Free time
Working where others spend their vacations... Zermatt has plenty to offer. Everyone has the possibility to make their free time unforgettable. Get inspired on Zermatt.ch (www.zermatt.ch) and discover our favorite tips...
Hiking
Riffelsee
via the "Mark Twain" trail
This picturesque trail leads from Riffelalp to Riffelberg and on to Riffelsee. Past alpine flowers and whistling marmots to the legendary Riffelsee with probably the most photogenic Matterhorn reflection in the world...
Duration: less than 2 hours
Elevation: about 550m | 1'804 ft
Distance: about 6 kilometres | 3,7 miles
Grünsee
the comfortable one...
The path leads through an old Swiss stone pine forest. Gnarled trees that are already more than 800 years old and the panorama of the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, Obergabelhorn, Wellenkuppe, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn offer an impressive backdrop.
Duration: 1 hour per way
Elevation: about 90m | 295 ft
Distance: 5 kilometres | 3,1 miles
Hiking trails
A network of 400 kilometres of hiking trails extends around Zermatt. Theme trails invite you to marvel, learn and enjoy.
Biking
Schwarzsee
uphill or downhill?
On Schwarzsee you can almost touch the Matterhorn. For ambitious bikers, a forest road leads from Furi towards Stafelalp and further to Schwarzsee. The view: Unforgettable!
Do you prefer a more leisurely ride? Then ride from Riffelalp downhill towards Furi station and take the cable car to Schwarzsee.
From Schwarzsee, follow the forest road back to Furi and then take the Riffelberg Express towards home. From Riffelberg, continue on the forest road downhill to Riffelalp or make a sidetrip to Grünsee.
Flow
may it be a little flowy?
Try the Flow Trail from Sunnegga. Fun is guaranteed, but don't apply the brakes too much, especially in the curves. If you are new to a flow trail, we recommend you set off with a bike guide who will familiarize you with the techniques. Because Alpine biking is not without its challenges...
Even more flow? Ask our concierge about the different flow trails.
Only flying is better !
Close to heaven
...with the paraglider
So close to the sky. Being as light as a bird, pure adrenaline, views of 38 peaks of the 4,000-metre peaks around Zermatt. As if you could touch them, grab them with your hands. Unique, unforgettable.
Are you brave enough to do it?
Costs: approx. CHF 170.- per flight
Helicopter tour
Matterhorn eye to eye
With a sightseeing flight with Air Zermatt you will experience the most beautiful mountain in the world from all sides. And around the Matterhorn, the majestic 4000-metre peaks of the Valais Alps await you.
Enjoy the bird's eye view of the alpine landscape and a bit of belly tingling when the pilot flies spectacular manoeuvres.
Costs: approx. CHF 220.- per person
Gorge adventure
Gorner Gorge
...with a mountain guide
The Gorner Gorge is a leftover from the last ice age. Thundering water has polished and shaped the rocks.The gorge can be crossed with a mountain guide. You climb, descend, swing from one sheer wall to another like Tarzan and Jane, and zip along a tyrolean rail of the gorge. Climbing through the gorge takes about 3 hours.
Costs: approx. CHF 120.- per person for the mountain guide
Blatten
...stroll through the gorge
You can also cross the lower part of the gorge more leisurely. But a little belly tingling is still part of it. The rocks are craggy and you follow wooden walkways, bridges and footbridges as if glued to the rock. Always with a deep view of the turquoise-blue, thundering waters of the Gorner glacier. An absolute must: the giant merengue in the Blatten Restaurant!
Glaciers experiences
3'883 Metres
glacier cave
Europe's highest mountain station is located at a lofty 3,883 metres above sea level. The summit lift takes you even higher, namely to the viewing platform with 360° panoramic views of 38 Alpine giants. A visit to the world's highest glacier palace makes the excursion an incomparable experience! A special thrill and wonderful views are guaranteed by a ride in one of the Crystal ride cabins of the Matterhorn glacier rides.
Glacier Trail
always following the glacier...
The easy, approximately 3-hour hike goes from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee always along the glacier. High-alpine mountain lakes reflect the impressive panorama. High alpine flora offers delightful photo motifs, the Matterhorn always in the background - or in the foreground? You decide!
Unique experiences
4'164M
...with a mountain guide
Fulfill your dream of the first four-thousand-metre peak! The Breithorn is the easiest four-thousander in the Alps. But it is still high and to reach the summit you have to cross a glacier and climb about 400 metres in altitude. The view and the sense of achievement make you forget all the exertions.
Costs: approx. CHF 570.- for the mountain guide
Summer ski
on the glacier
Skiing once in summer - that's something you have to experience. In the highest summer ski area in Europe, skiers of all levels can make their turns.
Costs: approx. CHF 75.- for the summer ski pass
