Camping Trip to Zermatt: Adventure in the Shadow of the Matterhorn
Updated: Nov 27, 2024
A camping trip to Zermatt is, in our opinion, the perfect adventure for nature lovers and mountain enthusiasts. With the iconic Matterhorn as a backdrop, this journey offers breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of outdoor activities. In this article, we’ll share our experiences and give you valuable tips for your unforgettable stay in Zermatt.
The village of Zermatt itself is a true highlight, with its traditional chalets, cozy cafés, and exclusive boutiques.
A stroll through the car-free streets is an absolute must—you’ll love the atmosphere, as it’s full of tradition amidst a fantastic panorama.
Arrival and Accommodation: Camping in Täsch
We parked our Jeep at the "Camping Alphubel" in Täsch, located just a few meters from the train station. From here, you can easily reach the car-free Zermatt by train. The campsite offers stunning mountain views and serves as an ideal base for your adventures.
The campsite provides amenities like showers, toilets, and electricity. In Zermatt, there's no vehicle camping, only a tent site. You can also choose to stay in a hotel or rent an apartment if you're not traveling by camper.
History of Zermatt and the Matterhorn
First mentioned in the 13th century, Zermatt has a rich history closely tied to mountaineering. The first documented ascent of the Matterhorn by Edward Whymper in 1865 made the village world-famous, attracting climbers globally.
To preserve the pristine alpine environment, Zermatt remains car-free, maintaining clean air and the village's tranquil charm. Electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages are used, keeping the atmosphere eco-friendly and peaceful.
First Explorations in Zermatt
After setting up our camp, we took the train to Zermatt. The trains run approximately every 20 minutes, even late into the evening, but it’s best to check the schedule in advance, as it can vary depending on the travel season.
The village of Zermatt is a true highlight, with its traditional chalets, cozy cafés, and exclusive boutiques.
A stroll through the car-free streets is an absolute must—you’ll really love the atmosphere, as it blends rich tradition with breathtaking mountain scenery.
Breathtaking Views from the Gornergrat
The next day, we took a ride on the Gornergrat Railway. This historic cogwheel train passes through spectacular landscapes, offering impressive views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.
At the top, you can take in the panorama and seize the opportunity for countless photos. The crisp mountain air and stunning views make this excursion an unforgettable experience.
From the Gornergrat station, it’s just a short walk to Riffelsee, where the Matterhorn is beautifully reflected in the lake. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the best weather that day, but it was still a fantastic experience.
By the way, we opted for a sunrise tour on the Gornergrat, which is only available on certain days and should be booked in advance, for example, through this platform.
Outdoor Adventures and Hikes
Zermatt offers numerous hiking routes for all skill levels—don’t forget your hiking boots! 😊
Culinary Delights
After a long day in the mountains, we treated ourselves to a traditional Swiss fondue in one of Zermatt's cozy restaurants. The local cuisine, rich in cheese and fresh ingredients, is a delight you shouldn’t miss.
Additionally, Zermatt offers plenty of chances to try local specialties and handmade chocolates.
Costs: How Expensive is a Vacation in Zermatt and the Surrounding Area?
Switzerland is generally not a budget-friendly destination. Since we traveled with our Jeep and rooftop tent, we saved on expensive hotel stays and cooked for ourselves frequently. You can save money by getting the Swiss Travel Pass. We chose not to, thinking it wouldn’t be worth it, but we later regretted not having it, as it can save you up to 50% on gondola rides and gives free access to buses and trains.
However, enjoying your vacation is important too! Here are some of our expenses for reference:
Train ride from Täsch to Zermatt (round trip per person): 34 CHF
Campsite in Täsch for 2 nights: 85 CHF
Dinner in Zermatt (Raclette and fondue with drinks): 70 CHF
Gornergrat Railway for sunrise: 132 CHF per person
If you need inspiration for cooking in your camper, we highly recommend our camping cookbook.
Thoughts on our Trip to Zermatt
Our camping trip to Zermatt was an unforgettable experience full of adventure and stunning nature. The combination of the majestic Matterhorn, charming villages, and countless outdoor activities made this trip truly special. If you plan to visit Switzerland, Zermatt and its surroundings are a must-see!
You can find the complete route of our road trip through Switzerland here.
Want more insights into our travels? Then check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_. If you have questions about our routes, feel free to reach out to us anytime via these platforms!
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