Zermatt
Valais, Switzerland
Beguiling atmosphere, sensational scenery, skiing for all levels – a world-class mountain resort that’s as busy in summer as winter.
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Glacier Palace
Last updated: 26 June, 2023
This subterranean icy wonderland has been carved out of the ice, 15 metres below the surface of the glacier at the top station of Klein Matterhorn.
A lift takes you down to the entrance, where you walk into the palace through an ice tunnel. There you enter a surreal world of painstakingly created ice sculptures, ice wall carvings and centuries-old ice formations. It’s a heady experience for the senses. There are seating areas strewn with animal hides where visitors can pause to take in the enchanting surroundings. It’s also possible to walk through a natural crevasse on the tour.
New creations are sculpted by artists every year – so even if you have been to the palace before, a re-visit is always worthwhile.
Price from: £100
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
It takes around 45 minutes to reach the Glacier Palace from Zermatt, taking a series of cable cars from the village – but no effort is needed. Entrance is included in the price of the lift ticket. Visits last 30-45 minutes.
This is easily a half-day excursion, including getting up to Klein Matterhorn and the return journey, so ensure you set off from the village by midday latest.
The Klein Matterhorn has a restaurant – the highest in Europe – with great views of the glacier and freshly prepared burgers, pasta dishes and mountain classics available, so a good spot for food & drink before or after a visit.
You’re inside a glacier so it’s always cold – wear an anorak, hat, and gloves. Also take sunglasses for viewing the glacier afterwards. You can combine a visit with a few high-altitude turns; there’s skiing on the glacier for most of the year.
When to do it
It’s open all year, seven days a week, in line with cable car lift operating times. Lift times vary according to season, but the last lift down from Klein Matterhorn is at about 4.30pm.
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