Summer in the city can be hot, sticky, and stressful, with heatwaves, wildfires, and smog. But Zermatt, a car-free town in the Swiss Alps, offers a perfect escape. Nestled near the Matterhorn, Zermatt has fresh air, calm surroundings, and breathtaking mountain views. You can reach it via a scenic train ride through the Alps.
Why Visit Zermatt
Zermatt isn’t just a winter ski destination—summer here is magical too. Hike the green trails, explore the 5-Seenweg (five-lake trail), or even try summer skiing on the glacier. From some high viewpoints, you can see 38 peaks and 14 glaciers across Switzerland, Italy, and France. Zermatt also has the world’s highest Glacier Palace, a fascinating ice structure you can explore.
Best Hotels
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Grand Hotel Zermatterhof: A historic hotel built in 1879, offering cozy rooms, luxury, and stunning Matterhorn views.
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The Omnia: Modern luxury on a rocky plateau, with lake-view balconies, a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa, and gym.
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Cervo Mountain Resort: A ski-in, ski-out resort with welcoming staff, spa, and alpine-modern rooms.
Things to Do
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Glacier Skiing: Ski year-round on the Theodul Glacier for amazing alpine views.
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Hike the 5-Seenweg: A gentle trail past five beautiful lakes, with Matterhorn views.
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Glacier Palace: Explore ice tunnels, sculptures, and an ice slide inside the glacier.
Shopping & Dining
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Shopping: Bahnhofstrasse, the main street, has luxury brands like Moncler, Chopard, and Rolex.
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Restaurants:
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Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni: Michelin-starred local cuisine with modern touches.
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Bazaar at Cervo Mountain Resort: Middle Eastern and all-day dishes at fair prices.
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Loft & Lodge at The Omnia: Seasonal, artfully plated meals with beverage pairings.
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Best Time to Visit
June to September is ideal. The weather is warm and sunny, the meadows bloom with wildflowers, and the mountain air is fresh.