Grab fresh pastries, coffee and sandwiches at Bäckerei Fuchs in the village — a reliable local bakery ideal for a quick, tasty start before exploring. Open early so it’s perfect on arrival days.
Wander Bahnhofstrasse, see traditional wooden chalets and visit the Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis) to learn mountaineering history and Zermatt’s development — inspiring context for the mountain views. Museum typically opens ~10:00am; confirm seasonal hours.
Enjoy classic Valais cuisine (raclette or rösti) in a cosy, wood-panelled restaurant in the centre of Zermatt — a warming mountain lunch. Most village restaurants serve from noon.
Take the Sunnegga funicular (short ride from the village) then walk the scenic terraces of Findeln for close-up Matterhorn views and alpine meadows — an accessible, photographic spot for your first mountain panoramas. Funicular typically runs from ~07:30–18:00; check times.
Return to the village, relax with a coffee at a riverside café and browse local outdoor shops — a gentle way to acclimatise and prepare for higher elevations in coming days.
Take a short ride back up to Findeln for dinner at the legendary Chez Vrony — celebrated for its local produce, terrace views and classic mountain atmosphere; reserve ahead. Open seasonally (typically spring to autumn); confirm May opening and hours (often until ~9:00pm).
Catch the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Gornergrat for sweeping views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier — excellent in the morning when visibility is usually best. Trains run hourly to half-hourly from early morning; check timetable for first trains.
From Gornergrat or Riffelberg take the short walk to Riffelsee (the famous reflection lake) for iconic Matterhorn mirror shots; timing in morning often gives calm water. Trail is 20–40 minutes one-way depending on starting point and snow conditions in May.
Enjoy lunch at the historic Kulmhotel with uninterrupted panoramic views — hearty mountain dishes and a great vantage point to rest after the walk. Kitchen typically serves midday; confirm seasonal hours.
Choose a longer hike from Gornergrat toward the Riffelhorn area or return via Riffelalp — routes vary 1–3 hours and depend on snow; ask local tourist office for current trail conditions before setting off.
Back in the village, relax with a spa or sauna session at your hotel or at a public spa (e.g., The Omnia spa) to soothe tired legs after a big day of altitude and hiking.
Dine on traditional Swiss fare and local Valais specialities in a rustic alpine atmosphere close to the centre — good for trying fondue or local cured meats.
Take the high cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise — Europe's highest cable car station — for spectacular 360° views, the glacier plateau and the ice palace carved into the glacier. Cable car typically runs from ~08:30 but confirm first departures and any seasonal maintenance.
Explore the ice palace tunnels and step out on the panoramic terrace for dramatic glacier and peak scenery — unique high-altitude experiences available year-round though conditions can be cold and windy.
Enjoy lunch at the mountain restaurant (simple hot dishes and soups) with unmatched views; dress warmly and allow extra time for queuing at peak periods.
Depending on conditions you can take a short glacier walk with a guide, try summer skiing if available, or descend and visit Gorner Gorge in the valley — guided glacier walks require booking and can be subject to safety closures in spring melt periods.
If open and accessible, walk the wooden pathways of Gorner Gorge for a dramatic riverside canyon experience just outside the village; normally open from spring to autumn but check exact opening date in May.
Start from Sunnegga/Blauherd for the famous Five Lakes walk (5-Seenweg) which showcases several lakes with Matterhorn reflections; route is 2–3 hours and may still have snowy patches in early May — equipment and trail info should be checked at the tourist office.
Collect luggage and catch the shuttle train to Täsch or your onward connection — remember Zermatt is car-free so plan transfers in advance. Shuttle trains to Täsch run frequently; check the current timetable for your departure.