Hello, we’re planning on visiting Switzerland April 24-30, 2024.
We’re thinking of taking the Glacier Express to Zermatt, then training up to Basel. Has anyone done this train ride during this time? We’ve read that Zermatt is dead and many hotels and restaurants are closed during this time. Anyone know if this will be a problem?
Posted by
Switzerland
408 posts
You can probably actually get a decent hotel deal in Zermatt during this time, because it’s the off season. You’re basically arriving just when the peak ski season ends, so most of the ski lifts will be closed, but Gornergrat railway is open all year and the Glacier Paradise and Furi gondolas will also be open. Some restaurants might be closed, but it’s not like you’ll go hungry. There are also regular shops and grocery stores that will be open as normal. The issue to me would be more that if you’re there with bad weather conditions, it might be dreary and boring if you can’t ski or hike or enjoy the scenery. Hard to predict though!
I wouldn’t necessarily want to spend a week there during this time of year, mainly because it’s too early to hike and too late for winter sports, but if you just want to go up Gornergrat, try to see the Matterhorn and walk around the village, there’s no reason you can’t visit for a couple of nights.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1043 posts
No it should not be a problem, I have been there several times in April - live not far away. The main reasons to go there is to have a walk around and see the Matterhorn. And those things never close, although the weather might make it a very big challenge, but we can't change that. It might be more difficult to find a room, but on the other hand you might get a better rate. Check closer to the time and see what is available.
If it turn out Zermatt does not have any accommodation within your budget then try Brig or Visp instead. You can always take a day trip up to Zermatt if the weather looks good or otherwise just skip it.