If you want to visit the Swiss Alps and only have a short amount of time, this 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt is perfect. This small, car-free village sits right at the base of the Matterhorn and is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. You’ll find cozy chalets, wooden bridges, glacier viewpoints, and some of the best mountain views in Europe.
Even if you only have two days, you can still ride the Gornergrat Bahn, walk around Zermatt village, see glacier viewpoints, and eat delicious food with a view of the Matterhorn. Zermatt is peaceful and magical, whether you visit in summer for hiking or in winter for skiing.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do, how to get around, and where to stay, all in one simple 2-day Zermatt itinerary.
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Unique experiences to book in Zermatt
Where to stay in Zermatt Switzerland: Hotels for all budgets
Why Zermatt is Worth Visiting?
Zermatt is a small village, but it really feels like it came straight out of a storybook. The fact that it’s car-free makes the streets quiet and clean, and you can walk everywhere. The train station, main street, Matterhorn Museum, ski lifts, and most hotels are all just a few minutes apart. I loved just wandering past the wooden chalets, stopping by little bakeries and chocolate shops, and seeing the mighty Matterhorn towering in the background wherever I looked.
The scenery is the main reason why Zermatt is so famous. There are over 38 mountain peaks, glaciers, long hiking trails, and beautiful cable car rides. No matter where you are, you get amazing views of the Matterhorn.
During the summer, the village is surrounded by green meadows and crystal-clear lakes. However, in winter, everything turns into a snowy wonderland with cozy cafés, warm blankets, and twinkling lights everywhere.
If you want to truly experience the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is one of the best places.
How to get to Zermatt?
The best way to get to Zermatt is by train. Since the town is completely car-free, you can’t drive past the parking area in Täsch.
There are direct trains from big Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. If you’re coming from St. Moritz, you can take the Glacier Express, which is one of the most famous scenic train rides in the world. The train has huge panoramic windows and the views of the Alps are incredible.
When you arrive, you get off right at the Zermatt train station in the town center, just a few steps from shops, restaurants, and hotels. The train journey itself is really beautiful, and the views get better and better as you get closer to the village.
- If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the journey is included and gives unlimited access to public transportation.
- If you have a Swiss Half Fare Card, you get 50% off most trains and cable cars.
- You can also buy a Peak Pass if you plan to use many lifts and cable cars. This is a good idea if you want unlimited access to popular mountain areas.
Day 1: 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt
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Ride the Gornergrat Bahn
I recommend starting your first day early with a ride on the Gornergrat Bahn. This is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful scenic train rides in Switzerland. The station is right next to the main Zermatt train station, so you can just walk over. The historic cogwheel train takes you up the mountain, and you’ll get to see forests, cliffs, and alpine meadows along the way.
Once you reach the top, you step out onto a wide viewing platform with some of the best views you’ll find in the area. The Matterhorn is right in front of you, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. You can also spot the huge Gorner Glacier and Monte Rosa, which is actually the highest mountain in Switzerland.
The weather in the Swiss Alps can change really fast, so I suggest going early morning for a better chance at clear skies. If you’re lucky and have good weather, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and some unforgettable photos.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, I recommend taking a short walk around the platform or heading toward Riffelberg. Even a quick 20–30 minute walk will reward you with beautiful views, wooden bridges, and blue lakes if you visit between late June and early September. The alpine meadows here are really peaceful. It’s a great way to enjoy the mountains without having to do a long hike.
Hot Chocolate or Lunch With a Matterhorn View (optional)
At the very top, there is a hotel, 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. It has its own restaurant and an observatory. If you want to have lunch on the mountain, I recommend the Glacier Alpine Kitchen at the hotel. The food is really tasty, and the dining room has huge windows with amazing views of the Matterhorn. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside and enjoy your meal with the mountains right in front of you. It’s a peaceful spot where you can relax, try some Swiss food, and just take in the scenery.
If you prefer to head back to the village, there are lots of restaurants and cafés along the main street. You’ll find cozy places where you can have pizza, pasta, warm soups, rösti, and other Swiss specialties. No matter where you eat, the mountain views make everything taste better.
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Stop at Iglu-Dorf on the Way Down
On your way back, I recommend getting off the train at Rotenboden to visit Iglu-Dorf Zermatt. This is an igloo village that’s built every winter from ice and snow. Inside, you can explore snow rooms, see ice sculptures, and warm up at the bar with cozy blankets. One of the best things to do here is try cheese fondue inside an igloo. It’s warm, creamy, and just perfect after spending the morning outside in the cold.
It’s a unique winter experience and a great place for photos. Even if you don’t stay overnight, I think visiting Iglu-Dorf is a must for your 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt.
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Lunch With Matterhorn Views
If you didn’t have lunch on the mountain, don’t worry. There are lots of options in the village. After visiting Iglu-Dorf, head back to Zermatt and stop for lunch in the town center. The main street has tons of cafés and restaurants where you can try pizza, rösti, pasta, soup, and delicious chocolate desserts. If you visit in summer, you can sit outside on a terrace and enjoy beautiful views of the Matterhorn.
If you want to stay up on the mountain, there are a few restaurants near Gornergrat and Riffelberg with amazing terraces and classic Swiss food. On a clear day, it’s really relaxing to sit outside, have lunch, and take in the view of the majestic Matterhorn.
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Explore the Village
In the afternoon, take some time to explore the village. Zermatt is car-free, so it feels peaceful, and the air is fresh. You can walk everywhere without any traffic noise. The river runs right through the center, and if you look up, you’ll spot the Matterhorn peeking out between the rooftops.
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Zermatt:
- Walk the main street with shops and restaurants
- Stop for coffee or hot chocolate at a café
- Try Swiss chocolate from a local shop
- See the old wooden chalets and small barns
- Take photos by the river with Matterhorn views
The streets are charming, and the whole town feels warm and welcoming.
In the afternoon, spend time exploring Zermatt on foot. You’ll see wooden chalets, small shops, chocolate boutiques, and cozy cafés. Walk along the river, browse the local stores, or simply enjoy the mountain scenery.
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Visit the Matterhorn Museum
In the afternoon, I recommend visiting the Zermatlantis Matterhorn Museum, right in the center of town. The museum is underground and designed to look like a little alpine village. Inside, you can see old climbing gear, black-and-white photos, and artifacts that show how Zermatt grew from a small farming village into a famous mountain destination. If the weather isn’t great, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours indoors.
Exhibits include:
- Old climbing equipment
- Photos of the first people who reached the summit
- Stories of the mountain’s history
- A model of the Matterhorn Glacier Trail
It’s a good idea to visit the museum if the weather becomes cloudy or there’s bad weather in the afternoon.
Ice Skating in Zermatt
If you visit in winter, try ice skating in the town center. The rink is surrounded by string lights, music plays, and you can see the mountains all around you. It feels peaceful and charming, almost like stepping into a snow globe.
Relaxing Spa Evening
After a busy day outdoors and breathing in the fresh mountain air, there’s nothing better than relaxing at the spa in your hotel. Many hotels in Zermatt have heated pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms. It’s the perfect way to end your first day and recharge for tomorrow.
That’s the end of Day 1 of your 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt: scenic train rides, glacier views, a peaceful village, and a cozy night in the Alps.
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Day 2: 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt
On your second day in Zermatt, you can choose between two amazing options: spend the day exploring more stunning viewpoints and glacier experiences, or hit the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding. Both are unforgettable and fit perfectly into a 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt.
Option 1: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise & Chez Vrony (Sightseeing Day)
Take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car
Start your morning with a ride on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car. You will go through a series of cable cars all the way up to Klein Matterhorn. This is the highest cable car station in Europe, and the ride itself is beautiful. You’ll see snowy mountain peaks, rocky ridges, and dramatic glacier views. On a clear day, the scenery is unbelievable.
When you get to the top and step out onto the viewing platform you will see one of the most incredible views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. You can also see glaciers stretching for miles, and if the weather is good, you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance. It really feels like the top of the world.
Inside the glacier paradise, there’s also the Ice Palace. It’s a maze of tunnels and ice sculptures carved right inside the glacier. It’s cold, but it’s a fun and unique experience that I definitely recommend checking out.
If you have a Peak Pass, this whole route is included, and you get unlimited access to different lifts and mountain areas. I think it’s a good idea if you want to spend the whole day sightseeing and riding cable cars.
Visit Trockener Steg or Matterhorn Glacier Trail (Summer Option)
If you visit during the summer months, I recommend stopping at Trockener Steg on the way up or down. The views here are incredible, with wide-open landscapes, rocky terrain, and glaciers all around. From this point, you can walk a part of the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. It’s an easy hike with amazing glacier scenery and peaceful alpine views. Even if you only do a short section, it’s worth it for the photos and the experience.
This is one of the best hiking trails in Zermatt if you don’t have much time. Even if you only walk a little bit of it, you’ll find plenty of great spots for photos.
VIP Gondola Ride
If you want to have an extra special experience, consider going on the VIP gondola. It has leather seats, champagne, and an unforgettable view of the Matterhorn from a private cabin. I think it’s a great idea if you’re celebrating something or just want a unique experience in Zermatt.
Lunch at Chez Vrony
After you visit the glacier, head to Chez Vrony. This is one of the best places to eat in Zermatt. The wooden terrace has one of the best viewpoints and looks directly at the Matterhorn. On sunny days, you can sit outside with a warm blanket and enjoy the scenery. The restaurant serves traditional Swiss dishes and fresh alpine flavors, all made with local ingredients. I thought the food was amazing.
If you are skiing, you can just ski down here for lunch or après. If you are not skiing, you can still reach the restaurant by using the lifts and following the marked trails. The place has a cozy, relaxed mountain vibe. In my opinion, it is one of the most memorable lunch spots in Zermatt. The views make it even more special.
Walk Through the Sunnegga Area
After lunch, you can take a walk through the Sunnegga area. If you visit in September or during the summer, you’ll see alpine meadows, small lakes, and beautiful open scenery. In winter, you’ll see skiers, snowy trees, and cozy huts on the slopes. The path is not long, but the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn are definitely worth it.
Evening in the Village
Head back to the town center in the late afternoon. This is a great time to shop for souvenirs, check out the chocolate boutiques, or relax with a warm drink at an outdoor café. When the sun sets, the lights of Zermatt shine against the dark mountains and the whole place feels peaceful and magical. This wraps up Option 1 of your 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt.
Option 2: Skiing or Snowboarding in Zermatt
Zermatt is one of the best ski resorts in Europe, and a full ski day is a great way to spend the second day. The slopes are long, wide, and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. If you’ve ever wanted to ski with a view of the majestic Matterhorn, this is the perfect place.
There are lifts connecting multiple mountain areas, and on a clear day, you can even ski across the border into Italy. It really feels like an full adventure. The snow conditions are usually excellent during the peak season.
There are ski runs for everyone, from beginners to advanced. The mountain is easy to get around with clear maps and signs. When you need a break, you can stop at a cozy hut or a sunny terrace for a meal or a drink.
Mountain Lunch at Chez Vrony or Findlerhof
For lunch, I recommend Chez Vrony or Findlerhof. These are two of the most famous mountain restaurants in Zermatt. The food is delicious, and the terraces have beautiful views. On sunny days, you can sit outside with a blanket and enjoy the scenery. This is one of my favorite things about skiing in Zermatt.
Après-Ski
After skiing, you can enjoy après-ski either on the mountain or in the village. Many places have outdoor seating, heaters, warm drinks, and music. The atmosphere is lively and fun all winter. If you want something more relaxing, you can go back to your hotel and enjoy the spa, sauna, or jacuzzi. It’s a great way to end the day.
This is my suggestion for Day 2: a full day of skiing, great food, and a cozy evening in town. Skiing in Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background is an experience you won’t forget.
Short on time, here are 8 Best Hotel Recommendations
Zermatt has everything from luxury mountain lodges to comfortable mid-range hotels with great locations. Here are some great options:
Best Luxury Hotels
RIFFELALP RESORT 2222M – Ski-in & Ski-out
Riffelalp Resort 2222m is a luxury five-star hotel perched high above Zermatt, and the views of the Matterhorn are absolutely breathtaking. You can get here with a short train ride from the village, and once you arrive, it feels like a peaceful retreat in the middle of nature. The rooms are spacious and most of them have balconies where you can really enjoy the mountain scenery.
If you love winter sports, you’ll appreciate the ski-in/ski-out access here. The resort has everything you need for a relaxing stay: an indoor pool, an outdoor pool with Matterhorn views, saunas, and a sun deck where you can unwind. There are three restaurants on site, so you can try everything from fine dining to local Swiss dishes. It’s a great place whether you want to be active or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
BEAUSiTE ZERMATT
BEAUSiTE Zermatt is a newly renovated hotel that mixes traditional alpine style with modern comfort. It’s just a short walk from the Sunnegga Cable Car, so you can get to the slopes easily. The rooms are spacious and very clean, and many of them have amazing views of the Matterhorn. Each morning you can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with a live cooking station. There’s also an indoor pool and spa where you can relax after a day outside. This is a great hotel if you want something new, comfortable, and close to everything in Zermatt.
CERVO MOUNTAIN RESORT
CERVO Mountain Resort is a luxury hotel in Zermatt that mixes modern design with alpine charm. It’s just a short walk from the Sunnegga Cable Car, so you can get to the slopes quickly and enjoy beautiful views of the Matterhorn. The rooms are spacious and have everything you need, and they feel like a cozy retreat after a day of exploring. Each morning you can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. There’s also a wellness area with an indoor pool and spa, which is perfect if you want to relax.
THE OMNIA
The Omnia is a beautiful five-star hotel in Zermatt with a modern design and a cozy alpine vibe. It’s set high above the village, and you get to enter through a tunnel that leads to an elevator straight to the lobby. It really feels like a special escape.
There are 30 rooms and suites, all beautifully designed. The hotel also has a library, a restaurant with an open fireplace, and a lounge bar with amazing views of the Matterhorn. After a day on the slopes, you can relax in the indoor pool, the heated outdoor pool, the Jacuzzi, or the sauna, all with incredible mountain views. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy delicious food in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Great Mid-Range Hotels
ALPEN RESORT & SPA
Alpen Resort & Spa is a family-run hotel just 150 meters from Zermatt’s train station, so you can walk there in a couple of minutes. It’s also close to the ski lifts and the center of Zermatt, which makes it a great base for exploring. The rooms are spacious, and some have balconies with amazing Matterhorn views. There’s a wellness area with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and spa, plus an outdoor jacuzzi where you can relax after a day out. The on-site restaurant serves Swiss food and has a really cozy vibe.
HOTEL BELLERIVE
Hotel Bellerive is a 3-star boutique hotel right in the center of Zermatt, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station and ski lifts. The location is perfect if you want to explore the area. The rooms and suites are all individually designed, with a cozy feel and modern touches. Many rooms have balconies with Matterhorn views, which is a big plus. You get a breakfast buffet every morning, and there’s a small spa area with a sauna and jacuzzi where you can unwind after a busy day.
ZERMATT BUDGET ROOMS
Zermatt Budget Rooms is is a great option if you’re looking for something affordable and comfortable. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the train station and ski lifts. The rooms are spacious and can fit 2 to 6 people, so it’s perfect for families or groups. Each room has a private bathroom with a bath, shower, separate toilet, and hairdryer. You get a free breakfast buffet every morning, and you can use the Alpen Resort Hotel’s wellness facilities, like the heated adventure pool, hot tub, steam bath, sauna, fitness room, and even a tennis court.
SCHLOSS SCHLOSS ZERMATT – CBD & ADAPTOGENIC SPA AND SPORT HOTEL
SCHLOSS Zermatt is a 4-star superior hotel right in the heart of Zermatt, just a short walk from the train station and ski lifts. It’s family-run and combines traditional alpine charm with modern comforts.
If you stay here, don’t miss the CBD & Adaptogenic Spa, which has treatments with organic CBD and vital mushrooms. There’s also a modern gym and a pool. The hotel offers free yoga and fitness classes, so it’s a great choice if you want both an active and relaxing stay.
Final Thoughts on a 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt
Even with a short visit, a 2 Day Itinerary Zermatt gives you so many unforgettable moments. You can take the Gornergrat Bahn for some of the best Matterhorn views, wander through the peaceful village streets, visit the glacier at Klein Matterhorn, and try delicious mountain food.
Zermatt has a special vibe in every season. In winter, it’s covered in snow and feels like a fairytale. In summer, you can go hiking under the sun, and in autumn, the air is crisp and the views are crystal clear.
No matter if you come for sightseeing or skiing, the scenery will take your breath away and the town feels really cozy and welcoming. If you love picture-perfect mountain views and want to relax in a charming village, this itinerary is for you.
Zermatt is unique in Switzerland and has experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Two days here fly by, but you’ll remember them for a long time.
Travel Tips/Things to Know Before Visiting Zermatt Switzerland
How to get to Zermatt? More Transport Information
After spending a few days in Zurich, Switzerland, we took the 7 a.m. train from Zurich HB (the main train station) to Zermatt. There was a quick stop at Visp, and we arrived in Zermatt at 10:05 a.m. The train ride was super smooth and on time, and the views were incredible. You pass by lakes, valleys, and snow-capped mountains the whole way.
Booking train tickets with the SBB app was really easy. I think this is the best way to travel around Switzerland.
A standard one-way ticket for this trip costs about CHF 120 per person. If you plan to travel more in Switzerland, I really recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass. It gives you unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats, so you don’t have to worry about buying separate tickets.
Zermatt is a small, car-free village that you can only reach by train. This makes it really peaceful and charming. When you arrive, most hotels have shuttles that pick you up from the train station, so it’s very easy. As soon as you step out of the station, you get hit by the fresh mountain air and the amazing view of the Matterhorn in the distance. It’s the perfect welcome to this alpine paradise.
Do I need to make reservations?
If there’s one thing you should know about eating in Zermatt, it’s that reservations are a must, seriously! During peak season, especially in the winter, the best restaurants book out way in advance, both in town and up on the mountain. And trust me, you don’t want to miss out on some of these spots.
If you’re planning to have lunch on the mountain (which you absolutely should), book ahead—these places have the best views, the perfect après-ski scene, and, of course, the most incredible cheese fondue. There’s nothing better than sitting outside, surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks, with a pot of melted cheese in front of you.
Should I pack a swimsuit?
I know, packing a swimsuit for Switzerland in the middle of winter might seem unusual, but trust me—it’s a good idea. Zermatt has some incredible outdoor heated Jacuzzis, saunas, and spas, and there’s nothing better than soaking in warm, steamy water while surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Many hotels have amazing spa areas, and there are also public wellness centers where you can unwind after a day of exploring or on the slopes.
How can I pay/Currency?
Although Switzerland is surrounded by Euro-using countries, you have to use the Swiss Franc (CHF) once you’re there. Some places might take Euros, but the exchange rate won’t be great, so for best experiences have a little local cash just in case. That said, credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere—in fact, I barely used cash when I was in Zermatt.
When is it best to visit Zermatt?
Zermatt is a year-round destination, but the experience completely changes depending on the season. Here’s what to expect:
December-March
Peak season! Zermatt is world-famous for its perfectly groomed slopes, après-ski scene, and magical snowy landscapes. This is the best time for skiing, snowboarding, and cozying up in mountain lodges with hot chocolate or a pot of cheese fondue. Just keep in mind that hotels and restaurants book up fast, so plan ahead.
April-September
When the snow melts, hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures take over. The scenery is stunning, with lush green valleys, wildflowers, and crystal-clear lakes. Visiting during the summer months is also a great time to take the Gornergrat railway for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Expect warmer days but cooler nights—so pack layers!
October-November
A quieter, in-between season. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and incredible autumn colors, make it a great time to visit if you’re not skiing. While some lifts and trails may close before ski season kicks off, the peaceful atmosphere and crisp mountain air make it still very much worth visiting—especially if you want to avoid peak-season crowds.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.