Zermatt is the perfect family destination. From car-free streets lined with delicious restaurants to beautiful Matterhorn views and spectacular adventures, it’s no wonder our three year old has already been there twice in his itty-bitty lifetime.
Here are some of my favorite things to do, whether your child-free or with your kids, toddlers, and yes – even babies!
To get to many of these activities, you leave from Zermatt’s Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station – it’s about a 10-minute walk from Zermatt’s main rail station, both in the center of town. So if I mention taking a funicular from the valley station, that’s what I’m referring to.
Some of these prices may be the low-season minimum, but it should at least give you an idea.
I have no connections or affiliations with any of the suggestions below. These are merely my recommendations for a fun, adventure-filled, family trip.
Catch Picture-Perfect Views of the Matterhorn
You can actually see the Matterhorn from almost anywhere in this cute, little town.
But if you want up-close views, take advantage of Zermatt’s awesome transportation system and get to a summit where you can get nearly eye level with the Matterhorn.
The kids will love the speedy funicular and gondola rides up to Blauherd summit station. The funicular jets up the inside of the mountain. Very cool.
As soon as the Matterhorn is visible for a snapshot, take advantage and act fast. The clouds might swallow up that mountain top before you know it.
How to get there: Take the funicular from the valley station to Sunnegga (~4 minute ride) then take the gondola to Blauherd station. Amazing Race!
Cost: Minimum CHF 15 to Sunnegga; Minimum CHF 27 for one way, and CHF 44 for round-trip to Blauherd;
Ages 9-15 are 50% off, under 9 are free
Face Your Fears on a Suspension Bridge
One of our favorite all-time hikes was to the third-longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world (longest in the Alps) – the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. It even sounds intimidating, doesn’t it?
And rightfully so – it was a brutal hike. Two hours of steeeep climbing, literally straight up. But man, it was worth the pay off.
The worst part was coming back down the other side. Navigating the giant rocks was physically and mentally challenging, especially on noodle legs. I’m talking my own legs, not just my toddler’s.
But we did it!!! I was so proud of all of us. Go DaDa!
The old village of Randa will also surprise you. We waved hello as we passed the friendly locals outside their rustic, traditional Swiss homes. They must be annoyed with hiking tourists prancing through their cobblestone streets, but they sure didn’t seem like it.
As exhausting as that hike was, Jameson still had energy to climb around the playground that was conveniently on our way back to the train station.
Best time of year: May-Oct
How to get there: Train from Zermatt to Randa (about two towns away); It may be marked as the Rundwanderung Hangebrucke Randa.
Cost: Free to cross the bridge, but the round trip train to Randa is about CHF 28-35
WARNING: This is NOT medium difficulty as the app states. I’d hate to see what they consider a difficult hike. Although when they do the ratings they aren’t carrying a restless 10 month old and guiding, motivating and feeding a 3 year old.
Explore the Gorner Gorge
Take a hike through this beautiful gorge. Try to get there around 3-4pm in mid-October for a special turquoise tint to the water.
How to get there: 15-minute walk from the edge of Zermatt
Cost: Adults = CHF 5, Children up to 16 years old = CHF 2.50, under 6 = Free
Hike the Five Lakes
We hiked the “5 Seenweg” with our 21-month old on our first trip to Zermatt.
It took us awhile to finish it because no matter how much we tried to keep him in the carrier, he was determined to hike it himself. And play with rocks.
On our last trip, we took our time and plenty of snack breaks. After enough trips under our belts, we now know that nothing is quick when you have a toddler and/or baby with you.
You’ll see five of Zermatt’s beautiful lakes.
Lake Leisee is a great setting to have a swim or jump around at the playground.
My favorite lake is Stellisee. Keep reading to find out how to see that lake without the longer hike.
We loved this hike so much that we had to go back two years later!
When to go: Jun – Sept are the best times of year
Estimated hike time: ~3 hours with young kids
How to get there: Take the funicular then gondola to Blauherd; this hike ends at Sunnegga station where you can play awhile, grab a beer and then descend back into Zermatt village
Cost: Round trip to Blauherd is CHF 44 (9-16 are 50% off, and under 9 are free). Tell them you’ll be descending from Sunnegga, in case they give you a cheaper rate.
See the Famed Matterhorn Reflection at Lake Stellisee
Stellisee Lake reflects one of the most stunning views of the Matterhorn, making it a popular Zermatt lake and photo setting. It is the first lake you encounter on the Five Lakes hike.
The walk from Blauherd station is fairly easy – 20 minutes and mostly flat to downhill. Definitely do-able with a baby in a hiking carrier and an excited toddler.
If you don’t care about seeing the rest of the lakes, just head back to Blauherd Station or the next closest station.
How to get there: Take the funicular to Sunnegga then transfer to a gondola to get to Blauherd Station.
Cost: For the funicular and gondola, it’s CHF 44 round trip, kids 9-15 are half off, under 9 are free
Zip Through the Treetops
Forest Fun Park is just one of the many high rope and zipline courses in the Alps. Adults and kids over four can test their skills on 31 zip wires and 95 obstacles. That’s my kind of adventure!
How to get there: (closed for the winter, will re-open in Spring) near Klein Matterhorn
Cost: Starting at CHF 21 for kids and CHF 37 for adults
Play at an Adventure Park
Sunnegga station has a playground, water play area, beach, swimmable lake (if you’re crazy, although, someone was actually swimming in it when we were there in September!), barbecue pits and picnic areas.
How to get there: the funicular from valley station up to Sunnegga (or stop there after hiking from Lake Stellisee or Blauherd); it’s about a five-minute walk down the hill from the Sunnegga station
Cost: Adults ~ CHF 25, Children ~ 13 for the funicular
Ski or Board at Wolli’s Park for Beginners
Wolli’s park for beginners at Sunnegga is a sheltered ski area with “magic carpet rides” and other attractions. Thank goodness it’s open to all ages because I’m so ready!
How to get there: Funicular to Sunnegga, from their take the self-service
Cost: Adults ~ CHF 25, Children ~ 13 for the funicular
Snow Tube at Glacier Paradise (even in the Summer!)
Take in 360 degrees of panoramic views from the platform at Matterhorn glacier paradise, as it sits at the highest summit in Europe.
The area offers a ton of adventure, including snow activities in the summer.
The air is thin up there, so be careful adjusting and check with your pediatrician if your child has any health concerns. Because it’s so thin, only kids three and older are allowed up the mountain.
The ski area is open 365 days a year!
How to get there: it takes about 40 minutes from the Zermatt Bergbahnen station
Cost: From CHF 90.50; ages 3-8 are free, and ages 9-15 years are half off; includes admission into the Glacier Palace
Enjoy a Husky Sleigh Ride
Is your little one a dog-lover? Then you may not have a choice but to splurge for an up-close experience petting a husky, followed by an exhilarating sleigh ride. Price does not include the ticket for the cable car to the meeting point. Only for ages two and up.
How to get there: cable car to Trockener Steg
Cost: Children 11 and under = CHF 200; Adults = CHF 240
Dust Off Those Ice Skates
The sports arena (Sport-und Freizeitarena) in the center of Zermatt will keep you busy for hours.
In winter, polish your ice skating skills, or take up curling??? In summer, get competitive in volleyball, basketball, and tennis.
The kids will love climbing the mini-Matterhorn and running around the playground while you enjoy views of the Matterhorn at the restaurant.
How to get there: 5-minute walk from the main train station
Cost: Varies
Escape the Outdoors?!?
During our 4-day stay, one day it was mostly raining when we went in September. We were actually thankful for the excuse to “bunker in” and recover from back-to-back brutal hikes.
But if staying inside all rainy day sounds maddening to you, then an escape room is a great activity if your kids are old enough (their site recommends over 7 years old). Take shelter from the rain inside, and then rush to escape back outside? Ha.
Didn’t brush up on your German? Don’t worry, the puzzles are language-neutral, and they use only European numbers and letters.
How to get there: Walking distance in town near the mountaineer’s cemetery and next to Hotel Bristol; address is Schluhmattstrasse 3, 3920
Cost: CHF 25-40 per person depending on group size
Hunt for Treasure
Wolli’s treasure hunt is a fun way to learn more about Zermatt as the kids follow a treasure map and solve tricky puzzles, with a surprise gift at the end.
It takes about one hour to complete, for ages 5 and up. Clues are in German, English and French.
How to get there: Start at the Zermatt tourist office
Cost: Kids = 10 CHF, adults = free when accompanying a child
Endulge Your Senses at a Hutte
A hutte is a rustic, family-run restaurant and/or lodge in the European alps. Some with food that is out of this world. What a surprise “pick-me-up” while hiking. Just genius.
During our first trip, we unexpectedly stumbled upon one hutte, Ze Seewjinu Mountain Lodge.
I’m talking cold beer, incredible views, good company, friendly service, and the best lasagna. Ever.
How to get there: I’m not positive but I thought this restaurant was part of the Five Lakes Hike, or at least an extension of it.
Some of these restaurants are on the Zermatt hiking map, but I’d ask the locals for directions to the best ones (if they’ll let you in on that secret).
We tried to go back to this spot on our second trip, but that hike was just too much that day for the kids. Instead, we went to a big outdoor restaurant at Sunnegga station. It wasn’t as special as the first one we had stumbled upon. But we came hungry, and the view of the Matterhorn was such a treat.
Cost: The Sunnegga restaurant was a bit pricey for a cafeteria-style buffet, but you’re paying for the atmosphere. ‘When in Switzerland’…
I must say though – I’ll never forget that moment with my family as we enjoyed the breathtaking views. You can’t put a price on that.
And that goes for all of Zermatt. It will put a dent in your bank account, no doubt about it. Oh, but it’s so worth it!
What a magical town with unforgettable adventures. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have!
