Are you wondering how many days to spend in Zermatt? If you’re visiting Zermatt for the first time, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days there. Even if you’re not planning on skiing.

This gives you enough time to really get a feel for the little Swiss town, try some of the local food (fondue; we’re looking at you here), explore the little town of Zermatt and travel off into the mountains to get a feel for the area. It’s also incredibly beautiful so, despite being small, you want a bit of time to just enjoy Zermatt.

So what makes Zermatt so special? And why is it one of the most popular towns in Switzerland? In this post, we discuss how long you should spend in Zermatt, including how many days in Zermatt winter, as well as how to make the most of your time here.

So, let’s get started!

If you’re visiting Zermatt for the first time, I recommend staying for at least 3-4 nights. There’s enough to keep you busy from morning ’til night, and enough to leave you wanting more. There’s plenty to do no matter the time of year you’re visiting. Zermatt in summer is perfect for hiking and admiring the beautiful lakes, whereas Zermatt in the winter is like stepping into a snowglobe; it’s picture perfect.

A view of the Matterhorn covered in snow.

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How Many Days in Zermatt A Guide For First Timers

How many days in Zermatt

You should aim to spend at least 2-3 days/ 3-4 nights in Zermatt. This will give you enough time to explore the town of Zermatt itself. It is a lovely town that is car-free and filled with old-fashioned brown chalets and winding alleys. As well as the mountains,;housing the famous Matterhorn are also incredible to explore either by skiing or enjoying a ride on the Gornergrat Railway; Europe’s highest open-air cog railway that takes you as high as 1,620 m. Right up to the summit of the Gornergrat. Or enjoy a ride on the cable car up the Matterhorn Glacial Paradise.

Is Zermatt worth visiting?

The answer is 100% YES! If you’re wondering ‘Is Zermatt worth visiting?’ then we will always say most definitely. From the incredible Matterhorn, otherwise known as Toblerone Mountain, its gorgeous landscapes and the quaint little town of Zermatt. It is always worth a visit.

Can you visit Zermatt on a day trip?

Whilst there is a lot to see in Zermatt, it is possible to visit Zermatt on a day trip. Tucked away in the south-west corner of Switzerland bordering France and Italy, Zermatt may seem a little out of the way for a day trip. However, in our opinion, if you only have one day and want to visit then the journey is well worth it because Zermatt really is such a beautiful spot. You can still see the Matterhorn (weather permitting), and ride a cable car or cogwheel train If you are visiting Zermatt on a day trip then you could spend your day exploring the town and enjoying a trip on the Gornergrat Railway to see the town and mountains.

There are multiple ways to get to Zermatt which you can read all about here.

The view over Zermatt old town with the brown houses and mountains behind.

What is there to see in Zermatt?

For a small town, there’s a surprisingly large amount of things to see and do in Zermatt. Including enjoying an Après Ski at Harry’s Ski Bar, exploring Zermatt’s old town and hiking the 5 lakes walk. If you’re looking for more things to do in Zermatt then you can read our top 12 here.

If you’re looking for a sneak peak some of our top things to see and do in Zermatt include visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, enjoying an Après Ski at Harry’s Ski Bar, a ride on the Gornergrat Railway and exploring Zermatt Old Town.

How many days do you need in Zermatt?

With two full days, you can do a little hiking (in the summer months), and explore the town. Just keep your fingers crossed that you have good weather so you can see the Matterhorn as you’re limited with opportunities.

Three days gives you more leisurely time to explore the old town and the mountains. You need two clear days to visit all three peaks, so three days give you an extra day in case the weather is bad.

When we visited Zermatt we spent 3 days here, which gave us plenty of time to ride the cable cars into the mountains thoroughly explore Zermatt’s old town and ride the cable car and the train up to see the Matterhorn.

Returning to Zermatt in the summer is high on our to-do list. We love this town and its mountains. It’s an absolutely gorgeous town that was like a winter wonderland in the winter. However, we would also love to return to be able to hike through the mountains and lakes and see it from a totally different way.

Chris and Reanna in Zermatt with the Matterhorn behind them.

How many days in Zermatt: FAQs

What is the best month to visit Zermatt?

It really depends if you want to visit Zermatt whilst it’s snowy or sunny! If you’re looking for snow then visiting Zermatt in December is the perfect christmas trip. Whereas, between June and September is perfect for hiking and cycling around.

Is it worth staying in Zermatt?

Yes! Especially if you are only visiting for 2 or 3 days it is worth staying in Zermatt. It can be tempting to book your accommodation in a nearby town to keep the costs down. However, Zermatt is so beautiful and part of the experience is seeing the Matterhorn in the evening and that first glow over the town as the sun rises in the morning.

How long do you need at Matterhorn?

You should allow at least 3 hours to visit the Matterhorn including getting up there and back from Zermatt. The set cable cars take approximately 45 minutes from Zermatt to the viewing platform at the Matterhorn. The return journey, via the same route, takes the same amount of time. Of course, this could take longer if you are getting off and exploring at each stop.

How many nights in Zermatt is enough?

You should spend at least 2-3 nights in Zermatt to have two full days to explore the old town of Zermatt as well as taking at least one of the famous cable car rides up to the Matterhorn or ride the Gornergrat railway.

Why is Zermatt so popular?

Why is Zermatt so famous? Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn, otherwise known as Toblerone Mountain. At 14,692 ft high, it’s one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland, distinguishable for its pyramid-shaped peak. It’s a mecca for mountaineers and climbers

Is 2 days enough in Zermatt?

To be able to get a feel for the town and see the Matterhorn. Yes, 2 days in enough time in Zermatt. Of course, you won’t get to see and do everything. But, as it is quite small you’ll be able to get a feel for the town.

Is 5 days too much time in Zermatt?

Definitely not! There are so many things that will keep you entertained especially you ski. However, even if you don’t you can hike, sit and explore the town, get the cable car to multiple places and generally just soak up the views and atmosphere. We could have easily spent 5 days in Zermatt.