The best photo spots for Families in Zermatt - a Family Photographer`s guide

As we live in North-West Switzerland (Basel, to be exact), we don’t always get the opportunity to visit the Alps. So, whenever we have a long weekend, we try to arrange a trip there. This time, we visited Zermatt with our 2.5-year-old. I was excited to explore this beautiful location and discover the best photo spots for future family photoshoots. Even though it was mainly a family getaway, I managed to do a photoshoot for another local family at one of the best spots, in my opinion.

Since you’re probably planning a trip to Zermatt, I’ll skip the basic information about the town and jump straight to the exciting part:

Where to take those amazing family photos (even for your annual Christmas Card) that feature the iconic Matterhorn but are not too crowded and easy to access?

Let’s start with a spot I don’t recommend, just to get it out of the way. Don’t be upset with me—this is the most popular attraction among tourists, but it’s not great for families with young kids and, in my opinion, isn’t worth the money.

Gornergrat

My experience at Gornergrat was quite mixed. This is probably the most popular viewpoint, and consequently, the busiest. Even during the low season, the train to Gornergrat is extremely packed, which can be challenging with small children. For the best photo opportunities, you need to either get up very early or visit later in the afternoon. However, keep in mind that later in the day, it tends to get cloudy, and the sun sits close to the Matterhorn, making it less ideal for photos. If crowds and packed trains aren't your thing, you might want to skip this spot.

How to Get There: Take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt. The train station is centrally located, and the journey takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. However, don`t be surprised if you won`t be able to sit on the train and need to stand during the whole journey.

Price: The prices for the Gornergrat train in Zermatt can vary depending on factors such as age, time of year, and any special offers or promotions. Generally, the cost for an individual adult ticket for a return trip can range from around 100 to 120 Swiss Francs (CHF). You can find the exact information here.

Interesting Information: Gornergrat is home to Europe’s highest open-air railway and offers a panoramic view of 29 peaks above 4,000 meters. The Kulmhotel Gornergrat, located at the summit, is the highest hotel in Switzerland and offers an astronomical observatory. The view from Gornergrat includes not only the Matterhorn but also the Monte Rosa massif.

Then what do you recommend, where to take amazing Family Photos in Zermatt?

Sunnegga

Sunnegga offers a truly unique experience compared to Gornergrat. The views are just as breathtaking, especially in the quiet mornings of May when the place feels almost deserted. While you take in the stunning scenery, your kids can enjoy a spacious play area nearby. Although it may become busier as the snow melts and hiking season starts, early mornings remain serene and perfect for families. Plus, you might just stumble upon Switzerland's best playground with a view right here. It's a spot where everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature while creating unforgettable memories together.

How to Get There: Take the Sunnegga funicular from Zermatt. The funicular ride takes about 5 minutes inside of the mountain.

Price: The return ticket for adults costs only 26 Swiss Francs for a round trip, while children under 9 travel free of charge. Additionally, there is a 50% discount available for holders of the GA, Swisspass, and Half-Fare Travel Card. Please visit this site for more information.

Interesting Information: Sunnegga is known as the “Sun Terrace” of Zermatt. It’s a popular starting point for many hiking trails, including the Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg), which passes by five beautiful mountain lakes, each reflecting the Matterhorn on clear days. Leisee, one of the lakes, has a playground and picnic spots, making it a perfect location for a family outing.

Zermatt's Hinterdorf (Zenstecken) and Ricola Herb Garden

For those who prefer not to take a cable car, Zenstecken offers some of the best views from Zermatt. You can hike up to Furi and enjoy magnificent views of the Matterhorn. We only went as far as the Ricola Herb Garden, which is surrounded by a quaint, historical “little town” that feels like a step back in time. This easy hike is manageable even for young children – our 2.5-year-old had no trouble at all. The combination of beautiful scenery and unique, rustic charm makes this a perfect spot for family photos.

However, even if you only go as far as ZenStecken, you'll discover amazing spots for photography. That's exactly where I did a family photoshoot for a lovely local family.

How to Get There: From ZenStecken, follow the well-marked hiking trails towards Furi. The hike to Ricola Herb Garden takes about 15-20 minutes.

Price: Free, just take the bus to ZenStecken or walk from the village.

Interesting Information: The Ricola Herb Garden is part of the Ricola Foundation’s efforts to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Swiss Alps. The garden features 13 different herbs used in Ricola’s famous herbal drops. Hinterdorf (the old part of Zermatt) is also worth a visit, with its traditional wooden barns and narrow alleys dating back to the 16th century. The historical ambiance and unique wooden architecture provide a charming backdrop for photos.

+1 Matterhorn Sunrise from Your Balcony

This advice is mostly for fellow photo enthusiasts who want to capture unique photos of the Matterhorn, but it’s not for family photos. We were incredibly fortunate to experience a breathtaking sunrise right from our hotel balcony. Sometimes, booking a hotel without knowing the exact view it offers can lead to the most delightful surprises. If you’re lucky, you might wake up to a stunning panorama of the Matterhorn bathed in the soft hues of dawn, making for an exceptional start to your day and beautiful photo opportunities.

How to Get There: Choose a hotel with rooms facing the Matterhorn. Many hotels in Zermatt offer stunning views. We stayed at Hotel Alprenrose Zermatt.

Extra Tip: Check sunrise times for Zermatt during your visit to ensure you’re up in time to capture the perfect moment. A balcony view allows you to capture the Matterhorn in the early light without leaving the comfort of your accommodation, making it ideal for families with young children.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds in Zermatt and Getting the Best Shots

1. Early Mornings Are Key: For the best light and fewer people, start your day early. Sunrise and afternoon hours are magical in Zermatt.

2. Visit During Low Season: If possible, consider planning your trip during the quieter shoulder seasons. May is particularly ideal for avoiding crowds. However, it’s important to note that during this time, many restaurants and even hotels may be closed.

3. Choose Less Popular Spots: While famous viewpoints are tempting, exploring off-the-beaten-path locations can yield equally stunning photos without the crowds.
   

4. Stay Flexible: This is crucial! Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Generally, mornings offer clearer skies, while afternoons often bring showers and clouds. Therefore, it’s important to remain flexible and adjust your plans to make the most of favorable photography conditions.
   

Zermatt is an absolute gem, perfect for both families and photographers alike! It’s packed with diverse and breathtaking locations just waiting for you to capture those precious moments. Whether you’re snapping the first light of day from your cozy hotel balcony, venturing out to the Sunnegga, or embarking on a hike up to Zenstecken, you’ll discover an abundance of incredible backdrops for your family photos. Soak in the beauty of Zermatt, and let your camera work its magic!

Let me be your Family Photographer

Warmly, Nikolett