Visiting the Matterhorn and Zermatt, Switzerland
The Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the world. At nearly 4,500 metres tall, its pyramid-shaped peak attracts thousands of visitors each year, including photographers from around the globe; however, it’s not as simple as driving to a nearby parking lot for a view. Getting there can be a bit of a unique journey for many.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a village in southwestern Switzerland, best known for its location at the base of the Matterhorn. While it’s a bit out of the way compared to other destinations in the country, many travellers consider it well worth the detour. Some come to admire the Matterhorn from the village or book hotels with direct views of the peak, while others visit for the area’s world-class skiing.
A key thing to know is that Zermatt is car-free. Only service and construction vehicles are allowed, and driving into the village as a tourist will result in fines. Instead, most visitors drive or take public transport to Täsch, a nearby town with a large parking facility and train terminal. From Täsch, a short train ride brings you directly into Zermatt.
Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops near the station. While a day trip is possible if you start early, staying at least one night is recommended for a better experience, especially if you want to enjoy the Matterhorn at sunrise or sunset.
The village of Zermatt, Switzerland at night with a cloud covered Matterhorn
The Matterhorn
One of the most popular ways to see the Matterhorn from Zermatt is by taking the Gornergrat Railway (gornergrat.ch/en). The train makes several stops along the way, each offering different perspectives of the mountain. The final stop, Gornergrat, is the most well-known, but Rotenboden is especially recommended. From here, it’s only a short walk to Riffelsee, a small alpine lake that provides a classic reflection view of the Matterhorn. Keep in mind that reflections are only possible in warmer months, as the lakes can remain frozen well into June.
Other stops, such as Riffelberg, don’t offer reflections but provide excellent vantage points for appreciating the size and scale of the Matterhorn.
The Matterhorn is most impressive at sunrise on clear days, when the peak glows orange and yellow as the sun hits it. Capturing this view can be tricky with the Gornergrat Railway, as regular trains don’t operate early enough. However, from July to September, there are limited special sunrise trips to Riffelsee. Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance.
For those who prefer more flexibility, hiking is an option. Reaching Riffelsee on foot requires starting in the dark if you want to arrive by sunrise. The hike takes about 3–4 hours, depending on conditions, and you can return to Zermatt by train afterward. Early morning and late evening also offer the calmest lake conditions, giving the best chance of seeing clear reflections.
Another popular choice is the Five Lakes Hike. This route takes around 3–4 hours as well, and is best started from Blauherd station, which makes it mostly downhill. Several of the lakes along the trail also provide reflection views of the Matterhorn. As with other alpine hikes, trails are closed when snow-covered, so check seasonal conditions before planning.
Matterhorn view from Zermatt during sunrise
Final Thoughts
Zermatt and the Matterhorn are must-see destinations in Switzerland. For some visitors, Zermatt is the main highlight of their trip, while others include it as part of a longer itinerary. It’s suitable for couples, families, and solo travellers, offering everything from world-class skiing to scenic hikes. For photographers, it may not be a secluded location that you’ll have to yourself, but it does provide the chance to capture iconic, portfolio-worthy images. With the right conditions, you may even walk away with something unique! Not all locations inspire me to make a music track, but the Matterhorn was one of them. You can listen to it in my audio section or directly on Spotify.
In terms of how long to stay, 2–3 nights is generally enough to enjoy the area. One night might be sufficient if conditions are perfect, but poor weather can require extra time, which is always a possibility in the mountains.
The best time to visit depends on your priorities. Summer (late June–September) is ideal for reflection photography at alpine lakes, hiking trails, and long daylight hours. However, Zermatt’s classic charm is especially striking in winter, when the mountains are snow-covered. For a balance of milder weather and snowy scenery, April–May is the period I would recommend.
Beyond the Matterhorn itself, Zermatt also offers activities such as helicopter tours, paragliding, and a wide range of dining options—plenty of pizza included, thanks to its proximity to Italy.
