---
type: "Article"
title: "Zermatt – Matterhorn, nature and chic design hotels"
description: "Zermatt nestles at the foot of the Matterhorn at about 1,610 meters above sea level and is one of the most popular of Switzerland’s renowned holiday resorts. Recreational opportunities abound in and around the village that is car-free."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/switzerland/zermatt-matterhorn-nature-design-hotels"
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 6
tags: ["Alps", "Hiking", "Landscape", "Nature", "Summer", "Winter", "Zermatt", "Switzerland"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/switzerland"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/alps"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zermatt"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/matterhorn"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/hiking"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/landscape"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/winter-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/golf"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/boutique-hotel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/swiss-international-air-lines"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2026-07-04T13:18:24+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2012-07-19T02:42:32+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: zermatt-matterhorn-nature-design-hotels.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Katja Birrer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:18:24+00:00
---

# Zermatt – Matterhorn, nature and chic design hotels

> Zermatt is a car-free Swiss mountain village nestled at 1,610 m at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, renowned for world-class skiing, hiking, dramatic alpine scenery, and stylish boutique hotels.

## Destination
Zermatt, Switzerland, at approximately 1,610 metres above sea level at the base of the Matterhorn.

## When to go
Zermatt is a year-round destination: winter offers 200 runs across 300 km of pistes with guaranteed snow, while summer suits hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and sightseeing.

## Why visit
The combination of breathtaking Matterhorn panoramas, 400 km of marked walking trails, a world-class ski area, car-free village charm, and chic boutique hotels makes Zermatt one of Switzerland's most celebrated resorts.

## What to see
- **Matterhorn** — The iconic peak dominates the skyline and is best viewed from vantage points such as the Trockener Steg mountain station.
- **Gorner Gorge** — A natural wonder a short walk from the village, carved by the Gornera River with dramatic formations, waterfalls, and a catwalk path through the gorge.
- **Gornergrat** — Reachable by scenic train ride, offering sweeping views over the mountainscape surrounding Zermatt.
- **Theodul Glacier** — Part of the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise ski area, visible from the surrounding terrain.

## What to do
- **Skiing and snowboarding** — Over 300 km of pistes across three ski areas — Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Schwarzsee-Matterhorn — with guaranteed snow.
- **Hiking** — 400 km of marked foot trails wind through alpine scenery with diverse flora and fauna.
- **Mountain biking and equestrian trails** — Dedicated trails for mountain bikers and horse riders in the area around Zermatt.
- **Paragliding** — Paragliding venues are available for action-oriented visitors.
- **Alpine golf** — A flat 9-hole golf course situated between Täsch and Randa.
- **Helicopter scenic tour** — Aerial tours offer a spectacular perspective on the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
- **Gornergrat train ride** — A scenic railway journey to Gornergrat suitable for all visitors regardless of fitness level.

## Good to know
Zermatt is a car-free village. The Matthiol boutique hotel is highlighted for beautiful rooms, attentive service, and gourmet cuisine. Visitors may be greeted by an alpenhorn serenade at the train station.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Matterhorn-See-Trockener-Steg.jpg"
    caption: "Matterhorn panorama as seen from the \"Trockener Steg\" mountain station"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Theodulgletscher-Schweizer-Fahne.jpg"
    caption: "Swiss flag before the Theodul glacier near Zermatt"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Gornerschlucht-Steg-Treppe.jpg"
    caption: "Gorner Gorge near Zermatt with stairs on the rock face"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Wanduhr-Wandleuchten-Hotel-Matthiol-Zermatt.jpg"
    caption: "Wall clock and sconces in Zermatt’s Hotel Matthiol"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Hoteldesign-Matthiol-Zermatt.jpg"
    caption: "Lounge in the Hotel Matthiol, Zermatt"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Weiler-Chalets-Schweizer-Fahne.jpg"
    caption: "A hamlet between Furi and Zermatt"
```