Planning a trip to Switzerland often conjures images of quaint Alpine towns and soaring, majestic peaks. Situated at the base of the Matterhorn, the town of Zermatt in southern Switzerland offers visitors a classic Alpine experience.
One of Switzerland’s most popular resort towns, Zermatt is a tranquil mountain hamlet which provides visitors an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Free from car traffic, it offers an abundance of fresh air and unrivaled views of the nearby Matterhorn. Made up of charming chalet-style buildings, the town boasts a wide range of shops, offering travelers everything from t-shirts and postcards to Rolex watches.
Visitors can partake in a wide variety of outdoor and sporting activities year round. Hiking and mountaineering dominate in the summer months, while winter sees Zermatt transform into a skier’s paradise. In the evenings, travelers can unwind at any of a number of world-class restaurants and bars, many offering extensive game menus and authentic Swiss fare. There is also a range of accommodations to fit all budgets, all immaculately kept and convenient to exploring the town.
The Matterhorn
Skirting the border between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn is perhaps the most distinct of Switzerland’s Alps and has become one of the country’s national symbols. Zermatt offers some of the best views of the Matterhorn in all of Switzerland. The mountain’s famous pyramid-shaped peak can be seen from several places in town.
Those wanting a closer view of the majestic peak can take a seat aboard Europe’s highest open-air cog railway and travel the short distance from the Zermatt railway station to Gornergrat. The ride treats visitors to breathtaking mountain scenery as the mountainside drops steeply away from the tracks and the town disappears below. Gornergrat, situated at an elevation of 3,089 meters (10,132 feet) above sea level, provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps. Facilities include an expansive open-air viewing platform, a restaurant, shops and, for those wanting an even more remote stay, a hotel.
The train between Zermatt and Gornergrat runs frequently throughout the day. A round-trip ticket allows you the option of getting off at the few stops in between for even more views of the Matterhorn.
The Glacier Express
Zermatt is one end point of the world-famous Glacier Express train route. The rail journey, connecting Zermatt in the West with St. Moritz or Davos in the East, serves up seven hours of stunning alpine scenery as it passes over bridges and through mountain tunnels. Riders may opt for a three-course meal and beverage service as the luxury train passes countless peaks, lakes and mountain villages.
Getting to Zermatt
In addition to the Glacier Express, visitors can reach Zermatt on several daily trains operating on Switzerland’s national rail service. SBB trains offer direct connections to Zermatt at Brig or Visp from all major Swiss cities. It is approximately an hour and a half ride from either of the connection towns on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, through beautiful mountain scenery.
Zermatt does not permit car traffic. Visitors wishing to approach by car may only drive as far as Täsch, approximately 5 kilometers away. A shuttle train runs from Täsch to Zermatt every 10 minutes. Täsch provides ample car parking facilities.
After arriving at the Zermatt railway station, travelers may hire small electric taxis to assist with transporting luggage to their hotels. These electro-taxis are also available to transport visitors around town, although nearly everything is accessible on foot. Horse-drawn carriages are also available for sightseeing.
Stephanie Wilkins - Stephanie is a freelance writer and photographer from Brooklyn, NY, focusing on international travel.
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