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1-Day Zermatt Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Zermatt in 1 day
If you only have 1 day to spend in Zermatt, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Zermatt is a world-renowned mountain village in the Swiss Alps located at the base of the majestic Matterhorn, and surrounded by peaks and valleys. The village itself is a beautiful place to visit year round with flowing streams and blooming flowers in Summer, and skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in winter. The highest cable car in the world takes visitors to the Matterhorn Glacier paradise, and Zermatt has a wonderful variety of restaurants and hotels to be explored.
With favorites like Kirchbrücke, Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis, and Myoko Sushi & Teppan-Yaki, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Restaurant Chez Max Julen and Elsie's Wine and Champagne Bar so you can get the best taste of Zermatt while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Zermatt?
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Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
- Zermatt in 1 day
- 1-day itinerary
Day 1
1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Gornergrat Railway and Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Zermatt without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
Michelle — Google reviewAliaksei A — Google reviewRahul R — Google reviewStanka B — Google reviewLee C — Google reviewJames F — Google reviewCat H — Google review
Gornergrat Railway
4.7
(5264)
Heritage railroad
Railway services
Transportation service
The Gornergrat Railway, also known as the Gornergrat Bahn, is a renowned cogwheel train that ascends the Gornergrat mountain in the Swiss Alps. As Europe's highest open-air rack railway, it offers passengers an enchanting journey through scenic landscapes, tunnels, and bridges. With six stations along its route, the railway provides unparalleled panoramic views of iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa range.
Incredibly scenic ride to the top, best view is on the right side of train, and since everyone knows it, you have to be right at the door and get to your seat fast. We were lucky to visit on a fairly sunny day, the Matterhorn slowly unveiled itself to a full glory.
FLnurseER1 — Google review
If you get on the first train It’s not crowded. The train was shut down for a few hours after ours. Those of us on the first train were lucky to had the whole place to ourselves. Gorgeous weather for hiking!
Our most expensive purchase in Switzerland! Question: was it worth it? YES!
The views are breathtaking. We leaned out of the windows on both sides and admired these beauties the whole way! But be careful, it can be dangerous - sometimes the train passes dangerously close to pillars and tunnel walls.
Despite all the beauty, still the price is unreasonably high..
TLDR: IMO, the Matterhorn express (gondola) is better.
The Gornergrat railway and associated viewing points, etc. are a decent attraction but felt a bit meh after we tried the Matterhorn express (Gondola). The only reason to consider this seriously is if you want a picture against the mountain peak or if you’re hiking along some trails.
If you’re short on time and want to experience snow, the mountain peak up close, this is not the best option.
Nothing against the service or the attraction itself they’re doing a good job.
Great adventure and incredible views to Gorner and Matterhorn. The train is well maintained and have spectacular views. I recommend going early in the morning and buying ticket in advance - you can catch the train to the summit and then hike the way down (we’ve done a longer hike of 4h- it was moderate hard but so worth it)
Scenic train ride to Matterhorn top. Beautiful scenery , restaurant, rest stop, toilets. Be prepared to sweat if u coming down mountain by hiking but worth the effort
Definitely a must do. We opted for priority seating and we felt it worth it as our mobility is not the quickest and this allowed us to board without the scrambling for coveted seats. The weather was in our favor and we had spectacular views . Once at the top, plenty to see. We stopped on the way back and enjoyed a bite to eat and drink at one of the stops. Really a stunning excursion.
Knowing how popular this train ride would be, I pre-booked an Express Entry ticket which guaranteed me a three-minute head start to board the train and choose my preferred seat.
The Gornergrat Train was a wonderful experience. It took you through forests and up mountain slopes, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks on a clear day.
After visiting the summit, I rode the train back down one station and got off at Rotenboden where I enjoyed an unforgettable hike to Riffelalp. As the weather changed, I decided to take the train from there back to Zermatt.
A must-do in Zermatt. Highly recommended.
Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
6 min · 0.33 mi
2•Fredric J — Google reviewKent K — Google reviewStella K — Google reviewSiddhareddy D — Google reviewHoong W — Google reviewHolly H — Google reviewLucas Z — Google review
Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis
4.5
(1371)
4.4
(934)
Local history museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis, located in Zermatt, offers a unique insight into the history of the region and the mountaineers who conquered the Matterhorn. The museum documents the triumphs and tragedies surrounding the first ascent of the iconic peak in 1865. Visitors can explore a sunken village exhibit depicting different periods of time, complete with chalets, mazots, and dwellings.
Matterhorn museum is a very good museum to learn about history and development of Matterhorn and Zermatt village. The entire journey of how a village of farmers got transformed into a major tourist attraction is exciting. You also learn about the mountaineers who lost their lives while climbing Matterhorn, the challenges faced by them, the lifestyle and history of Zermatt village and much more. The entire museum is underground and there are free lockers available to keep your luggage. As the museum opens in afternoon you can come here after your Gornergrat Matterhorn visit. It is close to Zermatt station just a 10 minute walk. Matterhorn museum is free with Swiss Travel Pass.
Tip: The museum focuses more on history of Matterhorn and Zermatt. If you don't like history you might find this place boring.
Nirav P — Google review
Matterhorn Museum
After exploring the Matterhorn Views itself, with your Swiss Travel Pass you can visit this museum. It has a wide range of history about the city of Zermatt and how it became a touristic city in this age.
There’s also a free locker that you can put your bags in before you explore inside the museum.
A lot of artifacts from the present and the past. I also like how the animals are involved in building the whole city knowing their contribution.
Excellent tribute to the mountaineers of the past who pioneered alpine climbing in this area long ago. A balanced version of telling the controversial events of the first ascent of the Matterhorn. The audio tour is a must, you will get so much more out of your visit. The museum is only open briefly each day (14:00-18:00) so plan accordingly.
It was much more interesting and informational than I expected it to be. You can see real size houses and models, a small movie theater in the middle of it all. If you have the time, it is definitely something interesting to see.
This is one of the most unique museums we've ever visited, and we absolutely loved it. It offers a fascinating insight into the history of Zermatt, the daring hiking expeditions to the Matterhorn, and the equipment used by climbers over the years.
One of the highlights is a dedicated room showcasing an engaging documentary, which adds depth to the experience.
It's a must-visit for museum enthusiasts, and a perfect way to spend time, especially on a rainy day!
Nice place to learn about the local history, especially the historic competitive climbs to conquer the Matterhorn peaks and how local tourism developments accompanied.
There's an upper exhibit floor and a lower floor with about 5 rooms and a small theater screening a short film.
Here you can experience how the locals lived in the past.
Overall informative site to spend about 1-2 hours, great for children and adults alike.
I really enjoyed the Matterhorn museum! It's great if you are looking for a quick activity in Zermatt (especially on a rainy day). I enjoyed learning about the early exhibitions and appreciated the detail of the displays!
Loved reading the rich collection of mountaineering histories and seeing how a poverty stuck Alpine town transformed into a world class tourist attraction. The museum also documented the first ascent of Matterhorn very well.
Kirchpl. 11, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
< 1 min · 100 ft
3•Sujay S — Google reviewDejan B — Google reviewLuis G — Google reviewIwan S — Google reviewQuing_刘妈妈 — Google reviewMadeha W — Google reviewDaisy M — Google review
Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius
4.4
(537)
4.2
(162)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius, situated in the heart of Zermatt, Switzerland, is a captivating historical and cultural site. This 19th-century church showcases traditional Alpine architecture and exudes a tranquil ambiance for visitors to immerse themselves in. The stone architecture and charming altars add to its allure, offering a glimpse into the past. With its clock tower reaching towards the sky, reminiscent of the iconic Matterhorn, this church holds services in multiple languages on select Sundays.
The church was a pretty new building, in comparison to other churches in Europe region. It has amazing architecture for such a small village, but if you read in history, it was first mention in the 1200.
Will S — Google review
Nice Church in Zermat. Recently built it looks like.
St. Mauritius is the main Parish Church in downtown Zermatt. It's around 100 years old.
We found the Church exterior more appealing than interiors, specially with great Matterhorn views. At the Church backside is a small cemetery with buried mountaineers who died during Matterhorn conquest.
Interiors are pretty modest with the Noah's Ark painting on the ceiling. We were lucky being there when a local school class had their lecture by the altar which was a very memorable experience
The first historical record of the parish church of St Mauritius dates from 1285. It can be assumed that back then it was a small and modest place of worship. Over the following centuries, the church was enlarged and renovated several times. The predecessor of the current parish church was probably built in 1587 in the so-called Italian style. Originally the parish church had three Gothic altars. Following the custom at the time, these were replaced by baroque altars in the 18th century. On the south side of the church were the cemetery and the charnel house from 1651.
The new church from 1913
Initially the people of Zermatt did not want a new church at all. But a local vote on 13 November 1910 paved the way for an ambitious new scheme. The architect Adolf Gaudy from Rorschach drew up plans, and on 6 June 1916, Monsignor Joseph Mariétan, Bishop of Bethlehem and Abbot of St. Maurice, consecrated the new church. Ever since, the parish has celebrated the anniversary of the inauguration of the church on the first Sunday in May. The church was painted in 1920, and the clock installed in the tower in 1925. Inauguration of the big organ in 1926 and three new bells in 1932 marked the end of construction. Today’s church stands further east than its predecessors.
Complete renovation in 1980
To celebrate the 700th anniversary of the parish in 1980, the parish priest, Eduard Imhof, undertook a complete renovation of the church. Changes to the interior included removing confessionals and double benches from the aisles, taking away the pulpit, adding a celebration altar, replacing the Stations of the Cross and converting the baptismal chapel into a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The ceilings of the choir and vaulted nave were also painted. The painting on the ceiling in the centre of the nave, “Noah’s ark”, is by the artist Paolo Parente from Florence and also dates from 1980.
Valuable artefacts
The church of St Mauritius is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of Regional Significance because of its altars and baptismal font.
Beautiful catholic church in Zermatt, been there for pray and love this place much.
📍 Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius @Zermatt 🇨🇭
⛪ Parish Church in the Heart of Zermatt
Located right in the center of Zermatt’s old town, the Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius (Parish Church of St. Mauritius) is a peaceful and spiritually rich stop during any walk through the village. With its striking green steeple and backdrop of alpine peaks, it’s a beautiful architectural landmark that feels both modest and majestic.
Inside, the church is calm and inviting, with traditional stained glass, carved wood details, and a serene atmosphere ideal for reflection. During our visit, we also noted a unique Noah’s Ark sculpture near the entrance—adding a delightful and meaningful artistic touch.
Wonderful design big church
A wonderful church 🫶
Kirchpl., 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
2 min · 0.11 mi
4•Globetrotting A — Google reviewMitrasree D — Google reviewMemee P — Google reviewClaire T — Google reviewTushar N — Google reviewStuart T — Google review蘇于傑 — Google review
Kirchbrücke
4.7
(1410)
4.3
(42)
Sights & Landmarks
Bridge
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lookouts
Kirchbrücke is a popular spot in Zermatt, Switzerland, known for its stunning views of the Matterhorn. The viewing point is being expanded to accommodate more visitors and will soon have a lift installed. Nearby, there's a beautiful church next to a cemetery, making it an ideal evening visit. For the best photos of the mountain, clear sunny days are recommended.
They say this is the world’s most captured mountain & after visiting this place my doubts were cleared as well. We visited zermatt in November and we were lucky to get the clear view of Matterhorn with the beautiful fall season tree Colors. It’s mighty Matterhorn.
Yuvraj M — Google review
Almost everywhere in Zermatt, when you look up, you can see the Matterhorn. However, tourists love to flock to Kirchbrücke because the Matterhorn is “right in the middle”. The area can get too crowded for a good picture. Alternatively, at any point along the canal, you can still take pictures of the Matterhorn.
If you can wake up very early, I would suggest going for a morning walk, the surroundings are very tranquil. 👍👍👍
Absolutely stunning! Even though it was a bit covered by the cloud, I enjoyed. I want to visit again for this superb Toblerone (Matterhorn) video! ☺️
One of the best spots in town to see the Matterhorn! 🏔️
This iconic viewpoint perfectly frames the mountain behind the church.
Come early in the morning or around sunset for the best light — midday can be a bit backlit and crowded.
Only a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Bristol, and the riverside walk is really lovely!
On a clear day this would be a super view of the matterhorn. Unfortunately, it was cloudy when I visited but still worth a visit
Beautiful place with perfect location for Matterhorn peak view.
One of the best spots to view the Matterhorn in Zermatt. But it can be quite crowded, especially in the morning when the mountain has a golden glow. Lots of good viewpoints along the canal as well.
Correct season, correct day, correct time in the morning, what else do you need for standing here?
14 min · 0.7 mi
5•Arjun B — Google reviewAlvin C — Google reviewYin C — Google reviewMohadeseh R — Google reviewBenjamin B — Google reviewNuwan W — Google reviewJay — Google review
Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint
4.9
(874)
4.0
(2)
Scenic spot
Observation deck
Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Zermatt is renowned for its breathtaking views and exceptional skiing opportunities, with the iconic Matterhorn standing as a majestic backdrop. Among the must-visit spots in this charming village is the Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint, located at the northern edge of town. This picturesque vantage point offers stunning panoramas of both Zermatt and its famous mountain.
Free of charge and public access. There are two ways to get there (1) stairs going up and (2) a long winding road that slopes up that takes longer. So it depends what you are willing to do. The long winding road took around 15-20min to climb at a leisurely pace.
But it is worth going up to this viewpoint especially when the Matterhorn is not covered by the fog. We enjoyed and took a lot of pictures here.
Aud S — Google review
A late review post (we visited during the first week of March) :
It was definitely “The Spot” for the best possible view of town and Matterhorn. Need to climb but the reward is absolute masterpiece 🤩. Honestly photos do not justify what your eyes can see! 🤩
Great view of Zermatt and the Matterhorn. It is a little bit of a strenuous hike but not too bad to get there. Expect to have company while taking in the view.
The climbing is devastating but the view is absolutely stunning. Don’t trust the estimated time shown in Google, give yourself at least 10 more minutes to climb.
Not crowded at the top, just around 7-8 people waiting for the sunrise.
It is very cold up here in the winter, make sure to wear gloves.
No ticket is needed.
I wish I had more time to stay overnight in this beautiful village. After years of living in Switzerland, at the end I visited this scenic point as a tourist 😅 make a relax plan and chill in this beautiful village for at least one night. It’s worth it.
Best time for viewing is blue hour in the morning leading up to sunrise where you can watch the first light hit the mountain!
Nice panaroma view of the mountains. You may take a cable car to go to the top of the mountains
Stunning place, easy access - perfect spot to relax and take your time and watch the clouds roll over the Matterhorn
Mürini, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
< 1 min · 0 ft
6•Alexandre T — Google reviewNorthern W — Google reviewChien L — Google reviewRONIT T — Google reviewKris D — Google reviewMariann G — Google reviewVinh V — Google reviewFREDI M — Google reviewAndrew J — Google review
Grindjisee
4.7
(464)
4.2
(25)
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Nestled within the enchanting Five Lakes Walk, Grindjisee is a captivating gem that offers a unique perspective of the iconic Matterhorn. Unlike its larger counterpart Stellisee, this smaller lake is tucked away in a serene valley and surrounded by charming larch trees along its southwest shore. The hike to Grindjisee is relatively easy, with some moderate sections, making it accessible for most adventurers eager to explore Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes.
The 5 lakes trail is a nice hike, downhill or uphill, that's up to you.
All along the trail you will be able to admire the Matterhorn / Toblerone.
Fabien P — Google review
Beautiful lake during the 5 lakes hike.
A lovely place. One of the five lakes. Water is clear and the trees are reflected in them. A great place to stop and freshen up or have a picnic during the hike! On a clear day you can see the Materhorn in front of you as we did and can see in our photos. Incredible!
Don’t forget to have a photo on the large rock! Be careful though!
Stunning view of the Matterhorn with reflection
A lovely place. One of the five lakes. Water is clear and the trees are reflected in them. A great place to stop and freshen up or have a picnic during the trek. On a clear day you can see the Materhorn in front of you.
Along the Five Lakes Trail there this amazing lake. It looks stunning seen from the trail above descending from Stellisee. And beautiful from the shore where one can stop to relax in the forest.
The Grindjsee gives a unique experience while it reflects the view of Matterhorn. The lake is home of many small fishes while you can find rare flowers on its shores. Amaizing place!
Beautiful lake with great view of the Matterhorn and its surroundings.
Small but absolutely beautiful. Great place to picnic and enjoy the stunning view.
This lake is one of many on the trail. I would caution ypu to stay on the trail, not the ski slope, as it can be very confusing. Also, doing this hike on a cloudy day would simply not be worth it. Wait until a clear day where you can walk down with the Matterhorn as your backdrop, it is spactuclar!
3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
< 1 min · 200 ft
7•Anthony G — Google reviewSB — Google reviewSteven C — Google reviewLeonis M — Google reviewFLnurseER1 — Google reviewJeff C — Google reviewBryan B — Google review
Gornergrat
4.9
(883)
4.7
(5297)
Ridge
Gornergrat is a rocky ridge in Zermatt, accessible by a cog railway, and renowned for its stunning views of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier. Visitors can opt for luxury hotels like Cervo Zermatt or unique stays at Riffelalp Resort 2222m or Igludorf. For activities, skiing on beautiful slopes and taking the panoramic train to Gornergrat are highly recommended.
Took the train to Gornergrat and hiked down to Riffelberg. Amazing views and experience. July, cool up top, shorts and long sleeves, hiked a couple hours including breaks for pictures and snacks.
Ryan H — Google review
If the weather is good then the trip is worth it. The day we visited, the train broke down. Having been instucted to leave the carriage and wait on the opposite side, the rain came down quite heavily and all were soaked. Replacement train arrived and the journey continued. No visibilty at the summit due to cliud cover, then fine snow. Took the train down and sat in a bar, the sun came out and behind us was the Matterhorn in all its glory!
Incredible scenery. Like everything else in Switzerland the price is ridiculous but on balance it’s worth it. If you get a good weather day it’s almost unbeatable mountain scenery
Totally worth the trip!
Go in the morning for the best light. (背光)
You can also stop by Riffelsee to see the famous reflection of the Matterhorn.
We have to choose either Matterhorn Glacier or Gornergrat. Visiting Gornergrat was truly one of the highlights of our trip. The journey up with the Gornergrat Railway was smooth, scenic, and absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. Once at the top, the panoramic views were nothing short of spectacular — especially the iconic Matterhorn surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks. It felt like stepping into a postcard.
The viewing platforms are well laid out, giving plenty of space to take in the landscape and capture amazing photos. We also loved how peaceful the area felt despite being a popular spot. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, and the entire experience was seamless.
Gornergrat is a must-visit in Zermatt — unforgettable views, stunning nature, and an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Highly recommended!
Large platform allows for a decent view of mountains, even if it is crowded. There is an overpass over the rail road leading to the observatory, and also to a Golden Spot that features restored historic locomotive, providing a prominent photo opportunity with the Matterhorn. We were lucky to see the Matterhorn in its full glory for about an hour, after that a cloud partly covered the mountain for the rest of the day. There is a restaurant at the station and clean bathrooms. We decided to hike to Riffelsee lake, but since the Matterhorn had a cloud cover, did not go all the way down. The hike is considered an easy hike, however, I did not find it so. Uneven ground steeply down the hill with lots of large and small stones, as well as gravel, very slippery.
Amazing views. Great launching place for several hikes. Exceeded all expectations!
Worth the train ride. Sit on the right side of the train for photos of the Matternhorn, hut the whole ride is stunning.
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Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from Kirchbrücke, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Restaurant Chez Max Julen
4.7
(535)
4.6
(643)
affordable
Swiss restaurant
Restaurant Chez Max Julen, located in Hotel Beau Rivage, offers a unique dining experience with its open layout that allows guests to watch their meals being prepared. The grill restaurant is known for serving a variety of expertly barbecued meats and side dishes that are sure to satisfy any appetite. With traditional table settings and professional service, this upmarket establishment provides a delightful atmosphere for enjoying grilled specialties such as meat, fish, and lamb cooked over a wood fire.
The staff and owner Armin were amazing, friendly and funny. Armin cooks the food on an open fire in the dining room. It was the best meal I had on my entire trip through France, Italy and Switzerland. I told our server my wife was interested in swiss wines and she helped her select one. As the meal started a new glass of different wine was delivered, Armin came over and explained that it was one he and friend make in St. Niklaus. At the end of the meal some complimentary deserts we given to us. I felt like I was dining at a good friends house. Can't say enough.
Ed W — Google review
I had the deer filet, which is very tender but not gamey. It came with some pasta and vegetables. The pepper sauce enhances the flavor.
A relaxing and cozy experience for friends to gather after a day of skiing.
My wife and I enjoyed dinner here. The gentleman who cooked our dinner over an open fire is very nice and does a great job. My wife had foie gras and lamb chops with sides. I had the 4-course dinner with wine pairing. The starter was a plate of a wide variety of yummy food such as shrimp, smoke salmon, foie gras, thinly sliced prosciutto and beef and pickled onions, capers, etc. The soup was fabulous. The main course was steak with vegetables. The dessert was a sorbet with fresh fruit and a homemade liquor - all of which was very good with the wines served at each course.
We came across this restaurant after seeing the restaurant at Tradtional Hotel Julen was queuing. It was such an amazing experience 🥰 The staff were all very friendly and explained the menu to us. We had the Gourmet Plate which I didn’t quite get what was included just knew it was an assortment of things. When the plate came , wow!!!! It was pure delight !! Then we had rack of lamb and deer as main course. Both these meats were rare to come by when I’m from and the food was amazing! The entire dining experience was cozy and very enjoyable. We even had a guest who played on his harmonica for fun! Highly recommend giving this restó a try if you are in Zermatt!
I visited Zermatt for the first time with my boyfriend and a friend.
We had the best experience at this restaurant!
The female waiter who took care of us had great hospitality.
She was cheerful and recommended the wine soup, which I had never tried before!
It was very delicious.
The master who grilled the meat came to our table (on the second floor) and treated us well.
The atmosphere was so warm from the time we entered until the time we left, so we ended up staying for a long time.
Zermatt is also a wonderful city, and I was impressed.
I definitely want to come back here again.
Thank you so much.♡
This was the best open-fire, meat dinner we've had. Our party of six (including one vegetarian) all had different plates and shared appetizers. Everything was great and we quickly started picking from each others meals. The amazing escargot is in a delicious garlic mushroom sauce instead of the typical shells-in-butter. Deer was tender and nicely seasoned, not gamey, and easy to appreciate. My friend had ribeye and I had sirloin and both were excellent. I always cringe when ordering steak so the open fire made me hopeful. I was not disappointed. Chef Gsponer visited the tables and shared bits of other foods (like a touch of spätzle to go with the escargot sauce). He was like the friend serving family dinner. We topped it off by sharing apple strudel which was very good, but the vanilla ice cream was great. Our server Mariana took great care of us. She shared info about the sourcing and preparation, and offered additional bites of foods (as if we needed to eat more) and she is a great spirit. The price is appropriate for the quality of the meal and atmosphere. The food, restaurant and people really come together for an exceptional experience.
Charming restaurant with friendly service. I usually steer clear of lamb, but after a delightful experience in Interlaken, I’ve started to develop a taste for it. This place truly reaffirmed my choice — the lamb was incredibly tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. So satisfying! Starters were just as good. Another great restaurant choice!
You can see the chef (owner) grilling your meat. The meat is nicely grilled and still juicy. It's situated beside the river. You won't miss it if you on the Green Lane bus. Bon appetite 😋
Kirchstrasse 44, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
Elsie's Wine and Champagne Bar
4.6
(295)
4.5
(248)
affordable
Bar
French restaurant
Elsie's Wine and Champagne Bar is a sophisticated establishment in Zermatt that caters to those with discerning tastes. The bar offers a meticulously curated selection of top-notch wines and Champagnes, many of which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle. Its chalet-style decor exudes elegance, providing an ideal setting for an upscale apres-ski experience. Additionally, Elsie's is known as a meeting place for the upscale crowd to savor fresh oysters daily.
Elsie's Wine & Champagne Bar - Zermatt
Nestled in the heart of Zermatt, Elsie's Wine & Champagne Bar on Kirchplatz 16 is a gem for travelers seeking a cozy and memorable dining experience. Despite its small dining area, the establishment is well worth making reservations for, particularly if you're visiting in or out of town.
Service: The customer service at Elsie's was nothing short of exceptional. The staff's warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service made each visit a delight. Over two nights, we experienced their hospitality at its finest, making us feel like regulars even on our first visit.
Cuisine and Ambiance: The food at Elsie's is a highlight, offering a refined selection of international and Swiss delicacies. The winter season brings an exclusive gourmet dining experience, with dishes like butter-tender Bison Filet, Truffle Risotto, and Elsie's Nr. 1 Lobster Spaghetti, all prepared by Chef Juan Sebastian from Wednesday to Sunday, and Chef Lukas Ryffel for the Chef's Table on Monday and Tuesday. The hot wine was a perfect complement to the cold winter evenings, adding to the overall warmth of the ambiance. The cozy Elsie's Wine and Champagne Chalet feels like a sanctuary for gourmets, especially with the promise that "love goes through the stomach" truly reflected in every bite.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy exquisite meals in a charming setting. Whether it's the comfort of the wine chalet or the allure of the gourmet offerings, the place has a way of making you feel at home, even amidst the bustling environment of Zermatt.
Overall: If you're planning a trip to Zermatt, Elsie's Wine & Champagne Bar is a must-visit. The combination of outstanding service, delectable food, and a cozy setting makes it a standout. We would definitely return for more of that exceptional hot wine and dinner, which were among the best we've had. Reservations are recommended given the popularity and limited seating, but the experience is undoubtedly worth it.
This review echoes the sentiment found on their website, where they proudly advertise their commitment to providing a gourmet dining experience with a focus on fine wines, champagnes, and culinary excellence.
#whoyouchoosematters #travelwithbobbiejean #zermatt
Bobbie D — Google review
An awesome and cozy place to enjoy some exceptionally delicious food and wine. The wine list is extensive! The staff are friendly and helpful. Reservations are required for dinner (upstairs). I would definitely come here again! This place does get busy so make sure to reserve or arrive early enough for them to seat you!
In a bustling but cozy little town called Zermatt, 5-8 minute walk from the train station, you will see Gems of places to see. A triad of them perfectly placed. The Catholic church, Mt. Matterhorn and of course Elsie's Wine and Champagne Bar. We were blessed to have been and seen all three.
After you have seen the glorious church and have glanced at Mt.Zermatt...may I suggest letting your palate dance at Elsie's just right across the church.
Chef's at Elsie's are artists, shout out to Chef Juan, we devoured his work of art. And shout out especially to our wonderful and knowledgeable server Mr. Alex. Thank you so much for working extra hours for us. We appreciate you😊🙏 May this review being more blessings your way.
The place is a little bit pricey but the food and wine are superb.👌 Til our next adventure, we hope to stop by someday again.
Credits to: Nico Zimmerman for church photo & Nolan Rumble for Menu photos
We had a fabulous meal and lovely wine here on our last night in Zermatt. We were not able to get a table outside so sat inside to wait for a table to be free…we liked it so much that we were happy to stay there! Very charming and great atmosphere. The service was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We thoroughly enjoyed the oysters, steak tartare and hummus trio with delicious bread. The local wine suggestion also appreciated. A lovely way to end our holiday!
Elsie's is our preferred dining & wining venue in Zermatt.
We enjoy all aspects of the bar/restaurant.
Good food & wine.
Chloe knows her stuff. Assists with meal suggestions & has a grasp of the various wine on the menu.
Wonderful atmosphere.
Cheers John & Amanda Hurley
Lorne, Victoria, Australia.
Come for the vibes, stay for the service and the food. We saw the charming outdoor seating on a sunny day, and we’re looking for a late lunch. While the indoor seating was very cozy and inviting we had to take advantage of the sun. The food significantly exceeded expectations. The meat and cheese board had a selection produced from the owners own farm in Valais, including some unusual cold cuts like one made from locally raised water buffalo. The lobster spaghetti was also an unexpected hit: a strong seafood, almost bisque-like, sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, tomatoes, and chunks of lobster meat. Expensive but one of the better lobster pastas I’ve had. The wine list was strong and they even had some non alcoholic options. Service was energetic, friendly, and genuine.
Updated January 2024: we finally came back here for dinner and we were not disappointed by the tartare and escargots. The mains were good, but not as good as the starters.
We loved this place so much, that we came twice! Our hotel recommended this as a place to try local wines before dinner as it was just around the corner from the hotel.
You enter to a dimly lit bar with low wooden tables and velvet chairs. It's quiet enough to chat, but loud enough to feel lively.
Our first night, we only had a few glasses of wine, but our second night we came back for steak tartare and their speciality, escargots. Both were delicious and went well with the recommended wines.
Next time, we'll try their restaurant as the bar staff kept raving about how good it was.
High price, low standard — not worth a visit. At its core this is just a basic tavern with inflated prices. The food was rough — mains overcooked and salty, sides limp with no freshness, leaving more burden than enjoyment. The drinks were equally underwhelming: thin pours, loose body, short nose and a coarse finish, nowhere near the price point. Service added to the disappointment — staff felt careless, unprofessional, and lacking respect. Overall, a rough and overpriced experience. Once is enough.
Kirchpl. 16, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
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Restaurant Schäferstube
4.6
(1146)
4.7
(1871)
expensive
Swiss restaurant
Restaurant Schäferstube is a cozy and traditional Swiss spot located in Zermatt, offering a warm and inviting ambiance with its rustic wood-lined venue. The restaurant is known for its delicious raclette, meat fondue, and grilled lamb dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Operated by the Julen family, who also breed black nose sheep, the restaurant features alpine stylings such as sheepskin-covered seating and antique cowbells hanging from wooden beams.
Had an absolutely outstanding dinner at Schäferstube in Zermatt. We ordered the lamb rack and the lamb shank, and both were cooked to perfection—tender, flavourful, and beautifully presented. Pairing them with the house wine was spot-on; it complemented the dishes perfectly and elevated the whole dining experience.
The atmosphere is warm and rustic, the service is attentive, and the quality of the food truly stands out. Do book in advance to avoid disappointment, as this place fills up quickly thanks to its fantastic reputation.
A must-visit in Zermatt for anyone who appreciates incredible lamb dishes and a cozy Alpine dining experience.
Leonis M — Google review
I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. The staff is warm, kind and welcoming. In particular, the Portuguese lady was notably nice. 😃
The food was absolutely delicious and their selection of wines was particularly nice.
It was my partner's birthday & they definitely added a special touch to ensure he felt special.
Definitely coming back here again! I highly recommend 😃.
We came to Switzerland to eat Swiss food and this was a perfect departure from the typical foods while still being very much Swiss.
Best lamb we've ever had, might ruin it for us in the future. That's why you go there, get the lamb. Try it a few ways too.
Great atmosphere, perfectly Swiss.
We enjoyed excellent food and quality service. We had the mixed salad, veal steak, and lamb chops, and everything was outstanding. Next time, I would substitute the noodles with the gratin. Overall, it was a great experience with a cozy atmosphere.
The lamb rib rack(from black nose sheep in region) to die for(best I ate, so savoury and flavourful & soft to each bite!), lamb shank big but abit gamey toeards the rnd. They also have racelette & fondue looks gd din try.
Best to reserve kn their website as we saw a few group being turned away due to full house during their dinner service. Spent 105 Franc for 2 mains and 1 glass of wine.
This restaurant is renowned for its delectable black nose lamb cuisine, though it may be a bit pricey. However, it’s definitely worth the price. Don’t miss out on trying their white wine as well.
📍 Restaurant Schäferstube @ Zermatt 🇨🇭
We were quite excited to try this place given its cozy alpine setting and focus on lamb dishes. Unfortunately, only the lamb chop met our expectations—it was grilled well and flavorful. The rest of the dishes were bland and lacked depth, leaving us disappointed.
💰 As expected in a tourist-heavy town like Zermatt, the prices are steep, but we’ve tried restaurants in other regions of Switzerland with far better quality for less. Honestly, it didn’t feel like good value, and I’m sorry to say it didn’t live up to the hype.
🤷🏻♀️Tourist pricing without matching quality. You’re paying for the name, not the food.
Amazing service and taste of food. I went by myself without booking and I was told to come back 20 mins. When I came back it was full booking but there were some customers did not show up on booking time so they kindly let me in the restaurant. It seems really busy but they took care of customer well and even sudden walk in customer like me they treated well. Thanks a lot, definitely recommend.
Riedstrasse 2, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
Myoko Sushi & Teppan-Yaki
4.2
(355)
3.5
(359)
Temporarily Closed
Japanese restaurant
Restaurant Myoko in Zermatt is a meticulously designed establishment that aims to deliver an authentic Japanese dining experience. The chefs, trained in Japan, skillfully prepare a variety of traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, shabu-shabu, and yakitori using only the finest ingredients including fresh fish, high-quality meat, and crisp vegetables. With 13 GaultMillau points to its name, Myoko stands out as the premier Japanese restaurant in Zermatt.
The entrance was deceiving, while walking in you don’t realize how large and beautiful the dining space really is. It is beautifully decorated. The cocktail menu was creative and quite good. The Waygu steak was cooked to perfection, very flavorful.
Renee L — Google review
Excellent food! We got the veggie/avocado rolls, veggie tempura, veal and chicken. All of the dishes were prepared and presented beautifully with good flavor. Some of the best food we've had on our trip in Switzerland. There is halal meat on request (when we went it was the veal and chicken) and the staff is very kind and helpful.
Beautiful decorations and atmosphere. Highly recommend if you are in Zermatt and wanting something other than fondue.
Very disappointed with both the food quality and service here. The sushi was clearly pre-made and simply arranged from a prepared container after ordering. The rice was too hard and didn't properly blend with the ingredients, which shows a lack of understanding of proper sushi preparation. Sushi-making should be treated with care and respect, not handled like fast food.
The service was particularly concerning. I had to wave several times just to get attention from the staff. After finishing my meal, the server abruptly cleared my table and immediately presented the bill, clearly rushing me to leave. However, I noticed European customers who arrived earlier were treated much more respectfully and were allowed to dine at their leisure. This double standard in customer service is disappointing and inappropriate, especially in an international tourist destination like Zermatt.
Would not recommend this place to anyone expecting quality sushi or fair treatment.
Let’s start with the positives
The place is lovely ..beautiful design
And our waiter was very efficient and friendly.
And that’s it .
I am aware that sushi lovers must lower the expectations in remote locations.
But this was beyond disappointing. Only the yellowtail sashimi was to save.
The salmon? Nothing to remember.
And the sushis were simply not good enough with the rice disintegrating.
Last but not least, pricing.
Expensive good food is cheap. Expensive bad food is simply annoying (or worse).
Perfect example is the wine list, with a half bottle (37.5cl) sold the price of a regular bottle (75 cl) in other Zermatt beautiful restaurants .
Would I go back? NO
I wasn't expecting 5 star sushi.. but woof I could make better sushi out of a van. (See picture) I'm not sure who they have working here but even the rice was stale. To top it off, the one glass of wine I ordered was spoiled and they still tried to charge me for it. Go anywhere else in Zermatt to eat.
Delectable Japanese food in Zermatt. Great menu, awesome waiter and perfect atmosphere to dine and wine.
Go to this restaurant only if you’re craving sushi in a country that ordinarily doesn’t specialize in non-European cuisine. This restaurant has a decent looking menu, but the quality of their fish and ingredients is definitely subpar compared to other restaurants outside of Switzerland. Also be prepared to pay serious Swiss franks at this restaurant. Service is nice and the restaurant looks great from the outside.
We expected a little more from the best rated Japanese restaurant in the area. Sushi 🍱 was good overall but only starter tuna carpaccio was really excellent. Very pricey with regards to the ok ish quality.
Bahnhofstrasse 5, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland•
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