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Welcome to the Zermatt Festival 2026 in Zermatt
The Zermatt Music Festival & Academy, often called the Zermatt Festival, is the classical and chamber festival at the foot of the Matterhorn. The 22nd edition runs from 11 to 20 September 2026 in the car-free village. The academy is led by the Scharoun Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic; public concerts mix orchestra, chamber music, folk programmes and a few contemporary sets. Official source: zermattfestival.com.
Highlights & Attractions at Zermatt Festival in Zermatt
- Zermatt Festival Orchestra with the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin
- Academy concerts by young musicians from Switzerland and abroad
- Venues across the village: St. Mauritius parish church, English Church, Riffelalp chapel, Vernissage, museum and school hall
- Free Matterhorn Serenades on Kirchplatz
- 2026 guests include Maxim Emelyanychev, Claudio Bohorquez, Christiane Karg, Sinfonia Wallis and Wintershome
- Low ticket caps; about a quarter of the programme is free
- Late-summer alpine setting, not a ski open-air; snow is mainly on the high peaks
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Free cancellation on most hotels
Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The festival opens on Friday 11 September 2026 at 7.30 pm with the Festival Orchestra, the Scharoun Ensemble and Maxim Emelyanychev. Other evenings start at 7.30 pm, with 11.00 am matinees and afternoon serenades. Academy concerts include the Mensa at Schulhaus Walka. Claudio Bohorquez plays Bach suites in the English Church; Riffelalp hosts chamber music at altitude.
Besides Mozart, Bach and orchestral works, expect Valais ensembles, yodel and folk, plus informal academy jazz. A full 2027 public concert calendar had not been released in early September 2026; academy applications for the following year are handled on the festival site.
Tickets & Admission for Zermatt Festival Zermatt
Several concerts are free, including the Matterhorn Serenades. Paid 2026 tickets listed by Zermatt Tourism start at about 25 CHF (about 27 euros) for academy concerts and 42 CHF (about 45 euros) for the opening and main evenings. Older festival copy still cites a 35 CHF cap (about 38 euros); live booking prices can differ. Buy via zermattfestival.com and zermatt.swiss, or at Zermatt Tourism. The festival as a whole is not free.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Zermatt
- Zermatt is car-free: train via Visp, or drive only to Taesch and continue by shuttle or Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
- Mid-September evenings in churches run cool; days are mild alpine sun. Pack solid shoes and a light jacket
- Book rooms early; some hotels sell festival packages with ticket discounts
- Riffelalp concerts need extra Gornergrat Bahn time; check the timetable and buy a separate ride ticket
- Free serenades are standing and weather-dependent; main concerts are seated, arrive on time
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
