Zermatt (Switzerland): The Most Important Information at a Glance

A picturesque village, an incredible mountain backdrop and, of course, the world-famous Matterhorn: Zermatt (Switzerland) attracts many visitors year after year who want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If you're heading to Zermatt by car, however, you should bear in mind that the entire village is car-free. Here we've summarised all the important information on this, along with many more Zermatt tips for you.

Zermatt (Switzerland): The most important information at a glance

• Zermatt is car-free. If you want to get to Zermatt by car, you can drive as far as Täsch and use public transport from there.

• You need a vignette if you want to use motorways or expressways on your way to Zermatt.

• Zermatt offers a wide range of activities both in winter and summer – from hikes and cycling tours to ski trips.

• Whether hotel, chalet or campsite: Zermatt (Switzerland) has numerous accommodation options for every type of traveller.

Travelling to Zermatt by car: special features

Are you planning to travel to Zermatt (Switzerland) by car or motorhome? Then you should note that the mountain village is car-free and that there is a toll requirement in Switzerland. Here is all the important information on this:

Zermatt: arriving in the car-free mountain village

Zermatt has been car-free since 1931. This applies to normal cars as well as electric vehicles. But don't worry: this won't stand in the way of your holiday. You can simply drive to Täsch (five kilometres outside the village) and continue your journey to Zermatt from there. The following options are available to you:

• Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn: The train shuttle runs several times an hour. The journey takes around 12 minutes, and the current cost for a return trip is CHF 17.20.

• Private taxis and shuttle buses: Alternatively, you can book private taxis or shuttle buses. These are offered by various private companies or can be organised for you by your accommodation.

Zermatt parking: motorhomes

Motorhome travellers are also not allowed to drive to Zermatt or park in Zermatt. However, you will find motorhome pitches and campsites in Täsch and many other villages in the area. If you want to get to Zermatt, you can take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Täsch, or use private electric taxis and shuttle buses.

Information on tolls in Switzerland

If you're heading to Zermatt by car or motorhome, you should also bear in mind the general toll requirement in Switzerland. This applies to all expressways and motorways in the country.

Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes require a vignette in Switzerland. This is only available as an annual vignette and is valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year, regardless of the purchase date. The official price is CHF 40. To save valuable time on your journey to Switzerland and Zermatt, you can buy the digital vignette online from home in advance.

For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, however, the heavy vehicle charge applies instead of the vignette: lorries pay the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) based on kilometres and weight, while heavy motorhomes, caravans and buses pay the flat-rate heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) based on the length of stay (e.g. motorhome CHF 3.25 per day, minimum CHF 25; payment via the Via portal).

Other countries with toll requirements

You may pass through other countries with toll requirements on your journey, such as Austria. Plan your route accordingly and buy all the necessary vignettes online in advance to save time during your journey. For example, you can buy the digital vignette for Austria here.

Zermatt: traffic and transport within the village

No private vehicles are allowed to drive in Zermatt (Switzerland). However, short distances in the small village can easily be covered on foot. For longer distances, there are electric taxis, electric buses or horse-drawn carriages in Zermatt. Transport options like these can be organised at any time without any hassle.

Zermatt tips: popular leisure activities in the region

Zermatt is particularly popular with nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Hardly surprising, as there is a lot to experience around the mountain village. Here are the most popular leisure activities in and around Zermatt:

Hiking and enjoying nature

Zermatt is a true hiking paradise – especially during the summer months, when the climate is pleasantly mild (between around 15 and 25 degrees). Popular routes, such as the 5-Lakes Walk, offer impressive views of the Matterhorn and lead through beautiful landscapes. They cater for all difficulty levels – from easy walks to demanding mountain tours.

Skiing and snowboarding

For skiers and snowboarders, Zermatt offers a huge ski area that extends as far as Cervinia in Italy. This is in full swing during the winter. But winter sports fans don't have to miss out in summer either: the Theodul Glacier is Europe's highest year-round ski area and invites you to fast-paced piste tours even in summer.

Mountain biking

Fancy some mountain biking? Then you'll find a well-developed network of trails in and around Zermatt. They lead through breathtaking landscapes and offer spectacular views. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, there's something for everyone here!

Wellness and relaxation

What could be better than relaxing thoroughly after an eventful day outdoors? Zermatt offers numerous wellness options for this. Many hotels have exclusive spa areas with saunas, steam baths and whirlpools. There are also several wellness centres offering massages and other treatments – some even with direct views of the Matterhorn.

Accommodation in Zermatt

Whether hotel, cabin or camping: there is accommodation in and around Zermatt for every type of traveller. The following section provides an overview and the most important information.

Hotels: from luxury to family-friendly

Zermatt has a wide variety of hotels for every taste and budget – from luxurious 5-star hotels to cosy, family-run guesthouses. Most hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the sights and often offer wonderful views of the Matterhorn.

Cabins & chalets for a cosy atmosphere

Do you like it particularly cosy and typically alpine? Then you should stay in one of the numerous cabins or chalets in and around Zermatt. These offer a rustic atmosphere and are perfect for families and groups.

Camping & pitches for outdoor enthusiasts

There are no campsites in Zermatt itself. However, you'll find plenty of motorhome pitches and camping options in Täsch and the surrounding villages. The campsites are generally well equipped and of a high standard. If you have questions about organising outdoor trips or transport to Zermatt, you'll receive quick and competent help at the reception desks.

Zermatt sights

Zermatt is best known for its beautiful mountain scenery. This also shapes the most popular sights in the area:

The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is Zermatt's landmark and probably one of the most famous mountains in Europe. Visitors can admire the 4,478-metre-high mountain from various viewpoints – for example, from the Klein Matterhorn, which you can reach by cable car. However, there is no cable car up the Matterhorn itself, and the ascent is only suitable for experienced alpinists: it leads over rock and glacier and is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the Alps.

The Gornergrat

The Gornergrat also offers a great view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alpine landscape. A cogwheel railway takes you up to a height of 3,100 metres. From there, you can enjoy the spectacular view at your leisure.

The Matterhorn Museum

The Matterhorn Museum offers insights into the history of mountaineering and life in Zermatt. Anyone who wants to learn about local history and culture alongside their outdoor adventures should definitely visit the so-called Zermatlantis.

Regional specialities in Zermatt

The region around Zermatt is known for culinary specialities such as fondue and raclette. You can enjoy these in local restaurants in a cosy atmosphere. There are also various festivals and events throughout the year. Particularly popular examples include the Horu Trophy curling tournament in January and the Zermatt Unplugged music festival in April.

More Zermatt tips and advice

Pack for all weather conditions

Zermatt is located high up in the Alps, so the weather can change quickly. Pack clothing for all weather conditions and equip yourself well.

Get used to the altitude

Give yourself time to get used to the altitude, especially if you're planning strenuous hikes, sporting activities or trips up the surrounding mountains. If you experience persistent problems with the altitude (such as severe headaches or nausea), it's advisable to see a doctor.

Pay attention to traffic rules and your safety

Check the weather conditions before heading to Zermatt by car. In difficult conditions, you should drive especially carefully and use winter tyres or even snow chains if necessary. Also note that Switzerland has a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 (0.1 for new and professional drivers) and a requirement to keep headlights on at all times.

Zermatt (Switzerland) offers a breathtaking mountain backdrop and a wonderful view of the iconic Matterhorn. In the area, you can go hiking, biking or skiing, and then relax afterwards in one of the idyllic wellness centres. If you're heading to Zermatt by car or motorhome, you'll need to park it in Täsch. From there, you can continue on to the centre by shuttle train or taxi. Also remember to get a digital vignette in good time if you want to use Switzerland's motorways and expressways on your journey to Zermatt.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural scenery. Please find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we're of course happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.