Located in one of the most scenic spots in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt offers a rich variety of mountain romance all year long. Given that combustion-engine vehicles are banned in order to prevent air pollution—naturally, this includes almost all cars—trains to Zermatt are the most sensible way to reach this stunning destination at the foot of the Matterhorn. Luckily, travelling by train to Zermatt is comfortable and convenient. This vacation destination has preserved its original character and offers nearly unlimited possibilities as far as excursions are concerned. Offering a mountainous landscape replete with chalets, hotels, shops, and restaurants, you'll find plenty to do once there. Since the town is situated at a high altitude and is encompassed by conifer forests, mountains, and ski slopes, Zermatt even has its own microclimate.
Visiting Zermatt
Most European cities have a minimum of one train station with most being located in the heart of the city. International flights to Switzerland usually arrive at either Zurich or Geneva airports which are both convenient to Zermatt by train. With both airports being remarkably organized and fully integrated into the Swiss rail network, you can check your luggage, ski directly to Zermatt and board a train wherever you want to go within the hour. You can also reach Zermatt from a number of European cities by rail.
Zermatt railway station is served by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway's trains, and is the focal point of the resort for guests arriving by train. The Bahnhofplatz, the square neighbouring the station, offers a plethora of services as well as numerous shops. Many of the connections ultimately leading to Zermatt require you to change at the Täsch railway station, in Visp. For example, you travel by train journey from Zürich to Zermatt in 3 hours and 12 minutes, with a change at Täsch railway station. The leg of the journey from here to Zermatt is a mere 12 minutes. A Zermatt alternative, Randa railway station, is located a few miles out of Zermatt and is also served by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway.
Things to do in Zermatt
- Matterhorn: This icon of Switzerland, also known as the jewel of the Swiss Alps, stands at a majestic 4,678 metres. There are a plethora of different attractions to be discovered around the Matterhorn, like the Matterhorn Museum.
- Gornergrat: This 3,089 metre viewing platform and summit station is accessible by rail, home to Europe's highest hotel as well incredible views of the Matterhorn. You'll also find shops and restaurants here, and in summer, Gornergrat is a great base from which to start hiking and wildlife-viewing.
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Featuring Europe’s highest cable car station and a new restaurant, this destination sets new standards in sustainable development. Here you will find the Theodul Glacier ski area open all year long.
- Village Tour: Explore and walk through the Village of Zermatt, which has been shaped by both modern tourism and ancient tradition.
- Zermatt Ski Resort: With year-round snow and 360km of pistes, skiing (and snowboarding, for that matter) in Zermatt really can't be beat.
Train Stations in Zermatt
After you've boarded your train, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and watch the world go by as you ride through sparkling landscape of Zermatt and other parts of Switzerland in the comfort and cosiness of a fast train. Trains to Zermatt are frequent and reliable, making the journey to the town a beautiful and memorable one. Zermatt features hourly train connections running from all major gateways.