Located in the Swiss Alps near some of the country’s highest peaks, Zermatt is a world-famous resort town that’s known for its stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and picturesque village. It’s also home to the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.
If you want to visit Zermatt, you’ll need to know a few things first. Use this guide to learn where to go, what to do, and how to purchase the best travel medical insurance for your needs.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Zermatt – FAQs
Zermatt is one of Europe’s best places to experience the outdoors. But outdoor adventures come with the risk of injuries, and getting sick is possible anywhere. Make sure you have travel medical insurance so you’re protected.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Zermatt?
Travel medical insurance is only legally required if you’re visiting Switzerland on a Schengen visa. If you don’t need a Schengen visa for your trip, insurance coverage is optional, but highly recommended.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Zermatt?
Though Switzerland has world-class healthcare that’s very affordable for residents, it can be expensive for foreign visitors. Treatment at a private hospital can cost a lot, and you don’t want to be stuck footing the bill yourself. Travel medical insurance can help by providing coverage for any new medical condition that occurs after the effective date of the policy when traveling outside your home country.
Zermatt’s Most Popular Activities
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting a mountain paradise, you’ll find your utopia in Zermatt. Here are five of the best activities for tourists to experience here.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Taking to the slopes is one of the primary reasons to visit Zermatt. It’s known as one of the best ski resorts in the world, with more than 180 miles of pistes to suit all levels of skiers and boarders. Beginners and experts alike can find challenges here. And with the ski season running from late October to early May, you can enjoy the mountain almost all year long.
Visiting the Matterhorn
There aren’t many mountains in the world as iconic as the Matterhorn, and Zermatt is the place to go if you want to see it up close. You can take a cable car ride up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which is the highest cable car station in Europe. Once up top, you’ll get to experience breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps. True adventurers can even hike to Hörnlihütte, which is a mountain hut at the base of the Matterhorn. It’s a challenging trek, but the stunning views make for quite a payoff.
Going Hiking
If you’re visiting outside ski season, Zermatt is paradise for hikers. Some of the most popular trails in the area include the fairly easy Five Lakes Trail which takes you past five lakes at the base of the Matterhorn, the moderately challenging Gornergrat Trail with its stunning views, and the challenging Matterhorn Glacier Trail, which takes you all the way to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Exploring the Village
If you’re ready for a break from the mountains, the town of Zermatt has plenty to offer. Center your visit around Bahnhofstrasse, which is the village’s main street that’s lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. You can also see cultural attractions like the Zermatt Matterhorn Museum, which tells the story of Zematt’s transformation from a small farming village to a world-famous resort.
Choosing Your Own Adventure
The number of outdoor adventures you can experience in Zermatt is too vast to list in one short guide. In addition to skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, there are ample opportunities in Zermatt to try:
…and this is just scratching the surface. Be sure to leave enough time in your itinerary to fit everything in!
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Zermatt
Don’t Try to Drive Here
Zermatt is a car-free town, so you’ll need to take a train or taxi to reach it. The closest you can drive is Tasch, which is about five miles away. The only vehicles allowed in Zermatt are electric, and residents must have permits to drive here. You can get around town by walking, bicycling, or taking one of the many electric trains or shuttles provided by hotels.
Prepare for the Elevation
Zermatt is located at an elevation of 5,310 feet, and the surrounding mountains only go up from there. The thin air can take some time to acclimate to if you’re used to lower elevations. It also stays cool year-round, with high temperatures rarely exceeding 68°F (20°C) on the warmest summer days. Be sure to pack cool weather clothing, especially if you plan on hiking in the mountains where snow stays on the ground year-round.
Winter is the Peak Season
Most people visit Zermatt to ski, so expect the winter to be the busiest time. A winter trip to this resort town will need to be booked far in advance. This means that booking can be easier and attractions can be slightly less busy during the summer, though tourists certainly flock year throughout the year.
Before You Visit Zermatt – Do This
- Pack waterproof, insulated clothing, sunscreen, and a hat, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.
- If you plan to participate in activities not covered by standard plans, purchase hazardous sports travel insurance.
- Be sure to protect yourself with the best travel medical insurance for your needs.