MileHacker Logo
Zermatt Travel Resources

Zermatt Travel Resources

Zermatt Valais, Switzerland Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • SBB Mobile

    Official Swiss Federal Railways app. Accurate schedules, real-time updates. Android | IOS

  • Zermatt A to Z

    Official Zermatt app. Lift status, weather, trail conditions, local events. Android | IOS

  • MeteoSwiss

    Switzerland's official weather app. Precise and localized mountain forecasts. Android | IOS

  • Google Maps / Apple Maps

    General village navigation. Offline maps for areas with limited service. Android | IOS

  • Google Translate

    For swift translations and bridging language barriers.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Official Zermatt Tourism

    Zermatt.ch (comprehensive info on accommodation, activities, events).

  • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

    Sbb.ch (for national train schedules and tickets).

  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

    Matterhornparadise.ch (highest cable car station info).

  • Gornergrat Bahn

    Gornergratbahn.ch (cogwheel railway and summit info).

  • Swiss Health Office

    Bag.admin.ch (official medical information).

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Seek established guidebooks from publishers like Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, or Fodor's. These present broad overviews of Switzerland with specific Zermatt sections, covering attractions, dining, and practical matters.

Zermatt Hiking Maps

A detailed hiking map is needed for extensive trail exploration. Look for maps from publishers like Kompass or Kümmerly+Frey (e.g., "Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland Hiking Map"). These maps display trails, elevations, and notable sites.

Books on Destination

"Matterhorn: The Story of a Peak" by Roger Frison-Roche details its history. "The Ascent of the Matterhorn" by Edward Whymper offers a classic first-person account of the beginning ascent and its aftermath.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • General Emergency (Europe-wide): 112 (links to police, fire, or ambulance).
  • Police: 117
  • Fire Department: 118
  • Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 144

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Local Clinic: Arztpraxis Zermatt (Bahnhofplatz 10).
  • Nearest Regional Hospital: Spital Visp (Kantonsspital Wallis), approximately 1 hour by train.
  • Arztpraxis offers general medical care and addresses minor emergencies.
  • For more serious conditions, transfer to Spital Visp.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Locate documentaries on the Matterhorn, Swiss Alps, or mountaineering.
  • Films like "North Face" capture the alpine climbing spirit.
  • Nature documentaries on the Alps supply visual context.
  • Find YouTube channels with travel vlogs or documentaries.

Music and Art

  • Discover traditional Swiss folk music, including alphorn and yodeling.
  • Encounter these live during folklore evenings in Zermatt or on recordings.
  • Seek Swiss landscape paintings, specifically those depicting the Alps.
  • Zermatt features small galleries displaying local art and photography.

Online Communities and Forums

  • TripAdvisor Forums: Lively forums furnish user-generated advice and reviews.
  • Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/Switzerland or r/Travel present platforms for questions.
  • Specialized Forums: For specific activities like hiking or skiing, pursue dedicated forums.
  • Connect with a global traveler community for insights.

Lost Documents & Natural Hazards

Lost Document Procedures

Immediate Reporting

  • If you misplace your passport or other documents, report it to the local police (Polizei Zermatt) without delay.
  • Acquire a police report for documentation.
  • This initial step secures official recognition of the loss.
  • Acting swiftly minimizes potential issues.

Consular Assistance

  • Subsequently, contact your embassy or consulate.
  • They assist with replacement travel documents.
  • Familiarize yourself with your country's local embassy contact information.
  • This critical step facilitates your onward travel.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Switzerland maintains robust protocols for natural hazards.
  • In mountain areas, respect all local warnings, signage, and guidance from authorities or guides.
  • Trails and slopes might close due to peril.
  • Seek indoor shelter if a thunderstorm develops; avoid exposed ridges.

Embassy and Consulate Information

U.S. Embassy Bern

  • Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern, Switzerland.
  • Phone: +41 (0)31 357 70 11.
  • Website: ch.usembassy.gov.

Contact Your Embassy

  • Reach your country's embassy or consulate for passport issues.
  • Contact them for emergencies.
  • They handle other citizen services.

Language Learning Resources

Basic Phrases for Connection

  • While English is widely spoken, acquiring a few German or French phrases enriches your experience.
  • Locals appreciate the effort to speak their language.
  • Simple greetings and thank yous go a long way.

Learning Tools

  • Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise: Engaging apps for basic vocabulary and phrases.
  • A small physical phrasebook proves valuable for swift reference.
  • Exercise common travel phrases like ordering food or inquiring about directions.

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

Travel Time to Airport

  1. Grant ample time for your train journey from Zermatt to the airport.
  2. Include the short train ride from Zermatt to Täsch.
  3. Then, factor in the longer SBB journey to Zurich or Geneva.
  4. Add buffer time for potential delays on a mountain railways during peak season or weather.
  5. Allow for transfers between trains.

Airport Procedures

  1. At the airport, permit 2-3 hours before international flights.
  2. This time accounts for check-in procedures.
  3. Also, allow for security screening.
  4. Customs clearance requires additional time.
  5. Early arrival lessens pre-flight stress.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

Purchase Timing

Acquire souvenirs a few days before departure. This grants time for final selections.

Shipping Options

For large or fragile items, inquire about shipping options at the local post office.

Careful Packing

Pack souvenirs with care in your luggage to avoid damage on the way.

Quick Access Tip

Save websites on your phone or laptop for swift information access while you are traveling.

Return Trip Preparation

Before Your Departure

Flight & Luggage

  • Reconfirm Flights

    Confirm your flight departure time and gate information 24-48 hours before departure.

  • Pack Efficientlyly

    Weigh luggage to avoid excess baggage fees. Consolidate items when possible.

  • Empty Wallet

    Try to use most remaining Swiss Franc coins. Larger bills can cover final airport purchases.

Hotel & Transfers

  • Hotel Checkout

    Settle any remaining bills at your lodging.

  • Arrange Transfer

    Arrange for an electric taxi or hotel transport to the Zermatt train station.

  • Logistics Confirmation

    Double-check all final travel arrangements.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Trails and Runs

Explore specific hiking trails or ski runs suitable for your skill level.

History and Culture

Study Zermatt's history, the Matterhorn's climbing heritage, and local culture.

Basic Phrases

Acquire a few basic German or French phrases for more immersive interactions.

Start Learning (Babbel)

Home Preparation Before Departure

Household Arrangements

  • Arrange pet care well in advance.
  • Halt or hold mail delivery during your absence.
  • Notify trusted neighbors of your travel plans.
  • Secure your home by locking windows and setting alarms.

Financial & Administrative Tasks

  • Settle any bills due during your trip.
  • Organize important documents for easy access upon return.
  • Charge all electronic devices before leaving.
  • Create digital and physical copies of all documents.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Pass Immigration/Customs: Show your passport and any necessary visa documentation.
  • Collect Luggage: Retrieve checked bags from baggage claim.
  • Find Train Station: At Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) airports, the SBB station sits directly below the terminal.
  • Follow signs for "Bahn" or "Train."

Transportation to Accommodation

  • Train Journey: Board the SBB train travel from the airport to Visp.
  • Zermatt Transfer: Walk to your accommodation if not far away, or take an electric taxi for heavy luggage.
  • Utilize your hotel's complimentary electric shuttle if pre-arranged.
  • Ensure your lodging is easily reachable upon arrival.

Luggage Service

Consider utilizing the SBB luggage service to send your bags directly from Zermatt to your departure airport a day or two beforehand. This renders your travel day lighter and calmer.

← Previous
Zermatt Travel Hacks
← Back to Zermatt
Next →
Zermatt Travel Checklist

Next Up: Zermatt Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Zermatt Travel Checklist