Where to Stay in Zermatt 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Zermatt is a car-free village beneath the iconic Matterhorn, accessible only by train. Accommodation ranges from cozy chalets to grand 5-star hotels, with skiing from November to April and hiking from June to October. The village is compact and walkable, with electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages for luggage. Location matters mainly for lift access and views.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Dorf (Village Center)
Walk out to restaurants and shops on the car-free main street, quick access to Gornergrat train and Sunnegga funicular, and classic Matterhorn views from many hotels. Perfect base for both skiing and summer hiking.
Dorf (Village Center)
Hinterdorf
Steinmatte
Winkelmatten
On-Mountain
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Some budget hotels lack Matterhorn views - worth paying extra for this iconic sight
- • Check if hotel is near the noisy river - beautiful but can be loud at night
- • Very remote valley - last train from Täsch is around 11pm, don't miss it
Understanding Zermatt Geography
Zermatt fills a narrow valley beneath the Matterhorn. The train station anchors the village, with the main street (Bahnhofstrasse) running south. Major lift systems depart from different areas: Gornergrat (rack railway from station), Sunnegga (funicular from village), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (from Steinmatte area).
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Zermatt
Dorf (Village Center)
Best for: Main street, Matterhorn views, restaurants, ski lift access
"Car-free Alpine village with wooden chalets and electric taxis"
Pros
- Central location
- Best dining
- Lift access
- Matterhorn views
Cons
- Most expensive
- Crowded in season
- Tourist-focused
Hinterdorf (Old Village)
Best for: Historic wooden granaries, quiet atmosphere, authentic Valais charm
"Preserved 16th-century hamlet with dark wooden mazots (granaries)"
Pros
- Most authentic
- Quieter
- Historic charm
- Photo opportunities
Cons
- Slightly farther from lifts
- Fewer restaurants
- Uphill walk
Steinmatte
Best for: Near Matterhorn Express, spa hotels, quieter base
"Modern ski-focused area near Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lifts"
Pros
- Direct lift access
- Newer hotels
- Less crowded
- Spa options
Cons
- Less village charm
- Walk to center
- Modern buildings
Winkelmatten
Best for: Best Matterhorn views, residential quiet, morning light photography
"Elevated hamlet with postcard-perfect Matterhorn framing"
Pros
- Best Matterhorn views
- Very quiet
- Romantic setting
Cons
- Far from lifts
- Limited dining
- Uphill walk to village
On-Mountain (Riffelberg / Sunnegga)
Best for: Ski-in/ski-out, high altitude, sunset views, exclusive experience
"High-altitude mountain hotels above the treeline"
Pros
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Sunrise views
- Above the crowds
- Unique experience
Cons
- Limited access
- No nightlife
- Weather dependent
Accommodation Budget in Zermatt
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Youth Hostel Zermatt
Dorf
Modern hostel in the village center with Matterhorn views, ski storage, and excellent breakfast. Private rooms and dorms available.
Hotel Bahnhof
Dorf
Simple hotel opposite the train station with clean rooms, friendly service, and unbeatable access for arrivals and departures.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Cervo
Steinmatte
Stylish mountain lodge with spa, acclaimed Puro restaurant, and contemporary Alpine design. Popular après-ski scene.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
The Omnia
Above village
Dramatic rock-hewn hotel accessed by tunnel lift, with floor-to-ceiling Matterhorn views and minimalist luxury. Adults-only.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Dorf
Historic 5-star in the village center with traditional Swiss elegance, world-class spa, and multiple restaurants.
Mont Cervin Palace
Dorf
Grand dame of Zermatt since 1852, with legendary service, Heinz Julen design touches, and the village's best spa.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Riffelhaus 1853
Riffelberg (On-Mountain)
Historic mountain hotel at 2,582m on the Gornergrat line with Matterhorn views from bed and ski-to-door access.
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat
Gornergrat Summit
Europe's highest hotel at 3,100m, at the Gornergrat summit. Wake up to 29 peaks over 4,000m and the Gorner Glacier.
Smart Booking Tips for Zermatt
- 1 Book 3-6 months ahead for Christmas/New Year and February peak ski weeks
- 2 Many hotels require 7-night minimum during Christmas and Easter
- 3 Summer (July-August) hiking season is as busy as ski season
- 4 Half-board (dinner included) common and good value given high restaurant prices
- 5 Ask about ski storage and boot warmers - essential amenities
- 6 Request south-facing room for Matterhorn views (worth the premium)
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Zermatt: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.