Traveling to Zurich and Zermatt, Switzerland this Summer

[mcdermottm]

Hey, all. My family is stopping for 5 days in Switzerland on our way to South Africa this Summer. We’re planning a day in Zurich and then 4 days in Zermatt. Since this forum is far more international than any other outlet I have or am active in, I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for things to do in Zurich or Zermatt. Obviously, exploring Matterhorn and a chocolate tour or 4.

 

[kort]

in zermatt in summer there isn't that much to do other than hiking trips near the matterhorn. there is a train that goes up to a peak close by and you could trek back down to zermatt.

 

[mcdermottm]

in zermatt in summer there isn't that much to do other than hiking trips near the matterhorn. there is a train that goes up to a peak close by and you could trek back down to zermatt.

I saw that train and it looks worth the trip. We don’t need a whole lot to do because we’re using the time in Switzerland to adjust to the time difference before going to South Africa and Mozambique for 2 weeks. Just going to relax and take in the sights of the Alps. I thought about more time in Zurich but wanted to get out into a village…. Though, Zermatt looks somewhat touristy, which isn’t all bad.

 

[kort]

I saw that train and it looks worth the trip. We don’t need a whole lot to do because we’re using the time in Switzerland to adjust to the time difference before going to South Africa and Mozambique for 2 weeks. Just going to relax and take in the sights of the Alps. I thought about more time in Zurich but wanted to get out into a village…. Though, Zermatt looks somewhat touristy, which isn’t all bad.

you're correct, zermatt is a touristy town. but don't let that put you off. Zurich is a bit dull, getting out to a place like zermatt would be good for you.

 

[McgR]

I have never been to Zermatt. Just make sure things are open in summer. We went hiking in Courchevel in the summer and most shops and restaurants were closed. Deserted town. Last year we went to Flims / Laax and everything was open and prepared for summer tourists.

Luzern is also a nice little city to stay in stead of Zurich. And you could drive to Interlaken if you rent a car. Visit the Jung frau Joch by train (expensive and touristic but special). Many tourists buying a Rolex above 3000 meters altitude. Don’t know why you would buy it there. And you can also visit Thun and Bern.

 

[sveinaan]

If it is open, you could take a trip to Cervinia/Italy.

https://www.matterhornchalets.com/2022/06/10/the-zermatt-cervinia-alpine-crossing/

 

[mcdermottm]

If it is open, you could take a trip to Cervinia/Italy.

https://www.matterhornchalets.com/2022/06/10/the-zermatt-cervinia-alpine-crossing/

That looks awesome!

 

[tylerdurden]

if you have a car, drive the mountain passes, Sustenpass,, Furkapsse, Grimselpasse, Viset Arreshultz. Lucerne is good as is the trip up Pilatus

 

[ze_shark]

I second that. Best thing to do in Zurich is ... to hop on a train to Luzern, visit the old city, go on a cruise on the lake, or climb to Mt Pilatus via Alpnach and the cogwheel train.

And also as mentionned by others, if you have the time to rent a car, doing a day drive to Sustenpass, Grimselpass and Furkapass is a must do for anyone remotely interested in cars and enjoying alpine scenery.

 

[Tsingtao]

If hanging around Zurich, consider an afternoon trip to Jenins (pic below). It is a quaint little village with a few vineyards and restaurants. Good place to chill with the family. Another place about the same distance as Zermatt from Zurich is Andermatt (where the James Bond movie Goldfinger was filmed). The place is still a very authentic alpine village, i.e. not too touristy, with one of the best hotels (Chedi) you will find anywhere in the world (the suites have fully stocked floor to ceiling wine cellars -- need I say more!)