Take your next holiday to Switzerland with picture-perfect fun in Andermatt.
The Swiss Alps are dreamy to behold. You’re treated to spectacular sights all year, from snow-capped mountains to lush green valleys. One charming Swiss village we love? Andermatt. A former training base for the Swiss army, it’s now a stunning ski resort development with the most gorgeous views. On our summer visit, we discovered plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy too. Fun fact: it’s apparently one of the sunniest places in Switzerland!
Sitting 90 minutes from Zurich, this popular holiday destination is perfect for all types of vacationers, thanks to its fantastic variety of sporty adventures, nature experiences and gourmet dining. Get the lowdown before you plan your vacation…
Best things to do in Andermatt, Switzerland
1. Hop on a two-wheeler and speed off
Summer is a superb time for cycling – all you have to do is rent an e-bike from town, gear up, and zoom off. On our adventure, we explored nearby quaint villages, passing by a sprawling golf course, rushing rivers, and grazing animals. If you’d like a thrilling challenge, try mountain biking. You’ll pedal your way through magnificent alpine passes – there are eight surrounding the Ursern Valley where Andermatt is located – and be rewarded with glorious sights of Mother Nature’s finest.
Oh, and don’t forget to make a pitstop on the curving Furka pass road, where a car chase scene from the James Bond movie Goldfinger was filmed in 1964. Also known as James Bond Strasse, the spot has a plaque dedicated to the film and actor Sean Connery – you can’t miss it.
2. Indulge in exquisite culinary creations
Whether you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly eatery, a casual bar or a Michelin-starred hotspot, you’ll find all that in Andermatt. It’s a pretty impressive feat, considering its small population of less than 2,000 residents.
For a stunning splurge, you can’t resist the allure of Gütsch. Take the gondola all the way to the top and revel in the view while you treat yourself to the ever-evolving seasonal menu by Markus Neff. Next door, The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt is another first-rate fancy pick doling out omakase, kaiseki, sushi and tempura offerings. Oh, and the incredible sights just keep coming with Restaurant Alp-Hittä, a family-run mountain dining destination with cosy booths, alfresco tables and generously-portioned dishes.
Closer to town, the rustic Hotel Sonne’s restaurant serves traditional dishes and cheese fondue, while Restaurant Spycher welcomes you with its fresh pasta and pizza plates paired with your choice of wine or beer. Want a grape night out? Hit up Vinothek 1620, which sits in one of the oldest houses in the village. It’s a wine bar, shop and bakery all rolled into one. Snuggle up to your companion, sip on Swiss vino, and enjoy homemade pizzas to the tune of jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
3. Experience a picturesque train journey
Majestic landscapes await on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, which winds its way from Andermatt to the Oberalp Pass. The journey takes you across snowy peaks in winter and gorgeously green scenery in summer. Inside, the train is clean and comfy; it’s easy to get around and explore the surroundings of each station.
Another option is to jump on board the Glacier Express, which runs from St. Moritz to Zermatt, with Andermatt in the middle of the route. If you love nature scenescapes, you’ll adore this panoramic adventure.
4. Hike to your heart’s content
Want some alone time with nature? Set off to hike the terrain on trails that take you from verdant valleys to winding roads over the mountains. You’ve got plenty to explore, with trains that take you to the surrounding alpine areas – there are about 40 mountain lakes in the region! The views are truly breathtaking, so don’t forget your trusty (phone) camera.
5. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village
Part of Andermatt’s charm lies in its town centre, with cobbled streets flanked by rows of beautiful architecture. Check out the array of cosy hotels, boutique shops, restaurants and bars. Or pop into the supermarket if you need to stock up on Swiss chocolates like Cailler and Lindt.
It’s small, so you’ll be done in less than an hour, but you can also roam in the direction of the golf course or the next village. We enjoyed wandering around in the afternoon – walking along a quiet stream, discovering a tennis court, and admiring the quaint building styles.
6. Get your golf game on
Take a swing at the Andermatt Golf Course, bounded by statuesque mountains and the Reuss River along the edge. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course is abundant with flora and fauna like birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Look forward to fourteen fairways on the plateau and four that stretch across hills and valleys. Oh, and we love how it’s one of the first in the country to be GEO-certified for its sustainability measures.
7. Outdoor adventures galore
One of our trip’s highlights? A captivating walking tour through the village with a local, Bänz Simmen, who shared his wealth of knowledge on the area’s history and quirks. If you’ve got a laid-back afternoon to spare, this is a lovely way to spend it. You’ll leave with lots of intriguing stories! To continue your love affair with nature, try your hand at activities like fishing, swimming, tennis or paragliding in the region.
8. Enjoy a cultural performance
If you’re in the mood to sit back and relax for an evening, look to the Andermatt Concert Hall for entertainment options. The 650-seater auditorium is built with acoustics and musical clarity in mind, featuring a glass facade that allows in natural light and offers alpine sights. Programmes include film festivals, conferences, exhibitions, and concerts that range from classical to rock.
9. Hit the slopes for an exhilarating day
Planning a winter trip? That’s peak season in Andermatt – and for good reason. You’ll be treated to the most divine views of snowy landscapes from December to April. Skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, snowshoe trekking, ice-skating and cross-country skiing… all your favourite winter activities are available. The Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski area is the largest in central Switzerland, home to over 180km of pistes and 33 ski lifts. One thing is for sure: you’ll never get bored!
Where to stay in Andermatt, Switzerland
10. Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, Andermatt
This charming four-star hotel takes inspiration from a Swiss chalet in its design and gives it a modern spin. It’s warm and welcoming, right from the service to the accommodation. An ideal base to explore Andermatt and its surroundings, Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen sits conveniently near the town centre and ski lifts. Take your pick from 244 spacious rooms with windows that look out on the regal mountains – each comes with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and LED TVs. Our stay was absolutely divine: the plush bed, the elegant decor, the amazing views and the lovely service made it unforgettable.
Want to spend the day indoors? Pamper yourself at the spa, lounge by the pool, or hit the gym for a sweat sesh. For a contemporary take on traditional Swiss cuisine, dine at Restaurant Spun (it’s also where you’ll find the sumptuous daily breakfast spread). When evening rolls around, head to Bärbar for cocktails, craft beers, wines and cosy Alpine lodge vibes.
11. The Chedi Andermatt
Welcome to luxury living at The Chedi Andermatt. It’s been around for a decade, and it’s just as extraordinary as ever. The five-star hotel is an architectural wonder you can’t miss in Andermatt. With 119 rooms and suites decked out in lavish Alpine-Asian designs, a stay here is extravagant – the pinnacle of opulent relaxation.
Home to five restaurants and bars, the choices are excellent. Dine in The Restaurant for sophisticated European and Asian cuisine whipped up in four show kitchens, or head to The Japanese Restaurant for a one Michelin-starred experience. If you’re in the mood to relax on leather sofas by the fireplace, snag a seat at The Bar and Living Room for cocktails and DJ beats. Meanwhile, The Lobby dishes out delicate afternoon tea bites, and The Wine Library is where you’ll find regular tastings of the grape stuff to spotlight well-known wineries.
To cap it all off, end your vacation in the most serene way possible: at The Spa & Health Club. Featuring a Tibetan relaxation lounge, a hydrotherapy area with saunas and steam baths, and indoor and heated outdoor pools backed by mountain views, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Struck by a wave of wanderlust yet? See you in Andermatt on your next trip to Switzerland!
