Valais, Switzerland
These villages sit just down the valley from Zermatt, accessible by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train. Täsch is the last car-accessible village before Zermatt, hosting the large Matterhorn Terminal Täsch parking garage.
Randa, located further down, features the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, one of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridges. The bridge forms part of the Europaweg long-distance hiking trail.
Venture to other noteworthy destinations within the picturesque Valais canton, each presenting unique sights and experiences.
Another major car-free ski resort in Valais. Saas-Fee is surrounded by 13 peaks over 4,000 meters, boasting impressive glaciers and an unique ice pavilion.
A larger town in the Rhone Valley. Brig is a historic town known for the impressive Stockalper Palace, a grand Baroque structure with distinctive white towers. It serves as a major train hub.
The Valais region around Zermatt holds stunning natural landscapes beyond the immediate village area.
This pedestrian suspension bridge, one of the world's longest, spans 500 meters across a valley. It presents thrilling views and forms part of the Europaweg long-distance hiking trail.
Europe's largest glacier, an UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches over 23 kilometers (14 miles). Viewpoints around Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp, and Eggishorn offer stunning vistas of the ice flow.
The Valais region presents diverse landscapes. Explore the Rhône Valley, which features vineyards, fruit orchards, and charming villages. The areas around Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise serve as fantastic natural escapes.
This immense glacier spans over 23 kilometers (14 miles). Viewpoints around Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp, and Eggishorn offer stunning vistas.
The Valais region presents diverse landscapes. Explore the Rhône Valley, which features vineyards, fruit orchards, and charming villages.
Broaden your cultural knowledge of Valais with day trips to historical towns and agricultural areas.
A historic town known for its Roman amphitheater and the Pierre Gianadda Foundation, hosting world-class art exhibitions. It also features Barryland, a museum dedicated to St. Bernard dogs.
The wider Valais canton presents charming rural villages that preserve traditional Swiss life, focusing on agriculture and winemaking.
Sion is a city of historical significance, dominated by two castle-crowned hills: Valère Basilica and Tourbillon Castle.
Brig's Stockalper Palace and Sion's castle-crowned hills (Valère Basilica, Tourbillon Castle) offer deep dives into regional history.
These locations present diverse cultural aspects, from ancient Roman history to modern art and local traditions.
Martigny's amphitheater dates back to antiquity, demonstrating regional historical depth.
The Pierre Gianadda Foundation in Martigny presents significant art collections for viewing.
The Rhône Valley is a celebrated wine region, offering tastings and vineyard tours.
Lengthen your Swiss adventure by combining Zermatt with other regions or neighboring countries. This broadens your travel experience.
Add 2-3 days to explore Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Jungfraujoch ("Top of Europe"). This region presents a distinct alpine experience (about 2.5-3 hours by train from Zermatt).
A picturesque city on Lake Lucerne, featuring a charming old town, Chapel Bridge, and surrounding mountains (Mount Pilatus, Rigi) (about 4.5 hours by train from Zermatt).
Switzerland's capital, an UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval old town and bear park (about 2.5 hours by train from Zermatt).
Take the panoramic train journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos (about 8 hours). This iconic "slowest express train in the world" opens up Eastern Switzerland.
Continue beyond Zermatt towards Andermatt and Disentis, further exploring the central Alps via this railway line.
After Zermatt's intense mountain focus, Swiss cities like Lucerne or Bern present a cultural and historical contrast.
