If you are in pursuit of an ideal town to visit while vacationing in Switzerland, Zermatt can be an excellent choice. Set at the base of the highest mountains in the mighty Alpine range, the spot is an absolute visual treat. It is a car-free place—meaning, you are not allowed to drive to Zermatt. You can get as close as possible by parking your vehicle at a huge carpark that is located about 5 km (3.1 mi) from this captivating municipality. Electric vehicles will then shuttle you here. The place is well-known for its superb ski hotels and skiing opportunities, featuring terrains that are suitable for different levels. However, it also offers other activities for the outdoorsy tourists during other seasons. Cyclists, for instance, will have a great time on the mountain trail that stretches from Winkelmatten to Furi. There are a host of luxury spas, gourmet restaurants, and hotels to stay in Zermatt to entice travelers. While Zermatt is truly an incredible destination to be in summer as well as winter, there are many other must-visit places from here. Check out the following list of the best day trips from Zermatt, Switzerland.
1. Gorner Gorge
Visiting the magnificent Gorner Gorge is easy as it is just around a 15-minute walk from Zermatt. There are wooden walkways that will take you to these beautiful waterfalls—where the water that gushes out is from the melting ice and snows of Gorner Glacier. The rocks surrounding the gorge is greenish in color and are of fabulous shapes. If you are visiting Zermatt during the winter, you may book an adventure tour with an expert mountain guide to explore this gorge properly.
2. Rhone Valley
Zermatt can be reached through a rail and a road, both passing through Rhone River’s scenic upper valley. The rail line winds through Valais, creating an unmatched view—which will remain in your memories for a long time. If you are an outdoorsy traveler, you will love the entire journey to this beautiful valley in Switzerland. Rhone Valley is the perfect place to be in for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies because it offers a host of sites for rock climbing.
3. Brigerbad
A visit to the famous thermal facility called Brigerbad should definitely feature on your bucket list if you are vacationing in Zermatt. The facility has reopened in 2014, and it is an oasis meant to promote the well-being of your soul and body—no matter when you plan to come. There are seven distinct bathing areas in this complex, including different outdoor swimming pools featuring huge waterslides, a spa area that spans across two floors, a sauna and a hammam, as well as indoor health pools. There is also a restaurant you can check out and diverse wellness treatments you can avail of. The facility is just about 33.9 km (21.06 mi) from Zermatt, and you can travel going here by car or train.
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4. Hinterdorf
Hinterdorf is situated higher up in Zermatt, and you have to go beyond a lodge called Monte Rosa Hotel. The lodge was specifically constructed for the early climbers, and you can explore it for a historical tour. Hinterdorf is dotted with ancient wooden chalets, storehouses, stables, barns, and narrow lanes. The buildings you will see in Hinterdorf date back between 16th to 18th centuries. Most of these structures are extremely well-preserved. You can visit the local tourist office to inquire about a guided tour to visit historical sites.
5. Visp
Located only about 31.1 km (19.32 mi) from Zermatt, Visp is unique in a way as it has 300 days of sunshine every year. It is set at the bottom of the highest vineyard in Europe and is a great place to chill. You can come here by train or car from Zermatt quite easily. Visp is an excellent destination for leisure travelers and shopaholics. The weekly farmers’ market, which is operational every Friday, is a must-visit, so you should plan your trip accordingly. Other attractions include the attractive and car-free Bahnhofstrasse that features many shops and garden terraces. You can also tour the charming old town, which is famous for its historic buildings.
6. Brig
Brig is perfect for a full- or half-day excursion from Zermatt. You can reach this pretty town in about 1.5 hours by train. It is known for its rich and diverse history, and the remnants are still visible all around. This bustling town is dotted with a string of restaurants, squares, and cafes and has a great and lively ambiance. You can spend some relaxing time at Thermal Baths or explore the magnificent Stockalper Palace. There are churches, monasteries, and palaces in this town built by the powerful Kaspar Stockalper.
7. Bern
Enjoy a full-day excursion in the Swiss capital city of Bern, which you can reach within 2 hours and 10 minutes from Zermatt by train. Bern was set up way back in 1191 and has unique medieval magic of its own. UNESCO has declared this city a World Heritage Site. It has an array of attractions, such as historic spots like Bear Pit, the popular Clock Tower, Paul Klee Center, Parliament House, and Swiss Alpine Museum, among others. Bern is also a haven for shopaholics as it has great commercial arcades where tourists can shop till they drop.
8. Sion
A day trip from Zermatt to Sion should definitely be on your cards if you are vacationing in the Swiss town. You can reach Sion less than two hours from Zermatt by train. Sion is regarded as Switzerland’s most sun-blessed town. It also has the distinction of being one of the most ancient cities in the country and boasts a history spanning 7,000 years. Old Town here has a string of historical monuments, which along with its shops are the landmarks of this famous city. Other key attractions include Castle of Valeria and Tourbillon Castle.
9. Martigny
You can reach Martigny from Zermatt by train, and the entire journey will take about 2 hours and 10 minutes. This tiny Swiss town is set on the elbow of the Rhone and is encircled by lovely orchards and vineyards. Well-known for gastronomical delights, Martigny has a rich history that dates back 2,000 years. The attractions here include a renovated amphitheater, Roman temples, and thermal baths. Also, visit the town’s most prominent cultural attraction, called Fondation Pierre Gianadda, as well as St. Bernard Dog Museum and Gallo-Roman Museum (which features a car museum).
10. Montreux
The journey from Zermatt to Montreux will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes if you are traveling by train. The trip will be an unforgettable one as on your way, you will cross the “border” between French- and German-speaking Switzerland. Relish great pleasure as you visit the captivating terraced vineyards and experience the pleasant mild climate of Lavaux—both of which have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. While in Montreux, you should spare some time to visit Chateau de Chillon, which is regarded as one of the finest historic buildings in the country. Constructed in the 13th century, the castle sits on Lake Geneva’s beautiful shores.
Explore Zermatt and its beautiful neighbors
While Zermatt is known for a plethora of tourist attractions in and around it, there are also plenty of beautiful places to visit and fun things to do nearby, which can make for great day trips from the town. Check out these best day trips from Zermatt, Switzerland. Try them out for yourself, and you will realize why we specifically handpicked them just for you.
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