Zermatt is one of the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland, famous for its landscapes, skiing, and quaint little towns. Located at the foot of the Matterhorn mountain, this car-free town is slightly eccentric but very beautiful.
Filled with electric vehicles and horse-drawn buggies, the town is set against some of the most breath-taking natural scenery you’ll ever experience.
Zermatt is obviously popular in winter, but it has lots of summer activities too. The landscape around this town really is spectacular, so if you like hiking or climbing, you should definitely do it here.
Due to its popularity (and the fact that it’s Switzerland), accommodation can be expensive. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to show you exactly where to stay in Zermatt based on your travel style and budget.
Let’s get started!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our top recommendations for places to stay in Zermatt.
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Best Airbnb in Zermatt: Saxifraga 10
This apartment is ideal if you’re deciding where to stay in Zermatt with kids. Sleeping four guests, it’s tastefully furnished and located right in the town center. It comes with two balconies and enjoys stunning mountain views.
Best Hostel in Zermatt: Zermatt Youth Hostel
This hostel in Zermatt is a good choice if you’re traveling on a budget. It’s located in the center of the town and close to the mountain areas. Guests can choose between private rooms with en-suites as well as shared dorm rooms, great for couples heading to the area.
Best Hotel in Zermatt: Matterhorn Inn
Located in the center of Täsch, this is one of the best places to stay in Zermatt if you want to be close to everything without paying premium prices. It’s right across from the station with its 24-hour shuttle to Zermatt, and has beautiful balcony rooms and a restaurant on-site for easy meals.
Zermatt Town
The heart of Zermatt town is fairly small – only about half a mile across and two long – but it packs in loads of attractions for tourists. That’s what makes it the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Zermatt for your first time.
Tasch
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Zermatt on a budget, then try Tasch. Just four miles from the centre of Zermatt, it offers a slightly quieter atmosphere as well as slightly more budget-friendly prices.
Zermatt Resort Area
If you want to be right in the heart of all the skiing in winter or hiking areas in summer, then find yourself a hotel in the Zermatt Resort Area.
Known for its spectacular skiing, Zermatt is a quaint and charming place to stay in Switzerland. There are three main areas where visitors can find the best accommodation options, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.
If you’re visiting for the first time, you can’t go wrong with staying in Zermatt Town itself. This area is filled with shops and restaurants set up for travelers, and the bus system will ensure that you have an easy time getting out to the slopes.
The second area to look at is Täsch. This is a small town about four miles from the center of Zermatt, and it is connected by an efficient bus system. This is one of the best areas to stay in Zermatt if you’re traveling on a budget.
Finally, the Zermatt Resort Area is the ideal place to be if you’re traveling with kids. It’s situated in the heart of the mountains, close to the best skiing and hiking on offer throughout the year.
Zermatt Neighborhood Guide
Zermatt is simple to navigate, but where you choose to base yourself will likely affect your entire trip. Read on for our top suggestions in more detail…
1. Zermatt Town – Where to Stay in Zermatt for the First Time
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Zermatt Town – Try the Five Lakes Walk and see the mountains reflected in the water.
- BEST Place to Visit in Zermatt Town – Sunnegga for skiing, views and swimming in the meadow surrounded waters of Leisee in summer.
The heart of Zermatt town is fairly small, but packs in loads of attractions for travelers. It’s a great place to stay to get to know the area, ideal for anyone visiting for the first time. There are over 50 restaurants in town – many with Michelin stars – and easy links to the skiing areas.
The main town is hospitable and welcoming, albeit a little expensive. And because the whole area is car-free, it has a quaint feel that only adds to the majesty of the surrounding landscape.
Best Airbnb in Zermatt Town: Downtown Cozy North View Studio
Couples and pairs traveling Zermatt should consider this comfortable studio apartment in Zermatt. Spacious and comfortably furnished, it has a balcony at the north end so you can take in the stunning views of the mountains during your stay.
Best Luxury Airbnb in Zermatt Town: 4 Bed Apartment
This apartment for four is a great addition to any Zermatt neighbourhood guide. It’s right in the center of town while still in a peaceful residential area. In addition, the main shopping street and train stations are within five minutes’ walk. Fully furnished and with an open-plan kitchen, it’s very reasonably priced for a group or family visiting Zermatt.
Best Hostel in Zermatt Town: Zermatt Youth Hostel
This hostel is ideal if you want to stay in the heart of the action. It’s located in the center of the town with views of the mountains. Dorm and private rooms are available, making this ideal for couples or solo travelers on a tight budget.
Best Hotel in Zermatt Town: Hotel Walliserhof Zermatt
Just 200m from the center of town, this hotel is in the best area to stay in Zermatt for a convenient holiday. It has unique decor as well as a restaurant overlooking the main shopping street. There’s a spa area with a sauna and hot tub onsite, so you can get a little pampering in during your stay.
What to See and Do in Zermatt Town:
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the history of Zermatt
- Try some exotic dishes at restaurants like Bazaar by Cervo, Bistro Bar Gornergrat or City.
- Take a tour through Zermatt to find all the best sites.
- Go skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.
- Have a drink at the Brown Cow Snack Bar, Calypso Sportbar or Elsie’s Wine and Champagne Bar.
- Head out of Zermatt to see the tortured stone and pristine waters of Gorner Gorge.
- Take the kids to enjoy some treetop adventures at Forest Fun Park.
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Learn More Now!2. Täsch – Where to Stay in Zermatt on a Budget
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Täsch – See how brave you are on the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge.
- BEST Place to Visit in Täsch – The Allalinhorn for an incredible mountaineering experience.
If you’re traveling Switzerland on a budget, then Täsch is the best place to stay. Just four miles from the centre of Zermatt, it offers a slightly quieter atmosphere as well as more budget-friendly prices. This town is often thought of as a suburb of Zermatt, and offers the same relaxed feel and outdoor experiences.
You won’t have to worry about missing out on skiing when you stay in this area either. Täsch is the last area outside Zermatt where cars are permitted, but there are numerous shuttles which will take you to the town center.
Best Airbnb in Täsch: Petit Paradisli
This accommodation is fully equipped and comes at a great price. Located away from the tourist through-fare, it’s ideal for couples looking for privacy. It’s small, modern, and has great mountain views.
Best Studio Flat in Täsch: Studio Täsch “Blick Klein Matterhorn”
If you’re deciding where to stay in Zermatt on a budget, check out this gorgeous studio apartment! Sleeping two guests, the studio offers great value for money as well as unbeatable views. There’s a small balcony area, and the studio is clean and modern throughout.
Best Hotel in Täsch: Matterhorn Inn
Located in the center of Täsch, this is one of the best places to stay in Zermatt if you want to be close to everything without paying premium prices. It’s right across from the station with its 24-hour shuttle to Zermatt, and has beautiful balcony rooms and a restaurant on-site for easy meals.
What to See and Do in Täsch:
- Wander around town and take in some local landmarks, like the lively Catholic church Roemisch-Katholische Kirche Täsch.
- Go mountain biking on the Moos-Trail.
- Go mountain climbing on the Weisshorn or Adlerhorn for a quieter experience with amazing views.
- For some really challenging skiing or hiking, try Oberrothorn.
- Play a round of golf at the Golf Club Matterhorn in nearby Randa.
- Have a meal at local restaurants like Hole in One Restaurant, Restaurant La Tana or Walliserkanne.
3. Zermatt Resort Area – Where to Stay in Zermatt for Families
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Zermatt Resort Area – Have a meal in the mountains at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat.
- BEST Place to Visit in Zermatt Resort Area –The Rothorn for a view of the Valais, great skiing in winter and amazing hikes in summer.
If you want to be right in the heart of all the skiing in winter or hiking in summer, then head to the Zermatt Resort Area. This is where the ski areas of Rothorn, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee connect, and is filled with hotels that are as grand as they are welcoming.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Zermatt for families, this is a good choice as you won’t have to travel far for a good time. It’s well connected to other areas by public transport, so you can easily find yourselves a change of scene.
Best Airbnb in Zermatt Resort Area: Saxifraga 10
This centrally located apartment sleeps four guests and is ideal for families visiting Zermatt. It’s conveniently close to everything and has two balconies with mountain views. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen for preparing home-cooked meals.
Best Apartment in Zermatt Resort Area: Lovely Family Apartment
As far as family apartments in Zermatt go, we reckon this one is one of the best. The flat sleeps five guests and comes fully equipped; featuring open-plan living and a TV, books, and games to keep everyone entertained. It’s situated in a quiet area, with the town centre a short walk away.
Best Hotel in Zermatt Resort Area: Hotel Hemizeus & Iremia Spa
Right in the shadow of the Matterhorn mountain, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Zermatt. It has a new Iremia spa on-site as well as a sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi and all sorts of luxuries to make your stay even more special. It’s also close to the bus stop, so you can be in the center of Zermatt in mere moments.
What to See and Do in Zermatt Resort Area:
- Try some delicious if expensive meals at restaurants like Adler-Hitta, Alphitta or 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat.
- Visit Gornergrat mountain for beautiful views, and pay respects at the mountaineers cemetery.
- Make sure you take the Matterhorn glacier ride to the top of the mountain for the best vistas in town.
- Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at the top of Klein Matterhorn, and take the tunnel to the Breithorn Plateau – an enormous glacier in the mountains.
- Make the descent into Glacier Grotto to see the frozen sculptures.
- Embrace Switzerland’s stunning trails on a trek from the top of the Klein Matterhorn to the tip of nearby Breithorn.
- Take a funicular, gondola and a cable car up to Unterrothorn for more views, skiing and great summer hikes.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Zermatt
Zermatt offers travelers in Europe the chance to be surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery around. Whether you’re a keen skier or passionate hiker, Zermatt is full of adventure waiting to be explored.
Switzerland isn’t the cheapest country, and Zermatt isn’t the most budget-friendly destination. However, it’s a beautiful part of the world that’s worth every penny, and there are a decent amount of hostels in the area to help you out.
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