One of the highlights of our family vacation in Switzerland was finally visiting Zermatt - a destination that had long lived in my travel dreams. Nestled in the heart of the Alps and home to the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt feels like pure magic from the moment you arrive.
Surrounded by towering peaks and charming car-free streets, the town is a picturesque blend of natural beauty and cozy Swiss charm. Whether you're savoring a hearty alpine meal with panoramic mountain views, strolling through the storybook village, or riding the Gornergrat Railway for an unforgettable view of the Alps, Zermatt captures your heart instantly. Even in summer, it felt like stepping into a real-life snow globe.
Experiencing this alpine wonder with my family made it all the more special. We hiked, snapped countless photos and soaked in the grandeur around us. It was a moment of joy, gratitude, and awe - checking off a true bucket list dream in the best way possible.
The Journey to Zermatt
As with most places in Switzerland, the scenic journey is half the experience. The ride to Zermatt from Gornergrat was nothing short of spectacular - snowcapped peaks, cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers, charming alpine houses - every turn was a feast for the eyes and one for the memory bank.
For this trip, I opted for a private tour with SwissDay Tours, and it turned out to be a great decision. I discovered them online and couldn't have been luckier. Our guide, Mark - who also owns the company was kind, efficient, and incredibly warm. Thanks to his thoughtful planning and punctuality, we were able to follow our itinerary smoothly and enjoy every moment without stress.
Here's how our itinerary looked like:
- Meet up at our hotel
- Travel by train to Bern, take Loetschberger train and go over the Loetschberg Mountain pass to Brig
- From Brig, take another train to Zermatt
- Village visit in Zermatt, lunch and shopping here
- Scenic train trip with the Gornergratbahn to the Gornergrat Peak located at 3090m/10,140 ft above sea level
- Visit to Matterhorn
- Direct train route from Zermatt to Zurich through the Loetschberg base tunnel (approx 3 hrs travel)
A Glimpse of the Matterhorn
When we began our ascent, the weather was overcast, and we worried we might not catch a glimpse of the Matterhorn. But patience paid off. After waiting for a bit, the clouds finally parted, and we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn in all its glory - just long enough to capture a perfect photo and a lasting memory.
If you're planning your own trip, here are some must-do experiences:
- Ride the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks
- Explore the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe
- Hike the 5 Lakes Trail, a scenic trek offering reflections of the Matterhorn in crystal-clear alpine lakes
- Wander through the village, enjoying local shops, Swiss cafes and car-free serenity
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the mountain's history and mountaineering legends
- Explore the Gorner Gorge, a stunning natural formation carved by glacial meltwaters
If you've ever dreamed of visiting the Swiss Alps, let Zermatt be at the top of your list. It's not just a destination - it's an experience, a moment in time, a memory waiting to be made and for us, a cherished chapter in our travel story.
