Zermatt Autumn

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Autumn in Zermatt is also known as the golden season. This is because the countless larch trees that stretch above the village change colour. From green to yellow, or as the locals say, to gold. And there is something truly magical about this change of colour, especially when the soft autumn light bathes the forests in a gentle glow, making the larch forests shine. Visiting Zermatt is not just for photography enthusiasts – it’s an experience for everyone. Pass the time with activities such as an autumn hike in the mountains, biking with views of the Matterhorn or idyllic walks through the narrow streets of the old town in the Zermatt village. Find out more about your perfect stay with us in the Swiss Alps.

Hiking in Zermatt Autumn
Autumn hike in Zermatt – accompanied by a blaze of colour in nature (© Zermatt Tourism)

What should you wear in Zermatt? Autumn equipment tips

The village is located at 1,620 metres above sea level. Please pack appropriate clothing to ensure you enjoy your stay. In autumn in particular, sunshine and summer temperatures can be followed by rain and wind. The average temperatures can change quickly, and winter season starts earlier here. Depending on the height, there will be snow during hikes or other activities. A windproof and waterproof jacket is therefore essential. You should also pack long trousers, jumpers, and good walking shoes if you plan to go hiking. If you are travelling at higher altitudes, please also remember to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf, as some routes are at altitudes of 2,500 metres or more. For example, the famous 5-lake hike, which starts at 2,571 metres above sea level. At the same time, good sun protection is essential. But don’t panic if you forget something, as there are specialist shops for hiking and sports equipment (also winter sports like skiing), as well as pharmacies and supermarkets in the village centre.

Intersport Zermatt

Best Autumn Hikes in Zermatt

The mountains and unspoilt nature around Zermatt village are particularly suitable for hiking in the golden season. In the off-season, there are not only fewer people, but the alpine environment also presents itself in rare beauty that enchants locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the views of the Matterhorn, snow-capped peaks in the distance, the blue sky, the tranquillity, and the charm of the old town. Breathe in the clear autumn air and make your stay to an incredible journey.

Hiking on the most beautiful trails in autumn is possible! Because the weather can change quickly, it is worth planning extra days for hiking. This way, you can be sure that you will be able to enjoy the mountains to the fullest. And who knows, maybe it will even be warm enough to swim in one of the many mountain lakes. Here you will find adventures for every fitness level and age. You can find more tips on the most beautiful hiking trails in Zermatt in our detailed blog post ‘Hiking in Zermatt’. If you don’t like a short hike and would like to know more about climbing routes, please be aware that with the unpredictable weather changes, you have to have a lot of experience.

Important: Before you set off on your hike or excursion, check whether the trails are open and find out about the weather conditions. In the Alps, the weather can change quickly and storms can arise, especially at high altitudes. Use weather service apps such as SRF Meteo and the interactive hiking map of Zermatt. There you will find an up-to-date overview of all open hiking trails. If you are unsure, ask at the Zermatt Tourist Information Office before setting off on your hike.

Zermatt Autumn biking with the family
Zermatt activities in autumn: countless biking and hiking trails await families, couples, solo travellers and groups (© Zermatt Tourism)

Hike Furi

  • Open: June to October
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes (downhill), 1 hour 40 minutes (uphill)
  • Length: 3.8 kilometres
  • Starting point: Furi (1,867 m a.s.l.)
  • End point: Zermatt (1,620 m a.s.l.)

Special features: This is an easy hike and also suitable for families with small children. As there are not many people hiking here, you can enjoy the idyllic surroundings to the fullest and, with a little luck, you may spot squirrels and birds in the forests along the route. One of the best hikes to get to know our town and indulge in the colorful scenery of the golden larches. This hike is definitely worth adding to your list for your next trip.

Local tip: If you have a picnic with you, you can turn left at the last fork before the Furi gondola lift station (coming from Zermatt) and take a break at the Schweigmatte barbecue area. From there, you can hike to the Dossen glacier garden and the forest playground (approx. 1.5 km). Then cross the suspension bridge, including a thrill, and return to your destination, the Furi mountain station (another approx. 1.5 km from the Dossen glacier garden).

Restaurants in Furi

Restaurant Simi

Restaurant Furri

Restaurant Marmo

Hike Riffelalp

  • Open: June to October
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (downhill), 2 hours 10 minutes (uphill)
  • Length: 4.2 kilometres
  • Starting point: Riffelalp (2,211 m a.s.l.)
  • End point: Winkelmatten (1,650 m a.s.l.)

Special features: The train ride leads through larch and Swiss stone pine forests, with the larch trees turning golden in autumn and the Swiss stone pines remaining green. Breathe in the unmistakable scent of the conifers and enjoy the autumnal splendour of the forests. The gornergrat railway stops at Findelbach station, Riffelalp, Riffelbach, Rotenboden station and Gornergrat station.

Restaurants Riffelalp

Restaurant Adlerhitta

  • Findeln, 3920 Zermatt
  • Restaurant Adlerhitta website
  • Opening hours: Daily from 11.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (in very bad weather, the restaurant may be closed; this will be announced on the website)
  • Closed: From 13 October 2025 to 6 December 2025 inclusive.

Ristorante Al Bosco

Restaurant Alexandre

Grindjisee Zermatt autumn
Magical and otherworldly: nature in autumn (© Zermatt Tourism)

Nature trail hike

This trail will make the hearts of all nature lovers beat faster. It starts at Riffelalp and offers the opportunity to hike through old Swiss stone pine and larch forests. Once you have left the treetops behind you, the view of the surrounding Zermatt mountain ranges and the Matterhorn opens up. You slowly gain altitude and make your way through the increasingly barren landscape. Along the way, you can turn right and make a detour to the Grindji Lake, one of the mountain lakes that is also visited on the famous 5-Lakes Hike. At the Grindji Lake, the Alps and the autumnal landscape are once again impressively showcased. The play of light and shadow can be truly enchanting and absolutely stunning. Taking pictures is almost a must, but you won’t need any filters. The trail continues to the Grün Lake, Moosji Lake and Leisee Lake before reaching the Sunnegga mountain station. The funicular takes you back from Sunnegga to Zermatt. This trip is truly a highlight and one of the best things Switzerland and the Swiss alps have to offer.

  • Open: June to October
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes (uphill), 1 hour 30 minutes (downhill)
  • Length: 6.2 kilometres
  • Starting point: Riffelalp (2,211 m a.s.l.)
  • End point: Sunnegga (2,288 m a.s.l.)

Restaurants Sunnegga

Chez Vrony

  • Findeln, 3920 Zermatt
  • Website Chez Vrony
  • Opening hours: Open daily from 11.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closed: From 13 October 2025 to 28 November 2025 inclusive.
  • Also closed on 12, 13 and 27 September 2025.

Buffet Bar Sunnegga

Hiking in front of the Matterhorn Zermatt Autumn
Autumn in Zermatt: immerse yourself in the colourful splendour of the hiking trails (© Zermatt Tourism)

Mountain Biking in autumn in Zermatt

In autumn, the mountains are enveloped in a special atmosphere. Everything is a little slower and quieter, as there are fewer tourists here in the off-season. This is the ideal opportunity to climb some metres on your mountain bike. Here, varied thrills go hand in hand with views of the iconic Matterhorn.

You can hone your skills on varied trails while enjoying the views to the full. Whatever your ability, Zermatt offers a unique touring experience for beginners and professionals alike. The most popular bike trails include:

4-Lakes Bike Trail

  • Open: June to October
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Length: 12.1 kilometres
  • Starting point: Blauherd (2,571 m a.s.l.)
  • End point: Sunnegga (2,288 m a.s.l.)

Glacier Garden Bike Tour

  • Open: June to October
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Length: 15.8 kilometres
  • Starting point: Zermatt (1,620 m a.s.l.)
  • End point: Glacier Garden Dossen (1,953 m a.s.l.)

YoYo Trail Zermatt

  • Open: June to October
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Length: 12.7 kilometres
  • Starting point: Schwarzsee (2,552 m a.s.l.)
  • End point: Zermatt (1,620 m a.s.l.)

Forgotten your equipment?

No problem, as you can hire the right equipment quickly and easily from various sports shops. Whether you need an e-mountain bike, mountain bike, helmet, or rain jacket.

Bike Shop Zermatt

Would you like to find out more about biking in Zermatt? In our blog post ‘Zermatt Biking’, you will find useful information about the most beautiful trails, mountain bike rental and useful tips for your stay.

Zermatt Autumn Biking Trails
Something for every level: enjoy the numerous bike trails (© Zermatt Tourism)

Zermatt activities in autumn

If you don’t necessarily want to or are unable to take part in outdoor sports activities, there are many alternatives that will keep you active and just as much fun.

AHV trail Zermatt

This trail leads around the mountain village and offers ever-changing views of the Matterhorn. On sunny days, the trail becomes a magnificent spectacle of light and colour, reinforced by the golden larches along the way. You don’t have to go for a long hike to see iconic landmarks bathed in fall colors in Zermatt. This trail is year round open as it is very famous for locals to walk.

Gorner Gorge Zermatt

The Gorner Gorge is located just outside Zermatt. This impressive gorge takes you along carefully constructed paths made from regional and natural materials, close to the rocks and the roaring river. New insights and impressions await you around every bend. A truly extraordinary spectacle that, thanks to its loving care, is accessible even for people who no longer wish to undertake long tours. You can find more information on the official website of the Gorner Gorge Zermatt.

Opening hours Gorner Gorge

  • From 7 June to 30 September 2025, from 9.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m.
  • From 1 October 2025 until the end of the season, from 10.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m.

Admission

  • Adults: CHF 5.50
  • Children: CHF 3
  • Groups of 10 or more: CHF 5 per person

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located at 3,883 metres above sea level. Not only does Europe’s highest mountain station await you there, but also a view that is second to none; 14 glaciers and 38 four-thousand-metre surrounding peaks in three countries can be seen from the Klein Matterhorn. In addition to interactive experiences such as the Cinema Lounge, you can also marvel at the Glacier Palace, breath in the fresh air on the viewing platform and enjoy panoramic views up close of our beloved part of Switzerland. And cold hands and feet will warm up almost by themselves in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise restaurant. This trip is truly unique with its beautiful views.

Opening hours

  • All year round, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Please note the summer and winter timetables for the railways.

Ticket prices for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

  • Return ticket for adults: from CHF 114 (prices vary depending on the season)
  • Discounts with Half-Fare Card and GA travel card from SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).
  • Children up to 8.99 years travel free, children from 9 to 15.99 years receive a 50% discount.
  • The ticket can be booked online or at the mountain railway ticket offices in Zermatt.

Local tip: For even more mountain scenery, you can buy the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing Ticket and go even higher, or more precisely, cross the Alps and the Italian border to Cervinia in Italy. The new cable car opened in 2023, finally realising a vision that began 80 years ago.

Ticket prices for the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing

  • Return ticket for adults: from CHF 228 (prices vary depending on the season)
  • Discounts with Half-Fare and GA travel cards from SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).
  • Children up to 8.99 years travel free, children from 9 to 15.99 years receive a 50% discount.
  • The ticket can be booked online or at the railway ticket offices in Zermatt.
Zermatt village during autumn
Particularly worthwhile in autumn: the circular trail around the mountain village (© Zermatt Tourism)

The most beautiful photo spots in Zermatt in autumn

The Valais region is one of the regions where the golden season is particularly impressive. And as the name suggests, it really does look as if the larch forests are glowing golden, as their needles turn yellow in autumn. The soft light in the early morning and late afternoon creates incredibly beautiful results that are impressive even without a filter. It’s not only worth standing on the church bridge early in the morning to capture the first rays of sunshine illuminating the peak of the Matterhorn. The alpine landscape also offers unique backdrops that are perfect for capturing forever in pictures.

Zermatt Matterhorn covered in snow in the morning light
An icon in front of the lens – in clouds and sunshine (© Zermatt Tourism)

Photo spot: Church bridge

The most popular view in the village at any time of year: the view of the Matterhorn from the church bridge. Especially on clear days and early in the morning, you can watch the sun illuminate the mountainside. Only a short walk from the town centre. No filter is needed to capture this alpine beauty! During good weather, we recommend to start early to see the different level of illumination.

Photo spot: Stellisee

The most famous photo spot at lofty heights is the Stellisee. The Matterhorn and other peaks are reflected in its surface, creating a scene that looks beautiful in sunshine or cloud. It is particularly worth visiting in autumn, when the clouds often glow in impressive shades of pink, orange, and red. The mountain railway takes you quickly and safely to the Blauherd station, from where it is about a 1 km walk to the Stellisee.

Local tip: When the weather is warm, it’s worth bringing your own picnic and eating outdoors at one of the tables at the beautiful lake Stellisee. With breathtaking views of the impressive mountains and surrounded by fall colors, it tastes even better.

Photo spot Findeln

In the hamlet of Findeln, above Zermatt, you will find old huts and unobstructed Matterhorn views and the surrounding mountains. It is the perfect photo spot to capture the Swiss Alps and their beauty. The autumn light bathes the surroundings in different shades, constantly changing the appearance of the nature and huts. A spectacle for everyone who appreciates unspoilt nature as much as we do. And if you want to indulge your senses even more, you can enjoy refreshments in one of the numerous mountain restaurants. One of many unforgettable experiences.

What to do in Zermatt when the weather is bad?

Even though our little town in the Valais Alps is always beautiful, children in particular can quickly get bored when it rains and storms. In our blog post ‘Zermatt with Kids’, we have listed some bad weather alternatives that are suitable for the whole family, but also for couples or groups.

A selection of different alternatives for bad weather:

View of the matterhorn and the larches autumn zermatt
A play of colours awaits you in and around the mountain village in autumn (© Zermatt Tourism)

The most beautiful coffee shops for a cosy autumn day

Visiting Zermatt is also about one highlight: The lovely coffee shops. The city centre is the perfect place to while away the time in one of the lovely cafés, whether the sun is shining or the weather is bad. Relax with a cup of coffee or a slice of homemade cake – here you can slow down, have a fantastic time and enjoy the finer things in life to the full. Our favourite coffee shops are:

Petit Royal

Streetside Bar

Cup’s Italian Coffee House

L‘ Atelier Grandsire

  • Getwingstrasse 20, 3920 Zermatt
  • Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 10.30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
  • Innovative cuisine, delicious desserts and a cosy atmosphere

Backzeit bakery & café

Zermama Bistro

Proviant Apero Bar

Workation – a break in the Swiss alps

Zermatt Switzerland is the perfect place for a workation, i.e. a break where you can enjoy yourself and work at the same time. Thanks to the easily accessible hiking trails, mountain biking trails and infrastructure (e.g. train station, Sunnegga funicular, Gornergrat train) you can quickly get out into nature during your lunch break or after a hard day’s work and enjoy the peace and quiet. So many beautiful things and exciting events are waiting for you in the Swiss alps, no matter if in summer, early October or all year round.

At Zermatt Holidays accommodation, we provide fast Wi-Fi so you can work efficiently and without interruption. Depending on your accommodation, you can enjoy views of the Matterhorn and numerous other mountain peaks. Book your Zermatt Holidays accommodation today with our best price guarantee.

Zermatt Biking in Autumn
No matter how you like to spend your free time, Zermatt has something for everyone (© Zermatt Tourism)