The highest open-air theatre in Europe

All information about “THE MATTERHORN STORY” can be found summarized in our flyer.

The languages spoken are Valais German, German and English. The play is designed so that knowledge of one language is sufficient to follow the plot.

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For foreign visitors, we have scene descriptions in the following languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Chinese (traditional). All scene descriptions are also available at the box offices at the Gornergratbahn valley station and on the Riffelberg.

The play will run from 27 June to 23 August 2025 and you can find the exact performance dates here.

The performance lasts 90 minutes without an interval. For evening performances, extra trains (at 9.25 p.m. and 9.27 p.m.) ensure connections from Zermatt to Brig.

Please note that weather conditions at the venue on the Riffelberg at 2,582 metres above sea level are special and can change quickly. The grandstand is not covered. Neither sun umbrellas nor rain umbrellas are permitted.

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In sunny weather, we recommend applying sunscreen with a protection factor of 50 immediately before the performance and wearing appropriate headgear. We also ask you to drink plenty of fluids before the performance and to take a water bottle (PET only) with you to the grandstand if necessary.

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We also recommend that you bring warm clothing, especially for the evening performances. Once the sun goes down, temperatures drop quickly.

We will once again be offering wool blankets at the box office on the Riffelberg. Unlike in previous productions, however, these cannot be borrowed for hygienic and logistical reasons, but can only be purchased. The ‘THE STORY’ wool blanket costs CHF 59, with proceeds going to those affected by the natural disaster in Blatten. Further information about our wool blankets can be found here.

​As long as the safety of the audience and performers is guaranteed, the organiser will endeavour to play the performance even in the event of rain and bad weather and points out that there may be delays to the start of the performance or interruptions.

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You will receive information on the day of the performance as follows: online on the day of the performance from 1 pm (Thu-Sat) or 9 am (Sun) at the latest on our website.​

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If a performance has to be cancelled after 45 minutes, it is deemed to have been played (no rebooking possible).​

If performances are cancelled or have been performed for less than 45 minutes, all tickets will automatically be converted into vouchers and sent to all ticket holders by email within 24 hours. These vouchers generally contain all elements of the original ticket. The voucher codes can be used in the ticket shop

(www.freilichtspielezermatt.ch/tickets) as a means of payment for booking a ticket for another performance (including any reserve dates at the end of the season). This option is only possible as long as tickets are still available.

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Further informations you will find in our terms and conditions.

As in 2015 (world premiere of «THE MATTERHORN STORY»), 2017 («Romeo and Juliet on the Gornergrat») and 2019 («Matterhorn, No Ladies please!»), the play will be performed on the Riffelberg at 2,600 metres above sea level.

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Use the BLS car transport service from Kandersteg-Goppenstein and continue to Täsch. Here you change either to an electric taxi or take the railway to Zermatt.

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We support your travel by BLS car transport service with a discount in the amount of CHF 5.–, available in the booking process.

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Enter your discount code in the online shop in step 3 in the field provided. Redeemable only once in the online shop until 23 August, 2025. The loading ticket is valid until 26 August, 2025. The offer is limited and valid while stocks last.

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Trains depart from Kandersteg and Goppenstein at xx.13 and xx.43 hours. And from Friday midday until Sunday almost every 10 minutes. Check the online timetable at bls.ch for departure times. The Zermatt Open-Air Theatre and BLS wish you a great experience on the Riffelberg and a safe journey.

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By train from your home to Visp and up to Zermatt.

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We support your travel by public transport with a discount in the amount of CHF 10.-, available in the booking process.

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Redeemable from 27 June to 23 August, 2025. The Coupon can be redeemed once for an outward journey or a return journey (on the same day) on sbb.ch or in the SBB app.

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The availability of the codes is limited and the offer is only valid while stocks last. The discounted public transport ticket is only valid in combination with the theatre ticket. Both tickets must be presented together at a ticket inspection.

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The Gornergrat Railway will take you from Zermatt to Riffelberg and back again on the day of the performance. As this is a special evening service, you will need a ticket at the special rate of CHF 45 (GA, Half-Fare and day tickets are not valid). 
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For afternoon performances, theatre tickets can be purchased without a train ticket. PLEASE NOTE: With a GA or Half-Fare travelcard, you are entitled to a 50% discount on the Gornergrat Railway.

Would you like to take the opportunity to visit also the Gornergrat at the day of the performance? We offer you a special day ticket for only CHF 70.- (offer for theatre visitors only).

On Sundays and 1 August, the return trip to Zermatt will additionally be possible by Riffelberg Express (ZBAG). The special rate tickets are valid for both railways.

Both railway stations are in a few minutes walking distance from the theatre area. Please note that the valley station of the ZBAG is 15 minutes (walking distance) away from the main railway station in Zermatt.

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The grandstand has a capacity of 440 spectators.

The ticket price is CHF 85.- per person, excluding train journey (extra journey at a special rate).

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Persons in wheelchairs receive a free ticket for our performances. Bookings only by telephone.

On performance dates, we have a box office at the Gornergratbahn valley station and on the Riffelberg. Both box offices are open as follows:

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Gornergrat Railway station Zermatt (to the right of the kiosk):

• Afternoon performances: 9.45 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Evening performances: 3.45–6.15 p.m.

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Riffelberg (box office on the theatre grounds):

• Afternoon performances: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

• Evening performances: 4.30–7.30 p.m.

In 2025, you will once again have the opportunity to complete your visit to the open-air theatre with culinary delights. The corresponding offer will be published shortly.

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Overnight stays in Zermatt can be booked via the new Zermatt Tourism marketplace.

A total of around 27 performers will be on stage. The majority of our ensemble comes from Zermatt and the Valais.