The Valais Blacknose sheep – dubbed “the world’s cutest sheep” – are an emblem of Zermatt. With their curly white wool and black faces and knees, they look straight out of a storybook. You can actually visit a sheep farm in Zermatt to pet and learn about these friendly animals.

The Tradition Julen family, who own the largest flock (around 300 sheep, the biggest blacknose herd worldwide), offer scheduled barn visits in winter and summer.

In winter (mid-Dec to mid-April), the sheep are kept in a big cozy barn on the edge of the village, and every Wednesday evening they open it for visitors to meet the sheep. A member of the Julen family greets you, introduces the sheep by name, and explains how they are raised and their role in local culture (these sheep have been bred in Valais for centuries for their wool and meat). You can wander among the docile sheep – they love a scratch under the chin and will happily pose for selfies! An aperitif with local cheese, sausage, and wine is usually provided after the tour, adding to the authentic experience.

In summer, the flock goes up to alpine pastures around Zermatt. The tourism office often organizes a “Meet the Sheep” experience where you hike out with a guide to see them grazing and even walk alongside them with the shepherdess. They sometimes roam near the Gornergrat/Riffelberg area in July–August, each sheep with a little bell tinkling.

Prices: Winter barn visit (with aperitif) costs CHF 20 per adult, CHF 10 for ages 9–15, free for under 9. The summer meet-and-greet events (mid-July to early Sept) are often free or included in lift passes, as the sheep are tracked via an app and you simply go to them (or occasionally a guided tour might be offered at a small fee).

Activity Level: Easy. Winter barn is a short walk/taxi 5 minutes from center. Summer meet-ups involve light hiking to wherever the sheep are grazing (could be at Riffelalp or Rotenboden area – typically a lift up then a short walk).

Getting There: The barn is in Zermatt’s Oberwil area. Tour meeting point is at 5:30 pm directly at the barn; directions are provided on booking (it’s about a 15 min walk from the railway station or a quick taxi). For summer, you’ll be informed of location – often accessible by Gornergrat train or Sunnegga lift and then following signs or guide.

Seasonality: Barn visits: mid-Dec to mid-Apr (weekly, usually Wed). Alpine pasture visits: approx mid-Jul to early Sept (the sheep “go on holiday” in high Alps between those times, with no fixed location in low seasons). No sheep encounters in May-June or Oct-Nov as they are transitioning and barn is closed for that period.

Practical tips: Reserve early for the barn visit – places are limited and it sells out (tickets bookable via Zermatt Tourism). Wear boots or shoes that can get a bit dirty – you are entering a barnyard. The sheep are very gentle; kids can hug them and feed hay under supervision. Flash photography is allowed (their wool absorbs light well!). In summer, use the “Zermatt – Find the Sheep” app or ask the tourist office to know where/when to find them grazing – often around Riffelberg. Bring a jacket; even in summer the pasture altitude is cool. These events offer a genuine slice of Swiss alpine life – you’ll walk away with great photos and maybe a bit of sheep drool on your sleeve, plus a deeper appreciation for Zermatt’s farming heritage.