Top things to do in Zermatt

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Manish Dhanetwal
SG

Manish

Singapore
Oct 2025
5/5

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Zermatt the alpine village. I am betting its best viewed in winters season. My October trip wasn't that awesome after having been to titlis and interlaken where snowy mountains with greens looked better to eyes. But matterhorn is still a beauty so yes if winters it will.be special where everything is covered. Otherwise this mountain is high as it gets. Great altitude coverage . Must visit if times allows. For skiing its a dreamland. Will visit again in winters.
Gordon Dunfee
US

Gordon

United States
Jul 2025
4/5

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+1 more

The scenery was breathtaking! We definitely recommend taking this journey to the top! On our day the Ice Palace was closed for maintenance and the sound system in the Cinema Lounge area wasn't working. Fortunately there was plenty of scenery all around to take in!
HAN HTOO NAUNG
HU

Han

Hungary
Aug 2025
5/5

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+1 more

I bought a Swiss Half Fare Card from Headout. I made the right decision to buy this card as I could save a lot of money for transportation fare. I recommended you to buy this card if you plan to visit Switzerland. Even if you visit Switzerland for 4-5 days, it is worth buying as you need to take different types of transportation to get to your destinations.
HRADEC JAKUB
CZ

Hradec

Czech Republic
Sep 2025
5/5
Excellent product - no stress in a que in front of a cash desk and saves money. As it saves even time, this is again about saving money, because time is money. Double profit for one price, which is lower than for individually bought tickets.
Deborah Preston
NZ

Deborah

New Zealand
Aug 2025
5/5
What a AWESOME one fit pass - it made travelling in Switzerland affordable and allowed us to enjoy all of the boats/ferrys/cable cars/vaniculars/trams and incredible train routes........Switzland is an incredible country full of great transport options and this pass gave us the ability to use all of these. Even the bernina express tickets were included. You can't go wrong with this pass.

Zermatt to Glacier Paradise: A short summit adventure

Glacier Paradise, perched at 3,883 m, is Europe’s highest cable car station and can only be reached via the car-free village of Zermatt, making the journey part of the alpine adventure. From Zermatt, take a scenic cable car ride from the valley to the summit, with optional stops at Furi, Schwarzsee, and Trockener Steg.

Overview:

  • Distance from Zermatt: ~12 km
  • Typical travel time: 30–40 min via cable car
  • On-site visit duration: 2–4 hours
  • Cost range: CHF 90–150 per adult (depends on inclusions)
  • Best season/time of year: May–October for sightseeing; December–March for skiing
  • Boarding point: Zermatt Talstation

What to expect on a Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise day trip

Matterhorn reflected in a serene alpine lake, Zermatt, Switzerland.
Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with snowy mountain backdrop.
Aerial view of Gornergrat ridge and train station with Matterhorn peak in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Skiers on Gornergrat slope with Matterhorn in background, Zermatt.
Viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with mountain views.
Zermatt village with Matterhorn mountain in the background, Switzerland.
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Departure from Zermatt

Board your cable car at Zermatt station, running continuously from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Enjoy crisp mountain air and sweeping alpine views as you ascend toward the Klein Matterhorn.

Scenic cable car journey

Pass Gorner, Findel, Theodul, and Matterhorn Glaciers, along with snowfields and rugged peaks, on the world’s highest cable car route. The ride itself is a highlight, offering unbeatable photo opportunities.

Arrive at the summit

Walk into a glacier and admire ice sculptures at the Glacier Palace or relax in the cinema lounge. Marvel at the Matterhorn peak from multiple vantage points.

Optional snow activities

Try skiing, snow tubing, or walking on the glacier at the Snow Fun Park, depending on seasonal availability. Equipment rentals are available on-site.

Panoramic views

From the viewing deck at 3,883 m, get 360° Alpine vistas with telescopes to spot famous peaks including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Castor & Pollux, and many more.

Comfortable return to Zermatt

Explore the summit at your own pace, timing your visit to fully enjoy the summit station. The final cable car descent is typically around 5:30 pm, varying seasonally.

Things to know before booking your day trip

👉 Zermatt is the gateway

All trips to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise start here.

👉 Book ahead to avoid queuing

Cable car queues can extend for around 20-minute in peak seasons.

Secure your spot now

👉 Check the forecast before booking

Weather affects cable car operations and timings.

Seasonal patterns at Glacier Paradise

Your Zermatt to Glacier Paradise itinerary

Time of dayDurationSegmentOptional add ons

Morning

40 minutes

Zermatt → Trockener Steg

Hop off at Trockener Steg to bike on the mountain trails

Midday

2–2.5 hrs

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Free time on viewing platform; coffee/snack break

Afternoon

1–2 hrs

Summit station exploration

Optional Snow Fun Park; last cable car descent ~5:30pm

Evening

1-2 hrs

Return to Zermatt

Local bus access to explore Zermatt, optional Matterhorn Museum visit

Highlights of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with mountain views.
Visitors exploring ice sculptures inside Glacier Paradise.
People seated in modern hanging chairs in a cinema room.
Dining with a view of the Matterhorn at a glacier-top restaurant.
Skiers on Gornergrat slope with Matterhorn in background, Zermatt.
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Viewing platform

Step on to the deck to identify legendary peaks such as Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Castor & Pollux, and, on clear days, trace the horizon across Switzerland, Italy, and France.

✅ Access included

Glacier Palace

Descend into the underground ice tunnels and explore sculpted figures and an ice chapel. Marvel at the glacial lake hidden beneath the surface and learn about the formation and history of glaciers through informative displays.

✅ Access included

Cinema lounge

Experience a cinematic journey showcasing the Alpine world, including alpinism, flora and fauna, and the history of lifts and railways.

✅ Access included

Mountain-top restaurant

Enjoy a meal with breathtaking glacier and peak views at the mountaintop restaurant. Choose from a variety of local and international dishes while soaking in the alpine panorama.

❌ Price not included

👉 To avail on-site

Snow activities

The snow fun park at the summit offers safe, family-friendly snow play, and equipment rentals are available on-site. Ideal for beginners, casual snow fun, or quick winter sports experiences without leaving the summit.

❌ Access not included

👉 To avail on-site

Person walking on Glacier 3000 suspension bridge with snowy mountains in the background.

Furi suspension bridge

Feel the thrill of swaying above the Alpine gorge while enjoying panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, and surrounding peaks.

Time required: 30–45 mins

How to access: Exit at Furi station and follow the marked trail to the suspension bridge for panoramic views.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly to viewing areas, bridge itself has rails; some steps

Matterhorn reflected in a clear alpine lake, Zermatt, Switzerland.

Schwarzsee lake

Nestled at 2,552 m, this glacial lake offers crystal-clear waters reflecting the Matterhorn.

Time required: 1 hour

How to access: Just hop off at the Schwarzee station and follow the short lakeside trail.

Accessibility: Mostly paved paths, wheelchair access to lake viewpoint; some uneven terrain.

Matterhorn peak surrounded by snow and clouds in the Swiss Alps.

Trockener Steg trails

Stop here to explore over 10 km of marked Alpine trails for hiking or mountain biking, ranging from beginner to advanced.

Time required: 1–2 hours

How to access: Hop off at the station; multiple short alpine trails start directly from the station.

Accessibility: Trails vary; wheelchair not recommended on steep sections, bikes must be secured on cable car.

Getting to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt

Route at a glance: Zermatt → Furi → Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

  • Zermatt → Furi: Board the cable car at Zermatt and enjoy a 5-minute ride to Furi.
  • Furi → Trockener Steg: From Furi, take the cable car for a 7-minute ride to Trockener Steg.
  • Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Continue to the summit via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride or the classic red cable car, reaching the top in approximately 8 minutes.

Note: This direct route is the fastest option, but in summer, the Furi → Trockener Steg cable car operates only in the early morning hours.

Check directions to Glacier Paradise

Route at a glance: Zermatt → Furi → Schwarzsee → Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

  • Zermatt → Furi: Walk or take a bus to Zermatt Bergbahnen, the cable car station at the southern end of Zermatt.
    Cable car ride: ~6 minutes
  • Furi → Schwarzsee (optional detour): Quick cable car to Schwarzsee for a different perspective of the Matterhorn.
    Ride time: ~8 minutes
  • Schwarzsee → Trockener Steg: Continue via cable car to Trockener Steg.
    Ride time: ~9 minutes
  • Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Take the futuristic cable car to the summit station.
    Ride time: ~8 minutes

Helpful tips

  • Best time to visit (day-wise): Morning rides provide clearer visibility before haze builds; early departures avoid crowds.
  • Best season to visit: Summer (Jul–Sep) for full accessibility; winter (Dec–Feb) offers snow activities.
  • Essentials to pack: Warm layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and sturdy footwear for snow/ice areas.
  • Accessibility: Cable cars are wheelchair-friendly; some trails may not be suitable for limited mobility.
  • Rules: Children under 3 are not allowed beyond Trockener Steg.

Guide to visiting the summit station →

Frequently asked questions about Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise day trip

How long is the gondola ride to the summit?

The full journey is split into three stages — Zermatt → Furi → Trockener Steg → Klein Matterhorn. The total travel time is around 40 minutes to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt.

Can I stop midway on the cable car route?

Absolutely. Furi, Schwarzsee, and Trockener Steg have short trails, lakes, and alpine activities, perfect for stretching or taking photos before continuing to the summit.

How many cable cars do I need to change from Zermatt to the summit station?

You ideally need to change 2 cable cars, one at Furi and then at Trockener Steg. But if you take a detour at Schwarzsee then you have to change cable cars thrice.

How much does it cost to travel from Zermatt to station?

The round trip would cost around CHF 109 per person. The prices vary according to season.

How much time should I allocate at the summit?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the Glacier Palace, viewing platform, cinema lounge, and optional stops at nearby peaks or trails.

Can I do this as a day trip from Geneva?

Yes, it’s long but feasible. Full round-trip including coach, shuttle, cable car, and time in Zermatt takes 13–14 hours. Expect an early morning start and evening return.

Are there optional activities at Zermatt?

Yes, you can take the 25-minute alpine flight for a unique Matterhorn view (requires a short running start) or explore the Zermatlantis Museum for alpine history and Matterhorn exhibits.

Is Glacier Paradise accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

The summit station is wheelchair-friendly, with elevators and accessible cable cars. However, the coach transfer from Geneva and some village exploration are not fully accessible, making the full day-trip challenging for mobility-impaired visitors.

Are children allowed at the summit station?

Children under 3 are not allowed at the Klein Matterhorn summit station due to safety and altitude restrictions. Families can stop at Trockener Steg or Schwarzsee mid-stations to enjoy short trails, alpine lakes, and viewing areas.

More reads

Snow-covered peak of Klein Matterhorn near Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland.

Plan your visit

Sunrise over the Matterhorn at Glacier Paradise, Switzerland, reflecting in a tranquil lake.

Weather

Gornergrat Observatory with Matterhorn view at dusk, Zermatt, Switzerland.

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