Zermatt question

Posted by Marie (New Orleans) on 12/27/25 10:49 PM

I am going to Zermatt at the beginning of August. Is 4 nights too many? I have read that I want to stay there longer in case the weather is cloudy. I am sure I can fill up 3 full days in perfect weather. Even though we can't see the Matterhorn in the clouds, would the hiking be significantly altered as well? My dilemma - what happens if we stay 4 nights and it's all bad weather? Is there anything else to actually do there? There is only so much village walking I can take.

Day trips? I know it's a long way out - maybe 2 hours - but has anyone done a day trip to say, Sion before if the weather was bad for the Matterhorn? Any other thoughts? Thank you.

Posted by Carrie

Chicago

12/27/25 11:33 PM

3923 posts

If you’re going to be disappointed if you can’t see the Matterhorn, you might want to just skip Zermatt. I was there for 3 nights June 2024 and it was behind the clouds the entire time. But, I still had a fabulous time. I love Zermatt.

You might want to instead consider staying in Montreux. Keep an eye on the weather and do a day trip to Zermatt if the weather looks good. I did this in 2022 and had a great day.

You can read about both experiences in my trip reports:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-june-2024-my-trip-report

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-my-trip-report

Posted by Threadwear

Fort Myers, FL

12/27/25 11:39 PM

2205 posts

I did a day trip to Zermatt specifically because the weather was predicted in the morning to be clear and it was. Excellent views of the Matterhorn and plenty of time to walk the village. To do anything besides that you would need an extra day to get up close and personal with the mountain. However, for me at the time it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up to see the Matterhorn and get some great photos.

Posted by Marie OP

New Orleans

12/28/25 12:00 AM

176 posts

I guess I don't mind going to Zermatt if the hiking is still enjoyable and I can see where I am going. I was in Montreux a couple of years ago and we never made it, so I am "hoping" that by staying a few nights then I might get lucky. I just don't want to have a bad 3-4 days, but sounds as if going to Zermatt is enjoyable even if in the clouds?

I am just toying with the idea of staying either 3 vs 4 nights and then going over to Martigny or Sion for either day trips or even overnight for a couple of days. Big piece of the puzzle I seem to be agonizing over!

Posted by Pleb

Victoria

12/28/25 12:38 AM

2 posts

3 visits for me all in the 3 to 4 day range in August. I have never had a day where I couldn't see the Matterhorn. Dozens of great hiking options. Best one by far is up to Hornlihutte. Check out Steve Marsh video on it. Not one to do in bad weather or if you are unfit or scared of heights. The Gornergrat Railway gives you great views of numerous 4000 metre peaks. Train up hike back.
Schonbielhutte hike is another stunning walk one of the best. 22 kms and over 1000 metres elevation gain.
The hike up to Trift hut is short but sharp, less than 5 kms from the middle of the village, great views.
For a lazy day if the weather is patchy maybe just the short easy hike to Zmutt.
The list of options is long.
Zermatt Village itself still has some nice old buildings. The little museum and the cemetery are well worth a look.