Is Zermatt the Real-Life Velaris? Visit the City of Starlight from ACOTAR

Ah, Zermatt, “there you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

ACOTAR fans, tell me you didn’t go weak at the knees?

I’m thrilled to share two of my biggest passions. One of my favourite books, with one of my favourite places. Just a note from the get-go, if you haven’t read the second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, there will be spoilers below.

If you read A Court of Mist and Fury and thought, “I need to see Velaris in real life,” then welcome to Zermatt. This little car-free village in the Swiss Alps has the same magic: starlit skies, cosy corners lit by candles, mountains that look straight out of a painting, and a creative buzz that almost feels like The Rainbow.

Honestly, there are moments here when it feels like you’ve just winnowed into the City of Starlight itself.

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Is Velaris Inspired by Zermatt?

Zermatt hasn’t been confirmed as Maas’s inspiration, but the village has all the Velaris vibes — mountains, rivers, cosy streets, bars, and star-filled skies. Zermatt is located in the canton (similar to a county or a state) Wallis or in Swiss French thats Valais, pretty close to Velaris wouldn’t you say?

I see the parallels all the time. The Matterhorn could easily be Ramiel, Hinterdorfstrasse, and Bahnhofstrasse is our Rainbow, and that night sky? Pure Starfall. Whether or not Sarah J. Maas had Zermatt in mind, this is about as close as it gets in the real world.

“The City of Starlight, the most beautiful city I’d ever seen” 
Sarah J. Mass

How to Visit Velaris in Real Life

You can’t winnow into Velaris, but you can hop on a train to Zermatt, Switzerland — the closest thing you’ll find to visiting the Night Court. 

How to Get to Zermatt, Switzerland

To reach Zermatt, the easiest and most cost effective options are to fly to Zurich, Geneva or Milan and take the 3.5 – 4 hr train journey via Visp or Brig.

Vehicles can also be hired from all major cities and airports. As Zermatt is a car free village, all cars must be parked in Täsch, the most convenient parking is the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch at the train station.

If you don’t want the hassle of driving yourself or taking the train, book a Private Transfer.

Getting Around Zermatt

Getting around Zermatt is easy. The village is car-free, so you’ll mostly wander on foot, but when you need to go further there are free little electric buses and paid taxis zipping about.

Want to head up the mountains? The Sunnegga funicular, Gornergrat Railway, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lifts will get you there in no time. And if you fancy something a bit different, you can even ride through town in a horse-drawn carriage.

The Swiss Travel Pass also gives you 50% off mountain railway and cable cars in Zermatt.

Best Mountain: Riffelalp Resort

Peace, quiet and perfect for night skies.

When is the Best Time to Visit the City of Starlight?

If you want Zermatt at its most Velaris-like, come in winter for snow-covered peaks and crisp nights, or in summer for mountain lakes and Starfall photographs. Autumn brings golden larches and quieter streets— while spring is vibrant with colour and music— pure Rainbow vibes. Honestly, Zermatt carries that City of Starlight energy all year round.

If you time it right, you can experience a real-life Starfall experience with the Perseid Meteor Shower, visible from July 17 to August 24, with the best show around August 12–13.

Festivals & Celebrations | Velaris Vibes in Real life

Velaris comes alive during Starfall, and Zermatt has its own magical celebrations throughout the year.

Torchlight Descent & Fireworks — New Year’s Week

If Starfall had a winter twin, this would be it. Skiers from Zermatters wind down the slopes with flaming torches, fireworks light up the sky, and the whole town comes alive with music and celebrations. Pure magic to ring in the new year.
Local tip: Make dinner reservations and get to your spot early — the streets and restaurants are packed, and the best views go fast.

Zermatt Unplugged — April

Think The Rainbow, with lots of live music. For a week in April, Zermatt fills with stages big and small, from mountaintop concerts to candlelit bars. It’s intimate, creative, and completely unforgettable — just like the Velaris’ own city-wide celebrations.
Local tip: The smaller side stages are often the most atmospheric — don’t miss Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club or the village square sessions.

Swiss National Day — July 29 – August 1st

Food stalls, parades through the village, and fireworks crackling above the Matterhorn — Swiss National Day is Velaris energy through and through. The whole valley celebrates together, and it feels like one big family party under the stars.
Local tip: Watch from Riedweg for fireworks over the Matterhorn without the crowds.

Zermatt Music Festival — September

Golden larches, crisp air, and classical music echoing through alpine churches — September’s music festival feels like a more refined Velaris moment. If you love the artsy, soulful side of the city, this is the perfect time to visit.
Local tip: The church concerts in the village are stunning, but be sure to check out the mountain venues for a truly unique experience.

Things to do in Zermatt That Feel Like You’re in Velaris

Velaris might be a fantasy city, but if anywhere in the real world comes close, it’s Zermatt. We’ve got the mountains, the rivers, the art, the bars, and those unreal night skies. There are plenty of moments that feel like stepping straight into the City of Starlight — here are my favourite ones.

Fly with the Illyrians — Paragliding Over Zermatt

Want to know what it feels like to have Illyrian wings? Go paragliding. You’ll float high above Zermatt with the Matterhorn right there beside you — it’s as close as you’ll get to flying over Velaris.
Local tip: The launch point at Blauherd gives you sweeping views of the Matterhorn, but the flights from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are even higher and longer — perfect if you want that true Illyrian glide. 

Wander the Sidra River — Zermatt’s Matter Vispa

The Matter Vispa cuts straight through town, a bit like the Sidra winding through Velaris. Follow the riverbanks, cross a few bridges, and listen to it roar in spring when the snow melts.
Local tip: Walk the riverside path from the Snowboat towards the Kirchbrücke, the best time is sunset for those magical Matterhorn shots.

Explore the Rainbow — Art & History in Zermatt Old Town

Zermatt’s old quarter, Hinterdorf, along with the southern end of Bahnhofstrasse, is basically our version of The Rainbow. Think crooked wooden chalets, little art galleries, and tucked-away shops that feel like they belong in a whimsical world of their own.
Local tip: Go in the late afternoon and stop for a glass of wine or a hot drink at  Herz Stüberl or the Zermatterhof terrace — that’s when you really feel the magic.

Dine like High Fae — Mountain Restaurants with Views

Chez Vrony, Paradise, Stafelalp, Adler Hitta… dining up the mountain here is like being invited to the House of Wind for lunch. Good food, good wine, and views that will make you stop mid-bite.
Local tip: Book a late lunch around 2pm — the sun is still warm on the terrace, and you’ll feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. You’ll find the best fondue at Paradise.

Visit Velaris’ Sacred Peak — the Matterhorn (Ramiel)

If Ramiel had a real-world twin, it’s the Matterhorn. You can hike the trails beneath it or take in the view from Gornergrat or Sunnegga. Climbing it? That’s strictly for seasoned mountaineers — this peak doesn’t give itself up easily.
Local tip: In summer, the Stellisee hike (from Blauherd) gives you the classic mirrored Matterhorn view. Hikers can tackle the trail to the Hörnlihütte to get up close and personal with the Horn.

Cross Velaris’ Bridges — and Visit the Candlelit Cemetery

In the books, Velaris is full of lantern-lit bridges. Here in Zermatt, we’ve got our own version: the bridge next to the cemetery. At night, when the candles are glowing, it’s hauntingly beautiful.
Local tip: Go just after dark — it’s quiet, romantic, and the view of the church steeple with the Matterhorn behind it is pure magic.

Step into the House of Wind — Zermatt’s Spas & Wellness

After a day on the slopes or trails, nothing beats slipping into a hot spa pool with Matterhorn views. From the Omnia’s indoor and outdoor pool to the other fancy hotel spas in town, it’s our own House of Wind — all about rest and recovery.
Local tip: Many hotel spas let non-guests book day passes. Call ahead and pick one with an outdoor pool for that “floating in the mountains” feeling.

Party like you’re at Rita’s — Après at CERVO & beyond

Velaris has Rita’s, Zermatt has après. Whether it’s CERVO, Harry’s Bar, Papperla Pub, The Unique Hotel Post or Vernissage, you’ll find music, dancing, and cocktails flowing until late. It’s got that same wild, anything-can-happen energy.
Local tip: Start at Cervo for sundowners with Matterhorn views, then move down into town once the party kicks off. If you’re feeling brave, end the night in the Broken and don’t forget to dance on the famous barrel.

Night Skiing & Torchlight Descents — Zermatt’s Starfall

If you ever get the chance to ski under the moonlight or watch a torchlight descent, do it. The slopes glow under the stars, and it feels like you’ve stepped right into Starfall.
Local tip: Keep a close eye on Zermatters events— torchlight descents usually happen around Christmas and New Year. Moonlight descents are twice per month in winter. Book in advance, they sell out fast.

Visit Magical Viewpoints 

Visit the Matterhorn Viewpoint or jump on the Gornergrat Railway for those jaw-dropping Matterhorn views. Standing up there, wind in your face, peaks stretching forever — it’s as close as Zermatt gets to the House of Wind.
Local tip: Gornergrat is best at sunrise when the first train goes up. In autumn, you’ll often have it almost to yourself.

Find a Velaris-Worthy Reading Nook

Velaris has the House of Wind library, but Zermatt has its own cosy corners for book lovers. Curl up in a café with a Matterhorn view, sneak away into a mountain hut, or grab a bench by the river with a book in hand — pure City of Starlight vibes.
Local tip: The Zermatt Library, Bar55, The Schweizerhof, The Alex, Petit Royal café and the Church Park are perfect spots for bookworms to cosy up.

Experience Starfall — Zermatt’s Starlit Skies

When night falls in Zermatt, look up. Late on a good night, you’ll see the Milky Way stretching across the valley, stars sharp and endless above the peaks. Best spots? Stellisee, Gornergrat, Riffelalp, or even the cemetery bridge — all of them give you that Starfall magic.
Local tip: Zermatt is a Dark Sky destination — the stargazing here is incredible. If you’re here in August, look out for the Perseid meteor shower.

What is Starfall?

In A Court of Mist and Fury, Starfall is a night when glowing spirits stream across Velaris’ skies, looking like a meteor shower. The whole city gathers on bridges, rooftops, and along the Sidra River to watch, with lanterns glowing and music playing. For Feyre, it’s a moment of wonder and hope — proof that beauty exists even after darkness.

How to Get the Ultimate Starfall Photographs

To capture Starfall in real life, you’ll want Zermatt’s night skies. Head up to Stellisee or Riffelalp after dark for a clear shot of the Milky Way stretched over the Matterhorn. 

In August, the Perseid meteor shower streaks across the valley — perfect for those glowing “spirits in the sky” shots. Use a tripod, a long exposure, and don’t be afraid to stay out late; the higher you go, the darker the sky, and the more magical your photos will feel.

For summer sunset, late-night and sunrise shots at Stellisee Lake, stay at Mountain hut Fluhalp and enjoy a hearty evening meal and revitalising breakfast. For night time shots combined with a more luxurious stay, book Riffelalp Resort.

For a complete star nerd experience at any time of the year, stay at the Kulm Hotel Gornergrat and visit their Stellarium–sign me up!

“To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered.”
Sarah J. Mass

Is Zermatt Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. If you’re an ACOTAR fan, Zermatt feels like stepping into Velaris with its candlelit bridges, lively bars, and starlit skies. But even if you’ve never picked up the books, this little Alpine village is worth the trip — car-free streets, world-class skiing, endless hiking trails, and views of the Matterhorn that will stop you in your tracks.

Final Thoughts on Zermatt, the Real Life Velaris

So, is Zermatt the real-life Velaris? Honestly, it’s pretty close. From candlelit bridges and mountain feasts to wild nights out and skies full of stars, this village has all the City of Starlight vibes. The only difference is you don’t need wings or a High Lord’s winnowing power to get here — just a train ticket and a bit of imagination.