Zermatt is car-free, compact and surrounded by mountain railways, which makes it easier to visit with children than its high-altitude reputation might suggest. This guide covers the best family activities in summer and winter, plus practical points on fares, altitude and getting there.
Getting there and around
Private cars are not allowed in Zermatt. Drivers park in Täsch and take the shuttle train for the final few kilometres; most families arrive directly by train via Visp. In the village, electric buses and electric taxis run between the station, the lift stations and the hotels. Prams are practical on the main streets, though some lanes are steep.
Sunnegga: Wolli's world and the Leisee
Sunnegga, reached by an underground funicular from the village in a few minutes, is the main family area. It is named after Wolli, the lamb mascot of the local lift company.
- In summer, the Leisee, a small mountain lake just below Sunnegga, has a bathing area, barbecue spots and a cable-guided raft children can pull themselves across on. Wolli's adventure park nearby is a playground for children up to about 15, with slides, climbing frames and swings. The lakeside playground was refurbished in 2025 with towers, rope bridges and trampolines. A small shuttle link connects the Sunnegga station and the lake. The Matterhorn rises behind the lake, making it one of the most photographed views in the area.
- In winter, Wolli's park for beginners by the frozen Leisee has gentle slopes and magic carpets for children learning to ski, and the Zermatt ski schools run children's classes there.
Easy family walks
- 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk): from Blauherd (above Sunnegga), this marked trail passes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. It takes about two and a half hours and is mostly downhill; many families do just the section from Stellisee or finish at Leisee.
- Riffelsee: a short walk from Rotenboden station on the Gornergrat line leads to the lake where the Matterhorn is reflected on calm mornings.
- Zmutt: a walk from the village up to the old hamlet of Zmutt gives a feel for traditional Valais architecture.
Altitudes are high (Sunnegga is at about 2,300 metres and Blauherd at 2,600), so take it slowly with young children and bring sun protection and warm layers even in summer.
Gornergrat railway
The Gornergrat railway, a cogwheel line opened in 1898, climbs from Zermatt to about 3,089 metres in around 30–40 minutes. Children generally enjoy the ride itself, and the summit offers views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier. Stations along the way (Riffelalp, Riffelberg, Rotenboden) are starting points for walks. It is one of the most expensive excursions in the region, so check current fares and family discounts before travelling.
At this altitude, very young children can feel the effects of thin air, cold and strong sun. Keep visits short with babies and toddlers, and avoid going straight from sea level to the highest stations on day one.
Gorner Gorge and the village
- Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht), just above the village, is a narrow gorge carved by glacial meltwater, visited on wooden walkways. It is open in summer, usually from late spring to autumn depending on conditions, and takes about an hour. Children should be supervised on the walkways.
- Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis in the village centre tells the story of Zermatt and the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, in an underground setting designed as a buried village.
- The Hinterdorf, the old part of the village, has preserved wooden barns and granaries (mazots) raised on stone slabs to keep out mice.
Fares and passes for families
Zermatt's mountain railways offer reduced fares for children, and children up to the age of nine can receive a Wolli Card for free travel on the Zermatt mountain lifts when registered (valid from November to October). Rules and age limits change; check the Zermatt Bergbahnen lift company's website before buying passes.
For the train journey, the Swiss Family Card lets children aged 6 to 15 travel free on the Swiss public transport network with a parent holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card. The Gornergrat railway is a private line: Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card holders receive a discount, but check family conditions on the railway's own website.
Practical tips
When to go. Late June to early September is best for walking and the lakes; the main ski season runs from late November to April, and glacier skiing continues in summer. Some lifts close for maintenance in May and in late October to November.
Weather. Conditions change quickly. Check the forecast and the summit webcams before paying for an excursion.
Food. Prices in mountain restaurants are high. Picnics at the Leisee or along the 5-Seenweg are an easy way to save money, and the lake's barbecue spots are free to use.
Pace. Plan one higher excursion per day and keep afternoons for the village, playgrounds or rest — altitude, sun and long rides tire children quickly.
