Summer Events
Top 10 Must-Experience Summer Events in Zermatt
- Written by MX Zermatt
- Travel Tips
Zermatt comes alive each summer with an exciting lineup of events that span the spectrum from adrenaline-pumping bike races and gastronomic delights to awe-inspiring fireworks and exceptional musical performances. Not to mention, it plays host to one of the most grueling marathons on the planet. Here’s a chronological rundown of the ten key summer events. If your visit aligns with any of these, they’re not to be missed!
Sports: Zermatt Marathon, in July
The Marathon runs from St. Niklaus (1,116 m above sea level) via Zermatt to Riffelberg (2,582m above sea level). The course covers 42,195 metres with a climb of over 1,900 metres vertical. One compensation for the gruelling run is the breathtaking panorama. For the toughest participants is the “ultra” distance, with additional 3.4 km distance and climb of 514m. Finish on the Gornergrat at 3089m. This run is unique in the Alps. Spectators along the trails welcome!
Sports: Täschalp Run and Alpine Festival, in July
With its start in Täsch, the race finishes at the Täsch Alp (2,299m) covering a distance of 7.64 kilometres with an elevation rise of 780 metres. Participants can compete in the categories: runners, recreational runners and nordic walking. The traditional alpine festival at the Täschalp, the mass, the musical entertainment together with the catering make this a very special event within the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Folklore: Swiss National Holiday: 1st August
Celebrations for the Swiss National Holiday aren’t forgotten here either. It is celebrated in traditional style with processions, parades, music, street food and markets. The culminating point of the celebration in Zermatt has to be the large firework display around 10pm.
Culinary: Swiss Food Festival, in August
The whole main street becomes a food street, with many charming stalls and tables serving a wide range of local produce, which you can either take home or eat on the spot. Delicious smells waft across the whole village include the famous locally produced Herens Beef which is prepared at the Church Square.
Folklore: Swiss Folklore Festival, in August
Every year on the second weekend of August, Zermatt is overrun by Swiss Folklore groups from all over the country. The highlight of the Folklore Festival is the main parade through town with 50 different folklore groups including more than 1,200 dancers, yodellers and musicians. After the parade the folklore groups perform at the fairgrounds and at the church square. Food and drinks as well as entertainment for the children is provided. Spend an unforgettable day at the foot of the Matterhorn with music, dance and lots of good fun!
Sports: Matterhorn Ultraks Trail, in August
A Trail run at the foot of the Matterhorn, with three courses of varying difficulties: “16K”, “30K” and “46K”. The “46K” run is part of the “Skyrunner World Series” circuit, and figures as one of the finest runs in Europe.
Music: The Zermatt Music Festival, in September
As summer draws to an end the Zermatt Festival invites the public to scale the highest musical peaks. From string quartets to symphonies, the two-week series of concerts offers a programme rich in contrast. Well known soloists like musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic (Scharoun Ensemble), classical ensembles and highly talented newcomers guarantee unforgettable experiences.
Folklore and farming: The Zermatt Shepherd Festival, in September
The award ceremony for the best-looking Valais blacknose sheep and for the Shepherd of the Year, will take place during the traditional Shepherd Festival at Schweigmatten/Furi. The day offers plenty of opportunities to marvel at the attractive and affectionately coiffed sheep! A varied festive program for young and old is guaranteed. And Wolli; the kid’s mascot will, of course, attend the festivities personally, as he will also be celebrating his birthday on this day.
Folklore and farming: Täschalp: Alpine Descent, Early to Mid September
Each year at the beginning of September the traditional Alpabzug (descent from the mountain pastures) takes place from the Täschalp down to the village of Täsch. After a beautiful summer and their work accomplished, the cows return to their owners and cowsheds in the valley. Before the cows are led through the village, they are bedecked in full splendour with floral wreaths, and of course the cow bell is not forgotten. The “Alpabzug” is accompanied by music and culinary delights. These include, as ever, the “Gsottus mit Chabus” (boiled meat in bouillon with vegetable and cabbage).
Sports: Perskindol Swiss Epic, in September
The world’s best bikers will come to Zermatt again. For 6 days, teams of two will compete on a trail leading through the Canton of Valais, from Verbier via Leukerbad and Grächen to Zermatt. The number of teams participating is limited to 300. The Swiss Epic represents a challenge for male and female professionals and ambitious non-professionals alike: The route is some 400km long and includes elevation gains and losses of 15,000m.