Zermatt City Guide
For those wanting to get closer to the Matterhorn and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Alps, Zermatt, in the Swiss canton of Valais, is the place to go. Stroll around the traditional Swiss (car free) old town, learn about Zermatt’s favourite mountain at the Matterhorn museum or take a trip on the Glacier Express.
What to do and see in and around Zermatt
Old Town
Zermatt’s old town truly embodies traditional Switzerland with its old Valais wooden chalets and grain stores supported by wooden stilts. Make sure you pay a visit to the Bergsteigerfriedhof (Mountaineers' cemetery) which is located next to the church where you can see the final resting place of those who have taken on the mighty Matterhorn.
The Matterhorn
The mountaineer’s nemesis, the Matterhorn stands at an awesome height of 4,478 metres above sea level and was first scaled 140 years ago. An interesting fact about this amazing mountain is that geologically speaking it is from Africa rather than Switzerland as it was formed 90 million years ago when the African continental plate slid over the European plate.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Standing at a height of 3,883 metres above sea level the 360 degree views from this phenomenal vantage point are spectacular. You can reach the Glacier Paradise via the highest cableway in Europe. A highlight of the Glacier Paradise is the Glacier Palace, 15 metres below the surface of the glacier where lucky visitors can enjoy wine tasting and admire ice sculptures.
Gornergrat
This mountain haven can be reached by the rack railway which is over 110 years old and the first of its kind in Switzerland. At a height of 3,089 metres above sea level, Gornergrat offers great views of the Matterhorn where you will find, surprisingly, a shopping mall, hotel, and an observatory.
Schwarzsee Paradise
At a height of 2,583 metres above sea level Schwarzee Paradise can be found at the foot of the Matterhorn and is photographer’s dream with its crystal clear mountain lake and the adjoining “Maria zum Schnee” chapel.
Sunnegga Paradise
It takes only 3 minutes by underground funicular to reach Sunnegga Paradise which stands at a height of 2,288 metres above sea level.
As well as fabulous views Sunnegga Paradise is also home to a Marmot Observation post where marmots can be seen frolicking in their
natural habitat.
Matterhorn Museum
This fascinating museum dedicated to the Matterhorn looks at 19th century Zermatt, the rope from the first ascent, and the origins of the Matterhorn itself.
Glacier Express
Zermatt is the ideal base from which to experience the wonders of the Glacier Express which travels from Zermatt to St Moritz across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and across the Oberalp Pass. With spectacular views of mountain forests, Alpine meadows and valleys panoramic journeys don’t come much better than this.
Randa
20 minutes from Zermatt by train.
The pretty mountain village of Randa is the perfect place for hiking; and for those who enjoy the odd round of golf the nearby 9-hole golf course should provide some picturesque putting opportunities.
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