Stories

There are probably only a few mountain destinations that can rival Zermatt when it comes to food. Whether in the village, on a mountain pasture or even high in the Alps at over 3,000 metres above sea level, culinary highlights can be found everywhere. From refined gourmet cuisine to authentic local specialities, there is the perfect café or restaurant for every taste and every occasion. When people think of gastronomy, lunch and dinner usually come to mind. But what about breakfast? Whether you’re looking for a leisurely brunch with the family or a cosy breakfast for two, we’ve selected three places where you can relax, indulge and start your day in the best possible way.

From the transport hub of Visp, trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB) run to Zermatt every half hour. Travelling by train is often the more convenient option, as car access ends in Täsch, where visitors must transfer to the train. The MGB forms the backbone of tourism in the Matter Valley, ensuring that guests can arrive and depart comfortably.

The story begins with Pius and Yolanda Fuchs. Pius had gained experience in various renowned establishments. Yolanda ran a hair salon in Zermatt, and her father was a head chef at the Zermatterhof. With this combination of craftsmanship, entrepreneurial spirit and family support, the two founded Zum Ofen AG exactly 60 years ago – laying the foundation for a true success story.

One of the most magical places in Zermatt, the “Chez Vrony” mountain restaurant, lies on a sun-drenched terrace, below Sunegga, with an unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. The restaurant, now a gourmet restaurant, the proud recipient of 14 Gault-Millau points, was once a simple alpine hut, built by courageous, passionate individuals with vision. On its centenary, “Chez Vrony” invites you take a journey through its tumultuous history.

The anticipation and excitement are growing by the day: the new production of the successful play THE MATTERHORN STORY will celebrate its premiere on 27 June. Zermatt Tourism accompanied the theatre ensemble on the highest open-air stage in Europe during the final spurt of rehearsals.

There are experiences one never forgets. A tandem paragliding flight over the impressive mountain world of Zermatt definitely belongs to them. Even just the thought of silently gliding through the air, with a view of the Matterhorn, makes the heart beat faster. It's the feeling of freedom that flows through you up in the air, when only the wind is rushing in your ears and the world below becomes visible in all its detail.

ZERMATTERS – the name says it all: these are the local people and the real Zermatt experts who have been moving and shaking Zermatt for more than a century. But what is the history of the largest outdoor specialists in Zermatt? What are the stories and pioneering decisions that have driven its success?

Some places are more than just a restaurant. They are a way of life, a home – for guests as well as for the people who run them. The Adler Hitta in Findeln is a perfect example. Anyone who stops here can sense it immediately: you can feel its heartbeat.

Combining passion, courage and endurance creates extraordinary stories. One of these stories began in 1994, when Christian Meier founded the Stoked snowboard school in Zermatt. Three decades later, Stoked is much more than a snow sports school: the Stoked Group also features a successful event management company and a specialised boot fitting service. Together with his brothers Jürg and Michael, Christian Meier has built up a company that is now an integral part of the world-famous winter sports resort of Zermatt.

The BEAUSiTE sits majestically at the foot of the eastern side of the village of Zermatt. Anyone entering the imposing and beautifully decorated building will experience hospitality at an exceptional level, from the manager to the kitchen staff.

What? Didn’t understand a word? Valais German—the dialect spoken in Upper Valais and therefore also in Zermatt—is so unique that it sometimes even requires subtitles on Swiss television. Even for other Swiss people, it can be quite challenging to understand.

The Howete slope above Zermatt is one of the steepest sections of piste in the Zermatt ski area. Night after night, Romy Anthamatten prepares this steep wall with precision and care.