One of our favorite days in Switzerland was visiting Zermatt and getting to see the majestic Matterhorn in every angle!
While visiting Switzerland, one of our home locations was Bern. From there, we took a 2 hour train for a day trip out to Zermatt.
TIP: Although one day in Zermatt is doable, I would highly recommend staying at least one night to fully experience what the town has to offer!
Fun Fact: The mountain on the Toblerone candy bar is the Matterhorn!
For those taking a day trip into Zermatt, plan to arrive before 0900 to make the most of your day.
TIP: Before arriving in Zermatt, buy a Peak Pass which will give you access to the lifts and trains outlined below, including admission to Glacier Palace. This pass costs us 390 CHF ($450) for 2 adult passes, as kids under 9 are free. Since we went at the end of October, some of our lift options were closed. Check the lift schedules to plan your day as the schedule changes between the summer and winter months: LINK
0830 - Arrive in Zermatt
We traveled from Bern to Zermatt, taking the first train at 0610 and arrived at 0820
Once you arrive in Zermatt, you have multiple options for which railways and cable cars to take you up the mountains
We were able to take two routes for two very different views of the Matterhorn!
TIP: If you buy a Peak Pass, you must activate it at a kiosk that can be found in the Zermatt GGB station
0900 - Matterhorn Glacier Ride
Right when we arrived we started our journey up to Klein Matterhorn via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride
Once you arrive in Zermatt you can either walk (15 minutes uphill) or take the bus to get to the bottom of the lift - we took the bus :)
I got front row seats and the first glimpse of the Matterhorn on our way to the chair lifts (left photo) and a family photo at the entrance of the lifts (right photo)
If you are lucky, the journey up, 3883 meters, should only take 1 hour
However, there are multiple stops along the way and 3 transfers you must take
So depending on how busy the lifts are, the time can vary between 1-2 hours from the bottom (Zermatt) to the top (Klein Matterhorn)
MAP: Zermatt > Furi > Schwarzsee > Trockener Steg > Klein Matterhorn
Map of courtesy from: https://www.zermatt.ch/en
TIPS: Be flexible with your time. Bring snacks for the kids. Also, kids 3 and under are not allowed past Trockener Steg, therefore are not allowed in Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
1030 - Arrive in Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (1.5 hours stay)
Once you arrive in Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you will be at the highest accessible peak in Zermatt. This means two things - its VERY cold and the high elevation can make it more difficult to breath, so be prepared to experience both!
Things to do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
Ice Tunnel where you will find ice sculptures and an ice slide
Restaurant where you can have a snack or lunch break
Highest viewing platforms in the Alps
Cinema Lounge (place to relax and watch short films of the alps)
Skiing/Snowboarding
Thoughts: To enjoy this experience, make sure you dress warm (check the weather before you go) and wear comfortable shoes! You will likely be standing during your ride up and down the cable cars which can take anywhere from 1-2 hours each way!
While our family was not able to make other stops on our way back down to Zermatt (kids decided it was nap time as we were making our way down), I HIGHLY recommend stopping at the other locations on the map:
Trockener Steg - walk to a glacial lake with the view of the Matterhorn
Schwarzsee - take photos with the ZERMATT sign
Furi - multiple hiking trails
1200 - Arrive back to Zermatt and have Lunch
We had lunch break and refueled before making our way to Riffelsee via the Gornergat railway
TIP: make sure to check the railway schedule so you don't miss the train departures
1315 - Riffelsee
Starting from Zermatt GGB station, you will take the Gornergat railway about 40 minutes to Rotenboden
TIP: Sit on the RIGHT side to get views of the Matterhorn
Once you stop at Rotenboden you will need to walk down a path to get to Riffelsee, which is the lake that is best known for the picture-perfect mirror image of the Matterhorn
TIP: To get the best reflection either go early morning or late afternoon just before sun down
The views here really did not disappoint and I was able to capture this stunning image on my iPhone:
1510 - Back to Zermatt
TIP: Although my family was not able to make it to the next stop, Bergstation Gornergrat Bahn, I'd highly recommend you add this to your itinerary and enjoy dinner at the top!
I can't emphasize enough that the railway time tables are your friend and you must use it to plan your way around Zermatt. Here are the timetables for Gornergat Railway: LINK
Final Thoughts: We didn't make it to every stop on our itinerary, which is why I would recommend spending a full day and staying overnight if you can fit it in your schedule. Although a day trip is possible, there are just so many things to do around Zermatt. It was such a magical place and one I will add to our list of places to visit again!
One Day Family Friendly Zermatt Itinerary:
0830 - Arrive in Zermatt
0900 - Journey up to Klein Matterhorn via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride
1030 - Spend 1.5-2 hours at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
1230 - Lunch back in Zermatt
1330 - Journey to Riffelsee via the Gornergat railway
1415 - Spend 1 hour at Riffelsee (photo ops)
1530 - Go up to Bergstation Gornergrat Bahn if you have time or journey back down to Zermatt for dinner or to catch the train back home
Although one day is doable in Zermatt, I truly wish we had stayed overnight! Click here for the top places to stay in Zermatt (affiliate link): Hotels.com
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