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 to experience the best views in Zermatt!Â
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of the absolute highlights of Zermatt. Home to the highest cable car in the Alps, it whisks you up to a breathtaking viewpoint where the world feels like it is spread out beneath your feet.
From here, the legendary Matterhorn takes center stage, but it is far from alone. Klein Matterhorn, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, Alphubel, and a collection of other four-thousand-meter giants complete the scene, creating one of the most unforgettable panoramas in Switzerland.
This is also 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 an Ice Palace you can visit, as well as a Cinema Lounge and the highest mountain restaurant in Europe. Â
Hiking and mountain biking trails are also an option for those who want to be a little more active, 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.Â
Gornergrat
Ride the cogwheel train up to the Gornergrat Ridge for sweeping views of the Gorner Glacier and of course the star of Zermatt, the Matterhorn. At the top, the open-air observation deck gives you a spectacular and uninterrupted view of the iconic peak.
The visitor center helps make the trip even more memorable. Its interactive exhibits bring the mountain to life, and the highlight is Zoom the Matterhorn.
You can use periscopes to get an incredibly close look at the summit or try a virtual reality paragliding flight. It is a fun and immersive way to experience the Matterhorn from every angle, and you can get a shot of the Matterhorn at the Riffelsee on your way down.
Schwarzsee
Schwarzsee is a beautiful Alpine lake that you can reach by gondola from Furi. It is a favorite spot for hiking, mountain biking, and above all, enjoying the breathtaking views. The lake rests at the foot of the Matterhorn, with the summit towering on one side and Zermatt spread out on the other.
A small chapel sits right on the shore, adding to the charm. Summer is the best time to visit, when the snow has melted and the trails are easy to explore. From Schwarzsee you can hike up toward Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or even all the way back down to Zermatt, which is also a great way to save on cable car tickets.
Riffelsee
Riffelsee is a serene Alpine lake with one of the most iconic views of the Matterhorn. At sunrise, the pyramid shaped peak glows in shades of orange and reflects beautifully in the still water, creating a scene that feels like a painting.
Camping by the shore is a magical experience and one of the best ways to wake up to Switzerland’s most famous mountain. But for most people, you can make it part of your trip up the Gornergrat.
The lake can be reached by mountain trains or hiking trails, but the only way to catch the sunrise is to stay overnight, since trains do not run that early. To reach Riffelsee you ride the mountain train from Riffelberg to Rotenboden, which you can access via 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
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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.
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 down to the river at Kirchbrücke for a clear and uninterrupted view of the Matterhorn. A small observation platform on the sidewalk makes it easy to admire the summit without getting in the way of people crossing the bridge.
The opposite side of the bridge is just as charming, with pretty views of Zermatt’s houses framed by the surrounding peaks. For the most magical experience, visit at dawn when the Matterhorn glows orange in the first light of day.
Keep in mind that the view depends heavily on the weather. On cloudy mornings, the pyramid shaped peak may be hidden from sight.
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 mountain landscapes. Not every great view in Zermatt is of the Matterhorn, and hiking at Sunnegga will prove that.Â
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.
which of these can be done in winter?