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The alpine village of Zermatt is surrounded by destinations that offer contrasting landscapes and quiet experiences beyond its busy centre. From glacier platforms and remote valleys to lakeside lookout points and suspension bridges, the places to visit near Zermatt are varied in character and easy to reach by train, gondola or on foot. Each location has its purpose; some are built for panoramic views, others for hikes or alpine retreats. This list introduces the most practical options for day visits, with all details included to help you plan effectively.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Zermatt
The most accessible and scenic places to visit near Zermatt offer a mix of alpine viewpoints, lakes, remote bridges, and cultural stops ideal for day trips by rail, hike or cableway.
1. Gornergrat
One of the most iconic places to visit near Zermatt, Gornergrat offers direct access to some of the clearest views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. You reach the summit by taking the Gornergrat Bahn, Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, which steadily climbs past larch forests and snowy ridges. At the top, you will find a large viewing platform facing 29 peaks above 4,000 metres, with the Gorner Glacier lying directly below. This spot is not just for photography. It also includes the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, where you can enjoy a meal with panoramic surroundings, and the Zoom the Matterhorn multimedia exhibition.
Distance From Zermatt: 8 km by train
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Cost: CHF 88 / ₹8,300
Nearby Attractions: Matterhorn viewing platform, Gorner Glacier, Kulmhotel Gornergrat
2. Sunnegga Paradise
Photo: Victor FlowerFly / Shutterstock
Sunnegga Paradise stands out as one of the most beautiful places to see near Zermatt, offering alpine views within minutes of leaving the village. The underground funicular departs directly from Zermatt and climbs swiftly to a sunny plateau at 2,288 metres. From the arrival station, you have immediate access to well-maintained paths, rest areas, and clear views of the Matterhorn. Families often head straight to Leisee, a natural lake nearby, where you can swim during summer and use the designated barbecue zones. A short path links to Wolli’s themed play area, which includes climbing nets and water-based activities.
Distance From Zermatt: 0.45 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: CHF 24 / ₹2,270
Nearby Attractions: Leisee Lake, mountain biking trails, Wolli’s Adventure Park
3. Riffelalp Resort Area
Riffelalp is among the most peaceful tourist attractions near Zermatt, combining high-altitude scenery with forest trails and alpine charm. Located on a wide plateau at 2,222 metres, it is accessed by the Gornergrat Bahn, which stops at Riffelalp station on its way to the summit. From there, a short walk brings you to the resort area, known for its open views and quiet setting. The surroundings include a network of walking paths that wind through pine-covered slopes with seating areas placed at regular intervals. This location appeals to those looking for a break from busy platforms or structured tours.
Distance From Zermatt: 3.7 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: CHF 44 / ₹4,15
Nearby Attractions: Forest hiking paths, spa resort, alpine meadows
4. Schwarzsee
Photo: Andrii Shepeliev / Shutterstock
Schwarzsee ranks among the most scenic attractions near Zermatt, located at 2,583 metres and reachable by gondola from the Matterhorn Glacier Express base station. The lake sits just below the Hörnli Ridge, which leads toward the Matterhorn and is often used as a base for short hikes along the lower sections of that climbing route. The water remains dark and still, reflecting the surrounding cliffs, and is bordered by gravel walking paths. On the western edge stands the small Chapel of Maria zum Schnee, a quiet spot visited year-round by both hikers and mountaineers.
Distance From Zermatt: 4 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: CHF 38 / ₹3,580
Nearby Attractions: Chapel of Maria zum Schnee, Matterhorn base trail
5. Zinal Village
Photo: Steven Van Aerschot / Shutterstock
Zinal is one of the lesser-known yet rewarding places to visit near Zermatt, located deep in the Val d’Anniviers. Reaching the village takes a train and bus combination through the Rhone Valley, followed by a drive into the mountains, but the setting justifies the effort. Zinal sits at 1,670 metres, surrounded by peaks such as Dent Blanche and Besso, and is known for its proximity to the Moiry Glacier. The village itself is quiet, with wooden chalets, a small alpine museum, and direct trailheads leading into glacial valleys. You can walk the Glacier Trail, which offers access to viewpoints above the Moiry Dam, or take the cable car up to Sorebois for a broader perspective over the valley.
Distance From Zermatt: 80.5 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: CHF 20 – 40 / ₹1,880 – 3,760
Nearby Attractions: Moiry Glacier, Zinal ski area, Val d’Anniviers
6. Grächen
Grächen remains one of the most family-oriented places to visit near Zermatt, situated above the Matter Valley at an elevation of 1,620 metres. Although it requires a transfer by train and bus, the journey is direct and well-timed, especially during peak season. Grächen has several walking paths that follow the course of old mountain irrigation channels still in use today. These flat tracks run along the hillside and pass through pine forests with consistent shade, making them suitable for long walks without elevation gain. The Fairy Tale Trail is a popular route where hand-crafted sculptures and short narrative panels are placed along the way, allowing you to walk through the forest while reading local legends tied to the region.
Distance From Zermatt: 21.4 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Cost: CHF 30 / ₹2,820
Nearby Attractions: Hannigalp gondola, family theme trails, Suonen water channels
7. Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee stands out among the most popular places to visit near Zermatt, located in the Saastal Valley at an elevation of 1,800 metres. It requires a transfer through Visp and Stalden, and the public connections are reliable and well coordinated. Once in the village, you’ll find that Saas-Fee is fully car-free, with narrow streets lined by wooden chalets and shops selling regional produce. The area is best known for its glacier access. The Metro Alpin underground funicular brings you to Mittelallalin, where the Ice Pavilion allows you to walk through blue ice tunnels carved inside the glacier itself.
Distance From Zermatt: 38.8 km
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Cost: CHF 40 – 50 / ₹3,760 – 4,700
Nearby Attractions: Ice Pavilion, Allalin Glacier, Feeblitz toboggan
8. Täschalp
Täschalp lies above the village of Täsch at 2,200 metres and is reached by a well-marked uphill trail that begins near the Täsch train station. The ascent takes approximately 90 minutes on foot. During the summer months, a limited shuttle may run on select days, primarily for local use. The area consists of open fields, traditional wooden shelters, and direct viewpoints facing the Dom. Alpine farming remains active, and livestock graze in marked enclosures close to the main path. There are short walking routes around the plateau, often used for educational walks on alpine ecology. Benches are placed along the edge of the valley for resting or photography.
Distance From Zermatt: 7.2 km
Nearby Attractions: Alpine dairy huts, views of Dom Mountain, marmot colonies
9. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest accessible point among the places to visit near Zermatt, located at 3,883 metres and reached by a series of connected cable cars from the village. The ascent involves transfers at Furi, Trockener Steg, and finally, the summit station, which is open year-round. At the top, you step into an ice-covered environment with permanent snow, even in midsummer. The Glacier Palace allows you to walk through carved tunnels inside the glacier, where ice sculptures and clear walls reveal natural formations. A lift takes you to the panoramic viewing deck, offering visibility over Italy, France, and Switzerland on clear days.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost: CHF 95 / ₹8,900
Nearby Attractions: Ice Palace, the highest cable car station in Europe, snow sports
10. Randa Suspension Bridge
Photo: Napat Aor70 / Shutterstock
The Charles Kuonen Bridge, located near the village of Randa, is a narrow steel structure suspended high above a forested valley. Suspended nearly 85 metres above the valley floor, the steel walkway extends 494 metres across a glacial gorge, offering direct views of the surrounding peaks and cliffs. To reach it, you take a short train from Zermatt to Randa, followed by a two-hour uphill hike through wooded paths and rocky terrain. The ascent is moderately challenging but marked. Once you arrive, the bridge offers direct views of the Weisshorn, the Bis Glacier, and the surrounding cliffs.
Distance From Zermatt: 5 km
Nearby Attractions: Bis Glacier, Europaweg trail, alpine forest zones
The places to visit near Zermatt showcase stunning glacier stations, serene alpine lakes, scenic forest routes, and breathtaking high-altitude viewing decks. Each destination offers a unique experience of the Swiss Alps’ natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Easily accessible for day trips, these spots invite you to explore, hike, and relax in pristine mountain surroundings. Start planning your unforgettable journey with TripXL today and discover Zermatt’s spectacular nearby attractions.
Cover Photo: Sonyuser / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
