Here’s some helpful info to get you started planning an unforgettable trip to Zermatt.
I have no affiliation with any of the external links. I’ve included them to help connect you with the right resources.
Are there any COVID restrictions?
Re-Open EU site (and app) is the best resource for easy to read, up-to-date information. It’s too difficult to answer this in real time as it is always changing.
When we went in September of 2021, everything was open to vaccinated or recovered travelers with proof. As Americans we had to have our actual vaccination cards.
Is Zermatt a car-free town?
Yes.
But there are adorable little electric taxis and hotel shuttles that zip around town. At least I thought they were adorable until they nearly nailed us. Some of those drivers are crazy. Just assume they have the right of way and be careful with your little ones.
How do I get to Zermatt if they don’t allow cars?
The train system is easy. You can park in the parking garage at Tasch (the nearest town) and take the train shuttle into Zermatt.
The train leaves every 20 minutes and takes 12 minutes to get to Zermatt.
Cost: For round trip adults ~ CHF 17, children 6-16 ~8, and children under 6 are free (woohoo!!)
Note: If driving in Switzerland before heading to Zermatt, you do need a vignette to drive on any motorway. If you rent a car in Switzerland, it should come with the vignette. But if your rental car is from another European country, you’ll need to obtain your own. An annual pass is CHF 40 in 2022. Purchase the sticker from a gas station and place it in the lower left corner of your window. See My Swiss Alps for more info.
Do I need to book a shuttle train ahead of time?
No. But if it makes you feel better, here is the site with time tables and booking info.
Do I have to pay full price for my child?
Most of the prices I see for Zermatt activities are half off for children 6 or 9 years old to 15 or 16 years old and free for children under 6. However, it does depend on the activity.
For child discounts and programs, they offer the Wolli Card.
What is CHF?
Switzerland does not use the Euro, but rather the Swiss Franc (CHF). The exchange rate at the time of this post is:
1 Swiss Franc = 1.07 US dollars = 0.95 Euro.
Can I pay with a credit card in Switzerland?
You can pay with a credit card for transportation tickets and most restaurants, but in general they prefer cash / coins especially if your bill is small. That is typical in most places in Europe. I felt bad at restaurants when I didn’t have cash or coins.
You definitely need coins for some hourly parking lots in Switzerland (but not at the main train station in Tasch or Zermatt).
How do I book activity tickets in advance?
Most funicular and gondola tickets do not need to be booked in advance. Although the site says best prices are guaranteed online in advance.
Some activities should be reserved ahead of time if there is limited availability. But if you want to get an idea of cost, Matterhorn Paradise is the main booking site.
Do they speak English in Zermatt?
Yes, most speak English very well, much better than my German unfortunately. I love speaking the local language when I travel – well, trying to speak it at least.
Zermatt is located in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in the district of Visp, so German is also spoken there. You’ll find some can speak Italian and/or French as well.
Where can I find more info to help plan an unforgettable trip to Zermatt?
The Zermatt Matterhorn app and website have it all: activities, family adventures, weather reports, live cams, opening and closing times/seasons, train timetables, ticket info, hiking details, directions, restaurants, lodging, and so much more.
Their site is amazingly informative but also so enticing. You’ll want to stay in Zermatt for weeks if your bank account allows it!
Also, fellow blogging parents Jack and Missy Fuller have some money saving tips for visiting Switzerland. On their site, Fuller Travel, they break it down for you if you want to save money using the train system in Switzerland versus driving.
This trip is starting to add up… are there any discounts available?
Consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass for loads of discounts. The passes are 25% off until 12/11/2021.
For child discounts and programs, they offer the Wolli Card.
I hope this helped with your planning. Keep reading to find adventurous and fun things to do in Zermatt, with or without the little guys.
