No skis? No problem! Dive into our guide for the ultimate things to do in Zermatt for non-skiers. We hand-picked a selection of the best things to do in Zermatt for non-skiers, from scenic train rides, incredible views to relaxing spa options - all without the need for ski boots!
This isn't just another travel list—it's your key to unlocking the winter paradise of the swiss alps with the knowledge of locals who call it home. Read on to transform your non-skiing holiday into an adventure of a lifetime.
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Zermatt is our home and we love to share all we know with you! We, the team at Zermatt Holidays, are not only your lodging hosts, but also your guides through this wonderful village. Some of us were born here and some of us moved here, having fallen in love with the beauty and adventure that Zermatt has to offer. Discover the best of Zermatt with us!
The village of Zermatt itself is picture perfect, with quaint wooden buildings and a church with a spire that look especially beautiful in the snow. Head to the old town, also called ‘Hinterdorf,’ where you will find a collection of very old traditional buildings constructed of stone and larch. Enjoy the car free streets and go shopping in the boutiques in the main village. In the Bahnhofstrasse (follow the street to the right from Zermatt train station) you will find a range of shops selling the finest Swiss chocolate, souvenirs and higher end jewellery such as Swiss watches and Swiss Army knives. On the Church bridge is one of our favourite Zermatt Matterhorn viewpoint.
When you fancy a break, stop off at the Café Petit Royal for the best hot chocolate you ever had or have a little bite to eat at the traditional Fuchs Bakery.
Photo by Leander Wenger
At an altitude of over 3,000m the observation platform at the Gornergrat has the most incredible view of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains, and it is one of the top things to do for non-skiers in Zermatt.
But it isn't only the views we love about this one, it's the way to get there. The train, called the Gornergrat Bahn, takes just 33 minutes from Zermatt village, and takes you on the most beautiful scenic journey up the mountain, over old stone bridges, through tiny tunnels and wild forests. You will see untouched snow, watch happy skiers and if you are lucky, some wild mountain goats.
Once at the top you will find a large sun deck, the quaint Bernhard von Aosta chapel, a restaurant, and Europe’s highest Hotel, the Kulmhotel Gornergrat. If you happen to be staying when there is a full moon, you can even dine under the moonlight at the 3100m high Kulmhotel and gaze out on the Matterhorn surrounded by stars.
The Gornergrat Train
Winter hiking or snowshoeing is a great way to be active in Zermatt for non-skiers. There is an extensive network of winter hiking trails that range from easy to hard. Pick something that suits your fancy, whether that is romantic views, forest walks or historic facts. Not only will you see plenty of fabulous views en route, but winter hiking or snowshoeing is a great exercise. Best of all you will work up a great appetite and you can later enjoy Zermatt's Restaurants guilt free ;)
As far as equipment is concerned, if you are new to snowshoeing renting the snowshoes and poles is a great way to get started. Don't forget to wear warm, waterproof boots and dress appropriately.
Winter hiking trail (the AHV-trail)
From December through to February the central Obere Matten ice rink is a great place to hang out in Zermatt for non-skiers and skiers alike! The rink is free of charge and we always rent our ice-skates in the Julen Sport shop as it's right on the other side of the street.
There is a booking plan, so be sure to check if the rink isn't occupied by the local ice hockey team. Alternatively, you can just hang out and watch the professionals train or take in an ice hockey match.
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise train station at an altitude of 3883 metres on the Klein Matterhorn Mountain is the highest train station in Europe and is one of the most epic things you can do in Zermatt!
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in the Mountain Klein Matterhorn © Aircam Zermatt
In 2018, the awe-inspiring Matterhorn Glacier Ride made its grand debut, marking a new era in alpine transportation. This state-of-the-art engineering takes passengers from Trockener Steg to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Among its fleet of 25 cabins, that were designed by the renowned Italian firm Pininfarina, famous for its work with Maserati and Ferrari, four stand out with an extraordinary flair. The 'Crystal Ride' cabins, are enriched with Swarovski Crystals and transparent floors, offering a heart-stopping view of the world below!
The Matterhorn Glacier Ride operates on clean electricity, equipped with photovoltaic panels on their exteriors, they generate enough electricity annually to meet the needs of approximately 62 households.
Visitors are captivated by the ice crystals and stunning ice sculptures in the Glacier Palace. An elevator descends from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise train station 15 metres beneath the glacier's surface, leading to a magical ice palace nestled in the heart of eternal frost. Journey through icy tunnels within the glacier, explore a crevasse, or glide down the ice slide. Ice benches draped in cozy furs and intricate ice sculptures transport you into a whimsical world of icy fairy tales. These sculptures, regularly refreshed, are the masterpieces of skilled ice artists, adding to the enchanting experience.
The Matterhorn museum Zermatlantis provides insights into the town's evolution, highlighting both the triumphs and tragedies of the Matterhorn's first ascent. Visitors are transported back to the 19th century, learn about Zermatt's History and experience how people lived back them. Encounter the famous broken rope from the 1865 Matterhorn ascent, which claimed four out of seven climbers' lives.
From July 1, 2023, until summer 2024, the Matterhorn museum hosts a special exhibition titled "The one and only Gornergrat Railway," celebrating its 125th anniversary. This exhibition takes visitors on a historical journey through the Gornergrat Railway's past, showcasing various stations and numerous historical artifacts that illustrate the railway's evolution over the past 125 years.
You can find more information on the Matterhorn museum and their website.
For the ultimate adventure take a sightseeing helicopter trip around the Matterhorn with Air Zermatt!
We had the pleasure of experiencing this once in a lifetime adventure a few years back and will never forget it! You get picked up by the helicopter at the Zermatt Heliport and start the journey into the mountain peaks. The pilots are famous worldwide for their ariel search and rescue skills and are used to flying in the most dangerous conditions. Our pilot grew up in Zermatt and knew the region like the back of his hand. He shared interesting knowledge about the mountains, glaciers and how they are changing. After passing multiple mountain tops and glaciers we reached the highlight: The Matterhorn. We flew close by its majestic tip bathed in sunlight, and witnessed as a group of mountaineers reached the top! After about 30 minutes we made our way back.
Air Zermatt (© Christian Pfammatter)
Dive into the exhilarating world of Zermatt's escape rooms. Friends, families, or colleagues can challenge themselves in various themed puzzles, from “the Submarine to the Dungeon” and “The Great Explorer”, each uniquely designed for 2-9 players. It's a race against time to solve tasks and escape the room, perfect for an exciting evening or a rainy day activity.
These rooms are family-friendly, suitable for children over 7 with an adult, and offer a great team-building experience. No language skills needed, as puzzles are language-neutral, using only European numbers and letters.
While photography isn't allowed, a souvenir photo is provided at the end. Get ready for a thrilling escape adventure in Zermatt!
A day of sledging is always a fun thing to do! In Zermatt you have two options: You can sledge from Furi to Zermatt or from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. Be sure to check first, if the sledging pists are open! It doesn't matter if it's snowing or sunny - just be sure to dress properly as (if you are like us) chances are you will be lying around in the snow a lot of the time ;)
To get to Rotenboden you can take the Gornergrat train from Zermatt station, enjoy one of the most scenic train rides and get out when they announce Rotenboden.
To get to Furi you can take a short cable car ride from Zermatt Matterhorn Talstation.
As we wrap up our journey through the top 10 non-skiing activities in Zermatt, it's clear that adventure and wonder don't just lie on the ski slopes. Zermatt is a treasure trove of experiences, waiting to be discovered and cherished. From the breathtaking views atop the Matterhorn Glacier Paradies to the magical depths of Zermatt's History, every moment here is a story waiting to be told.
Remember, Zermatt isn't just a destination; it's an invitation to explore, to connect with nature, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And what better way to immerse yourself in this winter wonderland than by staying with us at Zermatt Holiday Apartments? Our Zermatt Rentals are more than just a place to stay; they are your gateway to an authentic Zermatt experience.
Our homes are more than just a place to stay; they are your gateway to an authentic Zermatt experience. As locals, we're not just your hosts; we're your guides to this enchanting village we call home.
Book your stay with Zermatt Holiday Apartments today. 🏔️✨🛷
For further insights about Zermatt check out or up-to-date Zermatt Travel Guide where We’ve gathered our knowledge about Zermatt to help you get the most out of your stay!
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If you have any questions regarding this article or our holiday rentals please contact us via +41 27 968 11 30 or email us info@zermattholidays.com
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