Hiking

With 400 km (248 miles) of marked trails available, you'll have plenty of options for exploring the mountains on foot. Outfitted with scarred boots, backpacks, and walking sticks, trekkers strike out in all directions for daylong excursions ranging from easy to exhausting. Free route guides are available at the tourist office. Be sure to pack rain gear and a warm jacket along with sunscreen, because the weather changes quickly. Multiday lift passes ease the way up and leave some change in your pocket for an after-hike beer.

Five Lakes Walk. Although any hike with views of the Matterhorn is worth the effort, particularly special is the 9-km (6-mile) route from Blauherd to Sunnegga, passing lakes like Stelli, Grindji, and Grün along the way. A funicular and cable car ride to Blauherd at 8,200 feet brings you to the start, and a funicular ride takes you back to town. The route is relatively easy but still requires a climb of 800 vertical feet. An alternative is to end your hike at Findeln for a restorative lunch with mountain views, though you need to walk the 40 minutes back downhill to town afterward. Zermatt, Valais.