Matterhorn Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Zermatt Tourism
Photo provided by Zermatt Tourism
Photo provided by Michael Portmann/Zermatt Tourism
Photo provided by Michael Portmann/Zermatt Tourism
Photo provided by Michael Portmann/Zermatt Tourism


Trek through scenic Alpine meadows and climb up the Mountain of Mountains, which is among Europe’s tallest rock formations, looming over the resort of Zermatt.

The Matterhorn is among Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks. The imposing Alpine mountain on the Swiss-Italian border is a snow-capped pyramidal peak reaching 14,692 feet (4,478 meters) of elevation. Visit the quaint village of Zermatt and capture photos of this famous emblem of the Swiss Alps.

Climb or watch expert mountaineers climbing the impressive rock formation, which is considered a fairly difficult ascent. The climb begins with the Schwarzsee cable car ride, followed by a hike along the Hörnli Ridge and a rest in the Hörnli Hut. Farther up is the Solvay Hut, which contains several beds and is only for use in emergencies. Reach the peak in the morning, before the daily afternoon clouds and storms arrive.

For a longer but less steep challenge, trek along the 10-day circuit around the mountain, making sure to bring enough food and water for the trip. Capture photos of the intriguing scenery on the trail, consisting of meadows, larch forests and glaciers.

Learn about the geology and history of the mountain by visiting the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis in Zermatt. It contains exhibits about the first climbers, including tragic and heroic stories. Visit the nearby Alpin Center Zermatt, which provides trained guides and advice for the ascent.

Note that Matterhorn translates to Zermatt’s Peak or Peak of the Meadow, in reference to the fields around the village. German, French and Italian languages are spoken to varying degrees around the area. The mountain has been featured in several movies, including Climbing the Matterhorn, Third Man on the Mountain and Disney’s flight motion simulation Soarin’ Around the World.

The Matterhorn is in the Monte Rosa area of the Pennine Alps in southern Switzerland. It is next to the Italian border, overlooking the Swiss town of Zermatt in the Valais canton. Visit other peaks in the region, such as the Furggen, the Picco Muzio and the Testa del Leone.

Tours & day trips

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Adventure & outdoor

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Winter activities

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Popular places to visit


Top Matterhorn Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Lo Stambecco

Hotel Lo Stambecco

3 out of 5
Loc. Plan Maison, Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche, AO
Hotel Lo Stambecco
Hotel Schwarzsee

Hotel Schwarzsee

3 out of 5
Schwarzsee, Zermatt
Hotel Schwarzsee
Hotel Europa

Hotel Europa

4 out of 5
Via C. Pellissier 2, Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche, AO
Hotel Europa
White Angel Hotel

White Angel Hotel

4 out of 5
Strada Giomein 52, Valtournenche, AO
White Angel Hotel
Hotel Petit Palais

Hotel Petit Palais

4 out of 5
Via Bardoney 2, Valtournenche
Hotel Petit Palais
Hotel Alpina

Hotel Alpina

2 out of 5
5 Englischer Viertel, Zermatt, VS
Hotel Alpina
Luxury 4beds ski-in&out steps from center

Luxury 4beds ski-in&out steps from center

cervinia
Luxury 4beds ski-in&out steps from center
Silvana Mountain Hotel

Silvana Mountain Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Furi 265, Zermatt, VS
Silvana Mountain Hotel
Aux Pieds du Roi

Aux Pieds du Roi

4 out of 5
Via C. Pellissier No. 4, Valtournenche, AO
Aux Pieds du Roi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Matterhorn

At Matterhorn in Zermatt, you can enjoy fantastic piste skiing, perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers. The area also offers great hiking and biking trails that showcase stunning alpine scenery. Don't miss out on a trip to Cervinia for an exciting ski vacation. With a range of tourist options available, Matterhorn promises a memorable experience filled with adventure and breathtaking views.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in Matterhorn, explore local boutiques and souvenir shops. If you're up for a drive, Saas-Fee Guides - Private Day Tours is 25.7km away, while Rue du Prado, 38.6km away, offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere perfect for finding gifts.

Recreation

At Zermatt - Furi, indulge in serene wellness experiences surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Golf Club Matterhorn offers a vibrant outdoor atmosphere for golf enthusiasts, while Babylift provides a fun-filled playground for families, ensuring an enjoyable day out for all ages.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Paradise, located 8.0km from Matterhorn, perfect for skiing enthusiasts. The Klein Matterhorn Cable Car, 4.8km away, offers stunning views and family-friendly adventures. For more skiing excitement, head to Sunnegga Ski Resort, situated 9.7km from Matterhorn, where adventure awaits.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Matterhorn is vibrant and entertaining. The Feeblitz Summer Toboggan Run, located 25.7km away, offers thrilling rides, while the François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory, 29.0km distant, provides a unique stargazing experience. Both venues create a lively atmosphere for families and thrill-seekers alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Matterhorn

If you're heading to the Matterhorn in Zermatt, prepare for a spectacular outdoor adventure. You can explore breathtaking mountain peaks and serene lakes, perfect for scenery lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Don't miss the Matterhorn Museum for a taste of local history, and be sure to take in the stunning mountain views that surround this iconic landmark. Whether you're hiking or simply soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region of Valais.

  • Matterhorn Glacier Ride: Experience breathtaking views as you ascend this stunning peak located 4.8km from the iconic Matterhorn. The outdoor scenery offers a dramatic backdrop, perfect for photography and enjoying the crisp mountain air.
  • Breithorn: Adventure awaits on Breithorn, a mountain situated 8.0km away from Matterhorn. This destination is ideal for thrill-seekers, with its outdoor adventures and picturesque scenery that will leave you in awe.
  • Schwarzsee Lake: Just 4.8km from Matterhorn, Schwarzsee Lake is a romantic escape. With its serene beach vibes and stunning scenery, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful day by the water.

Best time to go to Matterhorn

The best time to visit Matterhorn can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Matterhorn falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Matterhorn falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February21.0°F (-6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
March25.9°F (-3.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May40.3°F (4.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
June49.6°F (9.8°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
November27.9°F (-2.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December20.5°F (-6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Matterhorn

To save money on your trip to Matterhorn, consider visiting in May or October to November when prices drop. Book hotels about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and explore eco-friendly accommodation options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal can further reduce costs, making your visit to Zermatt more affordable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Matterhorn are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Matterhorn is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Matterhorn is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Matterhorn is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Matterhorn hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.