Zermatt on a Budget: Adventure & Charm in 2 Days

Explore the Swiss Alps on a shoestring budget in Zermatt.

21 June 2023

Zermatt, Switzerland is a beautiful destination for a budget-friendly trip. With plenty of affordable lodging options and free outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the charming town, there's no shortage of budget-friendly fun. Don't forget to take advantage of Switzerland's delicious chocolate and cheese offerings while on your limited budget trip.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Village

  • Start your day at Hotel Bahnhof where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading out.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of Zermatt and admire the picturesque views of the Matterhorn.
  • Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the history of the mountain and the village.
  • Have lunch at Walliserstube, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious Swiss cuisine and homemade apple strudel.
  • Ride the gondola up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and take in the breathtaking views of the Alps.
  • Finish the day with a drink at Papperla Pub, a lively spot popular among locals and tourists alike.
Day 2

Outdoor Adventure

  • Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe du Pont, a cozy coffee shop famous for its pastries.
  • Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride through the scenic trails that surround the village.
  • Stop at Zmutt, a small hamlet nestled in the mountains, to appreciate the traditional Swiss architecture and serene surroundings.
  • Have a picnic lunch at Sunnegga, a sunny plateau offering stunning views of the Matterhorn and the village.
  • Take a hike on the Matterhorn Trail, a challenging but rewarding trek that offers unparalleled views of the mountain.
  • End the day at Restaurant Chez Heini, a cozy chalet-style restaurant known for its fondue and raclette.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Bahnhof is a great budget option that offers comfortable rooms, a central location, and a complimentary breakfast. Its proximity to the train station and the ski lifts makes it a perfect base for exploring Zermatt.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Zermatt by plane is to fly to Geneva Airport and take the train or bus to Zermatt. The train journey takes around 3.5 hours and involves changing trains at Visp. Alternatively, you can fly to Zurich Airport and take the train to Zermatt, which takes around 4 hours.

Car

The best way to get to Zermatt by car is to drive to the town of Täsch and park your car there. From Täsch, you can take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train or a taxi to Zermatt. The journey from Täsch to Zermatt takes around 12 minutes by train or 15 minutes by taxi.

Train

The best way to get to Zermatt by train is to take the train to Visp and then change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train to Zermatt. The journey from Visp takes approximately 1.5 hours and involves a scenic train ride through the mountains.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Zermatt by boat as the town is located in the mountains. However, you can take a boat from various locations in Switzerland to towns such as Montreux or Thun and then take the train to Zermatt.

Bus

The best way to get to Zermatt by bus is to take the post bus from Visp to Zermatt. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

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