How to Plan your Active Family Summer Holiday in Zermatt

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a picturesque mountain village that promises an unforgettable active summer holiday for families. With the Matterhorn as its backdrop, Zermatt is a paradise for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 things you can do with your family to make the most of your summer Zermatt holiday.

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Our top 10 Zermatt summer holiday activities include:

• Visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
• Enjoy the Gornergrat Railway, Riffelalp, and hike to the Riffelsee
• Explore the Five Lakes Walk
• Go Mountain Biking or E-Biking
• Mountain Carts at Blauherd
• Kick-biking at Sunnegga
• Wolli Adventure Park
• View the Valais Blackneck Goat Procession
• Visit the Forest Fun Park
• Watch the Sunset at Findeln

#1 Visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Start your Zermatt summer family holiday by visiting the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 meters. Some of the activities at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are:

• Viewing platform: on a clear day, you can see 38 mountains 4,000 meter or higher and 14 glaciers in France, Italy and Switzerland
• Glacier Palace: home to a variety of ice sculptures and carvings
• Cinema Lounge: Europe’s highest cinema, with short films about the alpine world of the Matterhorn
• There is also a convenient restaurant, serving what we felt was typical mountain/ski fare, though with excellent views over the ski slopes

Summer Skiing and Tubing

Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier is Europe’s highest and biggest summer ski resort, with up to 21 km of pistes available. The best skiing is in the early mornings, wrapping up by midday. Combining a morning of skiing with an afternoon of hiking or biking off the glacier makes for an exciting day.

A few things to be aware of when planning to ski the glacier:

• There are large numbers of ski racing teams and camps held here in summer. We still found plenty of free hill space to enjoy our skiing.
• Beyond the beginner area, skiers will need to take POMA-lifts (not chair lifts), that run fairly quickly.
• SnowXperience Plateau Rosa is the place for beginning skiers.
• If you need to rent ski clothes or ski equipment, this is best done in town in Zermatt before heading up the gondola to the glacier.

Summer tubing is also available at SnowXperience Plateau Rosa and is a fun alternative for those not interested in skiing.

#2 Enjoy the Gornergrat Railway, Riffelalp, and hike to the Riffelsee

Continue your Zermatt summer holiday by boarding the historic Gornergrat cogwheel train for a scenic ride. Enjoy the stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks on your way up and down. From the top of the Gornergrat, there is a short 0.5 km loop with a spectacular panoramic view. You can of course choose to hike up all or a portion of this route as well, taking the train only where desired.

After enjoying the view from the top, take the train (or walk) back down to Riffelalp. We recommend taking the short walk over to the Riffelalp Resort, where you can enjoy a break for lunch or coffee with a wonderful view. Guests can enjoy the spa, daily hikes, outdoor trampolines (a big hit in our family), and more.

After fortifying yourself, head out on your hike. Follow signs for the “Riffelseeweg.” From Riffelalp, this is an easy, downhill 4.1 km hike to the Riffelsee to see magnificent views of the Matterhorn reflecting off of the lake. This hike takes about an hour total. If you want to shorten this, take the train down one more stop to Rotenboden, which leaves you with a 3 km downhill hike to the Riffelsee.

#3 Explore the Five Lakes Walk

No Zermatt family summer holiday is complete without tackling this popular hiking trail, which takes you past five beautiful mountain lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee), each offering a unique view of the Matterhorn. It’s a moderate 9.8 km hike (roughly 6 miles) suitable for all ages and skill levels and takes about 2 hr 30 min to complete, depending on the number of stops you make. You gain 165 meters in elevation, and descend 454 meters. If you prefer a guided hiking tour, there are plenty of half and full day options available here.

You’ll start at the Blauherd cablecar station, and look for signs for the #11 trail or “5 Seenweg.” A few worthwhile stops we’d recommend for your hike:

• Stellisee is a slight uphill from the Blauherd cablecar station, but it is worth the effort. It has some of the most spectacular views, making it a great photo spot capturing the reflection of the Matterhorn on the lake.
• Take a detour from Stellisee to Fluhalp if you’d like lunch with beautiful views over the Matterhorn.
• Grünsee is a quieter swimming spot, though on a hot day you’ll see plenty of sunbathers and swimmers. The water is chilly.
• Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu, a mountain hut, sits between the Grünsee and the Moosjisee, and offers lunch, ice cream, coffee, and other drinks and snacks. The ice cream hit the spot on a hot summer day.
• Leisee is a great spot for a swimming break on a warm day. We tried this in August, and the water was quite chilly. Even so, a very enjoyable experience. Leisee also has an adventure park to enjoy (Wollpark, see below).

#4 Go Mountain Biking or E-Biking

With numerous trails of varying difficulty, Zermatt is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts. Rent a bike or an e-bike to explore the landscape at your own pace.

The region boasts a diverse range of trails, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

• For those new to mountain biking, the 4-Lake Tour, starting Blauherd station, is a great choice. It goes down to the four mountain lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee and Moosjisee, taking 1-1.5 hours. Alternatively, the Moos-Trail features a gentle route through the meadows.
• More seasoned bikers can challenge themselves on the Furi-Schwarzsee trail, a tough 3 hour ride with views of the north face of the Matterhorn.
• E-biking has also gained popularity in Zermatt, allowing riders of all fitness levels to enjoy the alpine terrain without the exhaustive effort usually associated with high-altitude cycling. The Moos-Trail is a popular choice for e-bikers, featuring a gentle route through serene alpine meadows and forests.

Bike rental shops are conveniently located throughout Zermatt, offering the latest models of mountain and e-bikes, along with essential gear. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a leisurely ride amidst stunning natural beauty, mountain biking and e-biking trails are an ideal addition to your Zermatt family holiday.

#5 Mountain Carts at Blauherd

Mountain carts are a fun and exhilarating way to get from Blauherd to Sunnegga. The dirt road the carts follow has about a 300 meter drop in elevation. You can get helmets and goggles with your cart, keeping you safe as you drive around the steep stretches with tight turns. Tickets for rides cover up to five rides.

#6 Kick-biking at Sunnegga

When you wrap up your mountain cart adventure, head into Sunnegga to pick up your kick bikes (we’ve heard these referred to as Trotti-bikes at other Swiss resorts such as Grindelwald). Grab your kick-bike and helmet and head off down the scenic mountain paths through the pine and larch forests. There is a total elevation drop of 821 meters with almost constant views of the Matterhorn.

The path the kick-bikes follows is a bit bumpy and follows a steady downhill. Take breaks when needed to enjoy the view, let your brakes cool down, and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at one of the restaurants you pass.

#7 Wolli Adventure Park

For younger kids, Wollipark at Sunnegga (adjacent to the Leisee) is a great stop to include at the end of the 5-lakes hike or as a standalone activity. You’ll find slides, climbing frames, swings, and a wooden raft that you can pull across the lake. The picnic tables and small beach area with bar-b-q’s are great places to bring a picnic or items to grill. Enjoy a refreshing swim after a hot day on the playground area. There is also a restaurant in Sunnegga.

#8 View the Valais Blackneck Goat Procession

Every day for 6 weeks during the summer, roughly 50 Valais Blackneck goats walk through town at 9 am and at 5 pm. They go from the Geissengädi (goat barn) and head past the train station. This is a great addition to your Zermatt family holiday photo collection.

#9 Visit the Forest Fun Park

Discover the forest from a totally new perspective on the high ropes course. There is an adventure suitable for almost all ages on more than 110 platforms, 25 ziplines, and 83 obstacles. There is a kids trail, aimed at 4-7 year olds and a high ropes course for everyone older.

#10 Watch the Sunset at Findeln

Findeln is known for its traditional wooden barns and spectacular views of the Matterhorn. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset. If you want to combine this with a dinner, try Chez Vrony, with its typical Valais cuisine and stunning views.

Travel Tips

How to Get to Zermatt

An important thing to note is that Zermatt is a car-free zone. You will see some electric cars and delivery trucks on the streets, but it is effectively car free. There really is no need for a rental car during your stay. f you have been driving a rental car before or after your stay, you can either park it at the garage in Täsch, or return the car before arriving in Zermatt.

It takes just over 3 hours to get to Zermatt from Zürich by train, and just under 4 hours from Geneva. In both cases, you’ll need to switch trains in Visp. You can find train schedules and book your tickets here.

Where to Stay

Most people opt to stay directly in town in Zermatt. This is the most convenient to access the various gondolas and trains to get to the various itineraries on this list.

One place that we really enjoyed was the Riffelalp Resort, which sits a few stops above town on the Gornergrat Railway. The location, ambience, and amenities, combined with the views of the Matterhorn make for a unique experience.

A few other places we would recommend:

• Relax & Chateaux Schönegg: this is located a bit above town, but is connected by elevator. You have easy access to the activities at Schönegg while staying here.
• Matterhorn Lodge Boutique Hotel and Apartments: located in the historic downtown, with wellness area and saunas.
• Unique Hotel Post: also in the center of town with wellness and saunas as well as 3 restaurants.

Best Times in Summer to Visit

The best time to visit Zermatt in summer for your holiday is typically from June to September. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), ideal for outdoor activities. During the summer season, you can see the alpine wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the already stunning landscape. Additionally, numerous festivals and events take place in Zermatt during this time, adding to the lively atmosphere. June and September tend to be less crowded than July/August.

Zermatt is a destination that combines natural beauty with a wealth of activities for families. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Zermatt in summer has something for everyone. Start planning your family’s perfect summer holiday in the alpine paradise of Zermatt!

Essential Hiking Tips

• Sunscreen: The suns rays are much more intense at higher elevations. Wearing sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection is essential.
• Mountain weather: Always check the forecast before heading out. Keep in mind that mountain weather changes rapidly. When you see bad weather coming, get below timberline as quickly as possible.
• Dress in layers. Dress in layers, and always carry a raincoat. Wear wool socks and sturdy hiking boots for support and traction. My favorites are Salomon hiking boots and trail shoes. Osprey’s Sportlite 25L is our favorite daypack to carry our extra clothes, food and water, and first aid kit. For short hikes, we bring along an Osprey Trail Running pack.
• Trekking poles: Many people enjoy having trekking poles, which can reduce the strain on your ankles and knees, and can help with balance on uneven terrain.
• Hydration and Fuel: Bring more water for your day hikes than you think you’ll need. Consider adding electrolytes to help you stay hydrated, such as Nuun and LiquidIV. Don’t drink water from streams and ponds, unless you are using a LifeStraw or similar. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars.
• Leave no Trace: Preserve the natural beauty by following the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of the wildlife in the area. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals and know what to do in an encounter with local animals.
• Navigation: If you are using a map on your phone, make sure that it is downloaded. Cell service can be unreliable in the wilderness areas. Inform someone of your hiking plan and expected return time.
• First Aid: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. This should include, at minimum, Band-Aids, antiseptic, aspirin, mirror, matches, and a jack-knife, a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool.

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