🏙️ Webcams Zermatt online — watch the Swiss Alps in real time

Where the name Zermatt comes from

The name of this Swiss settlement has a simple and poetic origin. Originally the name was recorded as "Zur Matte" ("on the meadow"), where "matte" refers to alpine meadows in the local dialect. Over time this transformed into the modern "Zermatt". The village is indeed located among picturesque alpine meadows, which locals call "matten". This word became so rooted in everyday use that it formed the basis for the name of the entire settlement. Today Zermatt is a world-famous ski resort, but its name still recalls the modest pastures that surrounded the village centuries ago. The first mentions of the settlement date back to Roman times, when trade routes passed through these lands across Alpine passes. Over time, a small shepherds' village turned into one of the most prestigious resorts in Europe, while preserving its authenticity and connection with nature.

Matterhorn — a four-thousander with a tragic history

The main attraction of the region is Matterhorn at 4478 m, one of the most recognizable and dangerous peaks in the Alps. This mountain has become a symbol of Switzerland and a pilgrimage site for climbers from around the world. Every year several thousand people attempt to climb the summit via the classic route — the Hörnli ridge. The history of conquering this peak is marred by tragedy: the first ascent in 1865 ended in the death of four out of seven climbers during the descent. Today the Matterhorn remains a serious challenge for mountain tourists, and its silhouette adorns postcards and chocolate packaging worldwide. The mountain has a characteristic pyramidal shape that makes it recognizable even from afar. For many tourists, Zermatt is associated precisely with the view of this majestic peak, which changes color depending on the time of day — from pink at dawn to golden at sunset.

Gornergrat: panorama of 38 peaks

One of the main viewpoints in the region is Gornergrat, reached by a panoramic railway. It climbs to an altitude of 3089 m, offering a breathtaking 360° panorama. The Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Breithorn, and Gornerglacier are clearly visible. At Gornergrat the line branches into two directions: Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee, which offer views of the Italian and Swiss sides of the Matterhorn respectively. This place attracts not only tourists but also researchers — an astrophysical observatory is located here. In clear weather, 38 peaks over 4000 meters high can be seen from Gornergrat, including Switzerland's highest peak Dufourspitze (4634 m). The Gornergrat railway was opened in 1898 and became the first electrified railway in Switzerland. Today the panoramic express journey takes about 33 minutes and is itself a popular attraction.

Glacier Cave on Klein Matterhorn

At an altitude of 3883 m is a unique attraction — the glacier cave, or ice grotto. This is an illuminated path through frozen water, with ice sculptures and a panorama of the Matterhorn. The glacier cave is located in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise complex — at the highest cable car in Europe. Here you can see not only the glacier grotto but also an ice tower. This place allows you to feel like you're inside a glacier — walls of centuries-old ice, whimsical shapes created by nature, and cool mountain air create the atmosphere of a real Arctic world in the midst of the Alps. The cable car to Klein Matterhorn has been modernized and allows you to ascend to an altitude of almost 4 kilometers above sea level. From this point, there is a view of the Theodul Glacier and the Italian slopes of the Matterhorn.

Why cars are banned in Zermatt

Since the 1960s, Zermatt has been a completely pedestrian zone. Private cars with internal combustion engines are prohibited from entering. Movement around the village is by electric taxi, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. This decision was made to preserve the purity of mountain air and the tranquility of the alpine settlement. Electric cars and horse-drawn carriages create a special atmosphere — Zermatt resembles a village from the last century, where nature, not technology, reigns. Thanks to this regime, the air in the valley remains crystal clear, and the soundscape is only the noise of mountain streams and the ringing of cowbells. Tourists arriving by car leave them in the parking lot in Täsch — a neighboring village, from which an electric train runs to Zermatt. This policy has made the resort a unique place where you can enjoy absolute silence and clean mountain air.

How to get to Zermatt from Zurich

The journey to this mountain resort is an adventure in itself. From Zurich to Zermatt you can get by train in about 3.5 hours with a change in Visp. A bus route is also available. The railway connection is particularly picturesque — the train follows through scenic Swiss landscapes, past mountain lakes and alpine meadows. The final station is located right in the center of the pedestrian zone, from where it's easy to reach any hotel or lift. Many tourists choose the train to enjoy the views and arrive in Zermatt without needing to leave a car in a parking lot outside the village. The route passes through the Rhône Valley, past vineyards and mountain villages, gradually gaining altitude. The transfer in Visp usually takes a few minutes — trains arrive and depart from adjacent platforms.

What the cameras show

Zermatt webcams allow you to see this unique mountain resort in real time. Broadcasts are conducted from various points: from the village center to high-altitude viewpoints. You can observe life in the pedestrian zone, monitor weather conditions on the slopes, or admire the Matterhorn panorama from Gornergrat. Online broadcasts are available around the clock and allow you to assess the situation at the resort, the condition of the slopes, and the weather in the valley. This is a convenient way to plan a trip or simply enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps without leaving home. Cameras at viewpoints show panoramic views of mountain ranges, while street cameras in the center of Zermatt demonstrate the atmosphere of this unique car-free settlement. The live broadcast is available in good quality and allows you to examine the details of the mountain landscape, follow the movement of lifts, and assess the snow cover on the slopes.