Best Days in Zermatt: A Perfect 3-Day Alpine Escape

Day 1: Arrival and Local Charm

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Fuchs

Start your day with a hearty Swiss breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries and strong coffee in this cozy local café.
CHF25, 1h

10:30am

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll through the charming car-free village, admire traditional wooden chalets, and visit local shops and boutiques for authentic Swiss souvenirs.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like raclette or fondue in a warm and rustic setting, perfect for a midday meal.
CHF40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis

Discover the history of mountaineering and the cultural heritage of Zermatt with engaging exhibits and artifacts. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF14, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Zermatt River

Enjoy a scenic and peaceful walk by the river, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains as the day winds down.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Dine on refined alpine cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, offering seasonal Swiss specialties with an emphasis on local ingredients.
CHF60, 2h
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Day 2: Gornergrat Adventure

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs

Grab a quick and delicious breakfast with fresh bread rolls and coffee to fuel your day of hiking and sightseeing.
CHF20, 30m

8:00am

Gornergrat Bahn Train Ride

Take the cog railway up to Gornergrat (3,089m) for stunning panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Train runs from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
CHF95, 1h10m ascent

9:30am

Explore Gornergrat Observation Deck

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Alpine landscape with photo opportunities and short scenic walks around the summit.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Dine at the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps, offering spectacular mountain views alongside hearty Swiss dishes.
CHF50, 1h

1:30pm

Hiking from Gornergrat

Take a moderate hike down toward Riffelberg, enjoying alpine flora and fauna and stunning vistas on well-marked trails. Approximately 3 hours.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Zermatt Village

Relax and freshen up at your accommodation after the hike.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum See

Experience a charming mountain inn known for locally sourced dishes and cosy ambiance, perfect for unwinding after an active day.
CHF65, 2h
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Day 3: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before the day’s alpine adventure, with options including fresh fruits, Swiss breads, and local cheeses.
CHF25, 1h

8:30am

Cable Car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take the highest cable car in Europe up to 3,883 meters for spectacular views, an ice palace, and panoramic viewing platforms. The cable car runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
CHF90, 30m ascent

9:15am

Explore Ice Palace & Panorama

Walk through the magical ice palace carved under the glacier and enjoy unparalleled views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Included with cable car, 1h

10:30am

Snow Activities (optional)

Try skiing, snowboarding, or hiking on the glacier depending on the season and your interest. Rentals available onsite.
Variable, approx. CHF50-100, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Glacier Paradise Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with a panoramic view, serving Swiss and international dishes ideal for refueling amid breathtaking scenery.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Zermatt

Descend back to the village for a leisurely afternoon.
Included with cable car, 30m

3:00pm

Afternoon shopping and café time

Spend your final afternoon browsing local shops and sipping coffee at a café in the village.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at After Seven

Enjoy a contemporary fine dining experience featuring creative Swiss and international cuisine in an intimate setting.
CHF80, 2h
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