking trails, and most important of all, fabulous views.
The village of Zermatt is close to Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain summit, and the inspiration behind iconic Toblerone chocolates. Views of the summit stretch from the village and its many viewpoints, and I’m here to tell you all about them. Here are all the places where you can experience the best views in Zermatt!
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Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of the best attractions near Zermatt. The highest cable car in the Alps can take you to a stunning viewpoint from Zermatt, where you can marvel at a view of some of the country’s tallest summits. The iconic Matterhorn is obviously visible from here, but so are Klein Matterhorn, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, Alphubel, and several other summits that rise above 4,000 meters.
The views at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are out of this world, but they’re not the only reason to visit. This is one of the best destinations in Switzerland for summer skiing, where many professional athletes come to train in the off-season. The visitor’s center also has a Glacier Palace you can tour, as well as a Cinema Lounge and the highest mountain restaurant in Europe.
Hiking and mountain biking trails are also available at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, so there’s plenty to do here in any season. And no matter how you choose to spend your time here, epic mountain views will follow you everywhere.
Gornergrat

Ride a cogwheel train to the Gornergrat Ridge for epic views of the Gornergrat Glacier. The Matterhorn is also visible from here, and there’s even an observation deck where you can experience an uninterrupted view of the iconic summit.
Interactive experiences are available at the Gornergrat visitor’s center and Zoom the Matterhorn is by far the best one. You can get really close to the peak with periscopes, and even experience a virtual reality paragliding flight. It’s a fabulous experience that allows you to see the summit from multiple angles, and it’s included with most train passes.
Schwarzsee

Schwarzsee is an Alpine lake accessible by the gondola from Furi. It’s a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and most importantly, beautiful views of the mountain landscapes. The lake lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, with vistas of the summit on one side, and Zermatt on the other.
There’s even a lovely little chapel on the lake shore. Exploring this area is wonderful in the summer when the snow melts and the terrain is easily accessible. It’s possible to hike from here to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and even all the way to Zermatt, which is a good way to save some money on cable car tickets.
Riffelsee

Riffelsee is a lovely Alpine lake with one of the best views of the Matterhorn. Come here for stunning sunrise vistas of the pyramid-shaped peak illuminated with an orange glow. Camping on the shore of the lake is one of the best things to do in the area, especially if you want to wake up to a mesmerizing view of Switzerland’s most iconic natural landmark.
The Alpine lake is accessible by mountain trains and hiking trails. The only way to witness a sunrise at the lake is to spend the night here because the trains don’t start running early enough. To get to Riffelsee you must ride a mountain train from Riffelberg to Rotenboden, which is accessible by the Furi gondola.
Riffelalp

Riffelalp is a hamlet in the mountains best known for the Riffelalp Resort. It’s one of the highest hotels in Switzerland, sitting at an elevation of 2,222 meters above sea level. It’s a popular destination for skiing near Zermatt, especially for travelers who want to enjoy panoramic views from the slopes.
Epic views from the Matterhorn stretch from the hamlet. Many hiking trails are also available at the summit, which allow you to explore the Riffelalp area more and discover other scenic viewpoints. Several mountain restaurants are also here, so there are plenty of places where you can sit down for a break and enjoy some delicious Swiss dishes along with those pretty views.
Riedweg

Riedweg is a popular viewpoint in Zermatt and one of the best spots for photographs in the village. The path goes up the mountain past the CERVO Mountain Resort, and it’s best to follow it until you reach the first couple of houses. The view is the best form here and you can get a clear shot of the Matterhorn, as well as Zermatt rooftops.
If you enjoy photography and want to create some epic photographs, you’ll love it here. Bring a tripod and wait for sunset for some truly remarkable shots. Also, Zermatt is absolutely stunning at night, when all the lights come on in the town. This is a great spot for views and photos in every season, so don’t hesitate to hike up the mountain even on snowy days.
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It’s worth noting that the viewpoint is very close to the village, and you only need to walk up the mountain for 10-15 minutes.
Kirchbrücke

Head to Kirchbrücke in lower Zermatt for an interrupted view of the Matterhorn. There’s even a small observation platform on the sidewalk for anyone who wants to enjoy the summit vista without disturbing others who might just be crossing the bridge.
Even the other side of the bridge offers a pretty view of the houses and other mountains surrounding the village. I recommend coming to Kirchbrücke at the crack of dawn, for an opportunity to get a shot of the Matterhorn basking in the orange glow of the sunrise.
It’s worth noting that the quality of the view highly depends on the weather. If it’s cloudy, your view of the pyramid-shaped peak might be obstructed.
Le Petit Village at Mürini

The viewpoint at Le Petit Village at Mürini is similar to the one at Riedweg. It’s a little lower down the mountain, but the view is still spectacular. Also, this viewpoint is more easily accessible than the one at Riedweg, so it’s better suited for travelers with limited mobility or those who just don’t want to climb too far up the mountain.
The views at Le Petit Village are out of this world. The Matterhorn is visible if there are no clouds, preceded by a pretty sight of all of Zermatt’s rooftops. Come here at sunset to experience stunning views, both of the mountains and Zermatt’s twinkling lights. As the night falls the lights in the village start to come on, and everything looks much more beautiful.
Sunnegga

Sunnegga is accessible by funicular from the Zermatt Valley, and it’s one of the most popular destinations in the resort for families. Offering skiing, hiking, a snowpark for children, and spectacular views all around, it’s easy to understand why so many visitors to Zermatt end up at Sunnegga.
In addition to stunning views of the Matterhorn and all the other tall peaks in its surroundings, Sunnegga offers the opportunity to discover some truly mesmerizing landscapes. It’s one of the starting points for the Five Lakes hike, which is one of the most scenic in Zermatt.
Other trails are also available at Sunnegga, and all will allow you to discover even more charming mountainscapes. Not every great view in Zermatt is of the Matterhorn, and hiking at Sunnegga will prove that.
Höhbalmen

Höhbalmen is a hiking area accessible from Zermatt village. The place is known for exciting trails and sweeping views of the Matterhorn, which can be experienced only by hikers. It takes about two hours to reach Höhbalmen from Zermatt and the place is accessible only by walking trails.
The views here are incredible and absolutely worth the long walk from the resort. You can see mountains, lakes, forests, and even wildlife in the area, all with the Matterhorn in the background. Hike around for a while and you’ll even come across waterfalls. For diverse views of Swiss landscapes – and stunning vistas of the country’s most famous summit – Höhbalmen is one of the best destinations in Zermatt.
Arbenbachfall

Arbenbachfall is a waterfall set in a vast hiking area easily accessible from Schwarzsee. It’s only about an hour and 20 minutes from the lake to this waterfall, and during the entire hike, you get to experience some truly magical views.
Multiple trails are available in this area and Arbenbachfall is accessible from Hornlibahn station as well. Of course, the area offers a stunning view of the Matterhorn, but also of other mountain peaks, waterfalls, Alpine lakes, and much more. For hikers and trekkers who want to be out all day long enjoying pretty views, coming to Arbenbachfall is a must.
Map for the Best Views in Zermatt
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best view of Matterhorn in Zermatt?
The best view of Matterhorn in the village of Zermatt is from Riedweg and Murini viewpoints. These two places are very popular with photographers in the village because they offer uninterrupted views of the summit and all of Zermatt’s rooftops.
Where can I watch the sunset in Zermatt?
The sunset in Zermatt is best experienced at Riedweg, Le Petit Village at Murini, and Kirchbrucke. All three viewpoints are easily accessible on strolls in the village and offer stunning views of the Matterhorn.
Where is the best photo spot in Zermatt?
The best photo spot in the Zermatt resort is at Riffelsee. The Alpine lake is known for pretty views of the Matterhorn reflected on its surface, and it’s one of the most special places in Zermatt for pretty views and panorama photos.