Zermatt lies at an
altitude of 1620 m, but its efficient transport system, including trains and
cable cars, takes you in just a few minutes to the summit of mountains with
sweeping views. The town has just under 6000 inhabitants (2016), but its facilities,
which include about a hundred hotels and an equal number of restaurants,
compete with large cities. Surrounded by exuberant nature, Zermatt always features
the Matterhorn in its postcards (which is also always present on the packaging
of the famous chocolate), a great pyramid-shaped crag rising up 4478 m and
covered with snow 365 days of the year, which has also become the symbol of
Switzerland.
The region – also
recognised for its environmental credentials – boasts 360 km of ski runs, which
in summer give way to 100 km of bicycle tracks and 400 km for hiking. Cars are banned
from the centre of the town, for environmental reasons, of course, and also
because the lanes are narrow and winding. Only bicycles and small electric cars
can be used here. Embellishing the steep morphology, there are charming
alpine-style wooden houses, inviting you to explore every corner. At every
turn, a new scenario, as if you were in a fairy tale.
Gornergrat is one of the
most visited mountains in Zermatt. The Alpine panorama and the glorious view of
the Matterhorn make the trip unforgettable. The Matterhorn Museum is well worth
a visit, as are the streets full of boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, bakeries
and restaurants. And you should take time to walk, cycle, ski, trek, snowboard
and… breathe the fresh air of the Swiss Alps.
Zermatt has more than 38 peaks above 4000 metres.
