Some places capture your imagination long before you set foot there. For us, Zermatt was one of those places. A town nestled high in the Swiss Alps, where no cars are allowed, where wooden chalets line cobbled streets, and where one of the most famous mountains in the world—the Matterhorn—rises dramatically in the background. We had seen it in movies, on postcards, on Instagram, but deep down, we knew that no picture could truly do it justice.
And we were right.
The first glimpse of Zermatt was nothing short of magical. As our train wound its way up the valley from Täsch, cutting through lush green landscapes and snow-dusted peaks, we caught sight of the Matterhorn for the first time. It stood tall and unshaken, partially hidden by wisps of clouds, yet dominating the skyline in a way that was impossible to ignore. We couldn’t take our eyes off it.
Stepping off the train, we were met with crisp mountain air, the kind that instantly fills your lungs and wakes you up. The town itself was quaint, peaceful, and postcard-perfect. No honking cars, no city chaos—just the distant sound of cowbells, the occasional rumble of an electric taxi, and the soft murmur of people enjoying their alpine escape. It felt like we had entered another world.
What Makes Zermatt Special?
Zermatt is a town that caters to both adventurers and dreamers. If you love the outdoors, there are spectacular hiking trails, panoramic train rides, and some of the world’s best skiing. If you’re here to relax, you can stroll through its charming streets, sip hot chocolate in a cozy café, or simply sit by the river, watching the clouds play hide and seek with the Matterhorn.
We had planned to do a mix of both.
Our 2-Day Plan: The Best of Zermatt
With just two days in Zermatt, we wanted to make the most of it. Our top priority was taking the Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel train that climbs up to 3,100 meters, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier. We had also planned to explore the town, visit the Hinterdorf (Old Village), try some local Swiss food, go on a scenic walk, and end the trip with some Swiss chocolate shopping.
But, as travel often reminds us, plans don’t always work out. When we arrived, we were met with a huge disappointment—the Gornergrat Bahn was shut 🙁 We had been looking forward to those stunning views from the top, and missing out on them felt like a major letdown.
But one of the best things about Zermatt is that even when your plans change, the town itself is a destination. With the Matterhorn towering over us and the weather being absolutely perfect, we decided to explore Zermatt at our own pace.
How We Spent Our Time in Zermatt
We started with lunch at Pizzeria Ristorante Molino Seilerhaus, where we had some of the best pizza and tiramisu of our trip. Then, instead of heading up to Gornergrat, we set off on a self-guided walking tour of Zermatt, making our way through some of the town’s most scenic spots.
One of our favorite stops was Kirchbrücke, a bridge that offers a spectacular, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. Standing there, watching the mountain change colours as the light shifted, we realised something—maybe we didn’t need to go higher. The view from right here was already breathtaking.
We also wandered through Hinterdorf, the Old Village of Zermatt, where we saw centuries-old wooden chalets, each one telling a story of the town’s past. Walking through these narrow alleys, with the smell of wood and mountain air filling our senses, made us feel like we had stepped back in time.
As the evening approached, we grabbed a simple yet delicious dinner from Coop—rotisserie chicken, tomato and cheese salad, and a beer. We sat by the river, letting the cool mountain air wash over us, grateful for the day despite the change in plans.
The next morning, we decided to go for a scenic walk to Edelweiss Weg, a peaceful trail with breathtaking alpine views. We walked through the streets at a leisurely pace and enjoyed some stunning views of the Parish Church of St. Mauritius and the Bronze Alphorn to name a few. Halfway through, we found a perfect picnic spot, laid back, and let time slow down. No rushing, no agenda—just us, the mountains, and the sheer joy of being present in the moment. It was one of the best things we did in Zermatt.
We spent the afternoon shopping for Swiss chocolates and souvenirs, because let’s be honest—no trip to Switzerland is complete without bringing back some chocolate! And in the evening, we wrapped up our time with some pub grub and drinks at The Brown Cow, a cozy spot with a great vibe.
Would We Return? Without a Doubt.
Two days in Zermatt barely scratched the surface. While we made the most of our time, we know there’s still so much more to experience. Next time, we’d love to finally take the Gornergrat Bahn, visit Glacier Paradise, and maybe even come in winter to see Zermatt covered in snow.
Zermatt isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. It’s the kind of town that stays with you long after you’ve left, calling you back with its quiet charm and timeless beauty. And for us, this won’t be our last trip here.
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