Summer in Zermatt, Switzerland - 8 things to do

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: July 2026. Summer in Zermatt! When you come to Zermatt in Switzerland, you always do it by train. The small town in the Alps is completely car-free. Today we have put together some things worth knowing about a very special little place in Switzerland. In addition, the post contains no less than two (!) films.

Zermatt

We visited Zermatt in the summer and it was a fantastic experience. The train journey to Zermatt was like something out of a fairy tale with dramatic scenery and waterfalls along the route and large windows on the train to make the experience complete.

1. Take the train to Zermatt

The railway system in Switzerland is well developed, and as we have told you before the country is easy to travel by public transport. However, the distance to Zermatt was somewhat very special: amazing views from the train's panoramic window and roads so steep that the trains have to use a special system of gears.

2. Experience summer in Zermatt - The city without cars

It's great to experience summer in Zermatt! In this small Swiss town, you can choose to get around on foot, by bike, by horse or by one of the town's electric taxis. Regular cars are (with a few exceptions) completely forbidden. The old part of the town is extremely charming with old wooden houses in true 'Alpine style'.

The absolute high season in this part of Switzerland is in winter when the town is extremely popular for skiing, but how can you spend a summer in Zermatt? In fact, the small Swiss Alpine town is perhaps at its best in the summer, when it is less crowded and you can go hiking or mountain biking.

3. Hiking or mountain biking

The nature around Zermatt is amazing and offers magical nature experiences. Cable cars and lifts are open all year round, so it's easy to get up the mountains to all the beautiful hiking and cycling trails. A great experience is to take the cable car up and then cycle down. Read more about mountain biking in Zermatt.

4. eating Swiss cheese

There is no doubt that the Swiss love cheese. The two typical Swiss dishes to try are raclette and cheese fondue. Both dishes include plenty of good melted cheese and accessories such as potatoes and small pickled cucumbers. Read more about Swiss raclette.

5. try Swiss chocolate

Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, and it's not hard to see why. Swiss chocolate is delicious! In Zermatt you can visit the family bakery fox, which has been producing sweets for residents and tourists in Zermatt since 1965, and is now in its second generation. We met Philipp Fuchs who showed us, among other things, how to make small ”Matterhorns” in chocolate.

6. Taste the mountain guide bread

In Zetmatt you can also try cookies shaped like the black-nosed sheep Wolli and bergführerbrot (mountain guide bread) – an energy-rich and nutritious bread with figs and nuts, which can be good when you are going to put yourself through hardships in the mountains.

7. Try different restaurants in Zermatt

We managed to try a few different restaurants in Zermatt, and of these, one stands out in particular. In addition to the fact that Adler Hitta is fantastically located in the middle of an alpine slope, they also serve great gourmet food. Already when we arrived, we saw how the small chickens were turned on the outdoor grill ... We promise that it tasted delicious!

We also visited restaurant Sonnmatten, where we ate pasta and finished with a really tasty pannacotta.

8. Try the beer brewery in Zermatt

Zermatt Matterhorn Brauerei since 2015 where they are made by hand. Beer cannot be purchased on site but guided tours can be organised.

Best areas to live in and explore?

We stayed in a hotel National, which was excellent. Here we had a spacious double room and really comfortable beds. The staff was nice and we were also happy with the breakfast buffet.

We also got to check out the slightly more exclusive design hotel. Cervobecause we had raclette at their restaurant Ferdinand one evening. The rooms here are really cool, with an old-fashioned style but very modern.

Bahnhofstrasse and the city center

Perfect for those who want to be close to restaurants, shopping, the train station and the funiculars. Here you will find the most hotels and a wide selection of cafes and bars.

Winkelmatte

A quieter area just south of the city center with fantastic views of the Matterhorn. Suitable for those looking for a more relaxing stay.

Sunnegga/Rothorn area

A good choice for those who prioritize hiking and skiing. Here you can reach trails and lifts quickly.

Bag

If you want to stay cheaper, you can choose Täsch, five kilometers from Zermatt. Here, everyone who comes by car has parking and the train only takes about 12 minutes to Zermatt.

See more in Switzerland

There is so much to see and do in Switzerland. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely take the chance to look around the country. Here are some of our top tips for things to see and do in Switzerland, not too far from Zermatt.

• Nendaz is about 1.5 hours from Zermatt and offers beautiful alpine scenery, magical nature and production of raclette cheese.
• Interlaken is a fantastic area with lakes, beautiful scenery and opportunities for adventure experiences such as hang gliding.
• Lavaux is a wine region (UNESCO heritage) located just over two hours away, and is also home to the Charlie Chaplin Museum.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Zermatt?

Is Zermatt car-free?

Yes. Private cars are not allowed in Zermatt. Visitors park in Täsch and then take the train to the village. Inside Zermatt, electric vehicles, horse-drawn carriages and walking are used.

When is the best time to visit Zermatt?

Summer is best for hiking, while winter attracts skiers from all over the world. Spring and autumn often offer fewer visitors and beautiful views.

How many days do you need in Zermatt?

Two days are enough to experience the biggest sights, but three to four days provides time for more hikes and mountain excursions.

Can you see the Matterhorn from Zermatt?

Yes, the Matterhorn is clearly visible from many places in the village. For the very best views, we recommend Gornergrat, Sunnegga or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.