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Guide to Viewing the Matterhorn at Night: Zermatt’s Best Scenic Spot
In this post, I’ll explain the most famous night view spot in Zermatt to see the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s iconic mountain often featured on chocolate packaging.
This location offers a breathtaking night view and is spacious enough for many people to enjoy comfortably.
If you’re planning a trip to Zermatt, follow this guide to experience the Matterhorn at night.
Introduction to Zermatt Night View: Viewpoint Guide
Search for “Zermatt Matterhorn viewpoint” on Google Maps.
This viewpoint is located in a slightly secluded area of Zermatt. Before arriving in Zermatt, save this spot with a star on Google Maps for quick access to directions from your accommodation.
As the name suggests, this viewpoint offers a fantastic view of both the Matterhorn and Zermatt. It’s also a popular spot for sunrise views. However, because it is a famous location, it tends to attract quite a few visitors.
While the map shows it as a flat area, you actually need to ascend about 100 meters in altitude, which requires some legwork. Check the terrain on Google Earth for more details.
From our stay at the Bristol Hotel, it took about 20 minutes to walk to the viewpoint. I’ll review the Bristol Hotel separately in another post.
Getting to the Night Viewpoint
We checked the sunset time in Zermatt on a phone app and left our accommodation about 30 minutes before sunset to allow enough time to get there.
Although the map makes it seem close, you have to climb hills to reach the viewpoint. Be sure to check the distance from your accommodation to the viewpoint on Google Maps beforehand.
As we were on a trekking trip in Switzerland, our energy was already depleted. Despite being tired, my husband and I were determined to see the night view and started the climb.
It’s only about a 100-meter elevation gain, so think of it as climbing a small neighborhood hill. However, if you’re not used to exercise, take your time and pace yourself.
When you reach the top, you’ll see people lined up, taking photos of the Matterhorn. This is the Matterhorn viewpoint.
From here, you can see the entire town of Zermatt with the majestic Matterhorn in the background. The Matterhorn is much more imposing in person than in pictures, so I highly recommend seeing it with your own eyes.
As the sky started to darken, we set up our tripod and camera and waited for the lights of Zermatt to come on. One good thing about Switzerland is that it’s known for its safety compared to other European countries.
Even though this place becomes quite dark after sunset, it felt safe thanks to the many tourists around. Nevertheless, always stay cautious wherever you are.
As the town’s lights began to turn on, we took plenty of selfies. On a very clear day, you might even see the setting sun casting a red glow on the Matterhorn, creating a “golden potato” effect. Experiencing this is even more thrilling than watching the sunrise or sunset at the beach.
I recommend timing your visit to coincide with sunrise or sunset. Even if you’re tired, this view is worth the effort!
Don’t Miss This Viewpoint in Zermatt
If you’re staying in a hotel near Zermatt’s town center, I highly recommend visiting this Matterhorn viewpoint. While some hotels in Zermatt offer indoor views of the Matterhorn, few places allow you to see both the Matterhorn and Zermatt town in such an open space.
Whether you go early in the morning for sunrise or after a long day of activities, this is one view you should not miss. Push through any fatigue and make sure to visit this viewpoint!