Switzerland: Zermatt

Zermatt is an idyllic mountain village tucked away in the Swiss Alps. The mighty Matterhorn dominates the skyline, creating one of the most unique and picturesque alpine landscapes in the world. Explore the hiking trails, journey up higher into the mountains by cable car and train, stroll the scenic streets of Zermatt, or go skiing all year long. 

From Buongiorno to Grüezi

Leaving the southern Italian-speaking region of Ticino early in the morning for Zermatt, I enthusiastically said “Buongiorno!” (Italian for “good morning”) to the ticket inspector on the train. I was immediately corrected by the ticket inspector, as he told me that the train had left the Italian-speaking region and we are now in the German-speaking region. He even taught me to say “Grüezi” (Swiss German for hello) to strangers that we meet for the first time. As the train crosses the mountains, the language takes a sharp turn too.

Switzerland has four official languages, with about 2/3 of the population speaking Swiss German, 20% speaking French, 6.5% speaking Italian, and another 0.5% speaking Romance languages.

Things to do in Zermatt

1. Go to the Gornergrat

For the best views of the Matterhorn, you’ll need to get to the summit of the Gornergrat, a mountain peak with a great viewing platform. One of the world’s highest, open-air cog trains takes passengers from Zermatt station to the summit. The jaw-dropping vistas feature a panorama of the Monte Rosa Massif with the highest mountain in Switzerland and a view over the second-largest glacier in the Alps. You’ll also enjoy amazing views of 29 other towering mountain peaks each over 13,000 feet tall.

2. Visit the Matterhorn Museum “Zermatlantis”

You don’t need to be a history buff or even an alpinist to find lots to interest you at the Matterhorn Museum. Don’t let the smallish looking entry put you off. Most of the museum is actually subterranean and it offers an immerse experience into Zermatt’s history. You’ll find original village houses, mountain climbing equipment, and learn of the tragic and triumphant history of some of the world’s most daring adventurers and alpinists. The museum even showcases the original broken rope from the successful but tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865. 

3. Stroll through Hinterdorf

Explore the historic heart of Zermatt with a stroll through Hinterdorf (which means rear village). Narrow alleyways are lined by about 25 old wooden houses and barns, some built on stilts to keep out unwanted rodents. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the atmospheric alleys and homes add to Zermatt’s unique village charm. Keep an eye out for the memorial fountain. The fountain is dedicated to famed Zermatt mountain guide Ulrich Inderbinen, who climbed the Matterhorn over 350 times!

Gastronomy 
Schäferstube 
www.julen.ch

When dining in Zermatt, don’t miss the town’s most popular Michelin-recommended restaurant, Schäferstube, a cozy, bistro-like restaurant that is packed almost every evening. You can’t come to Switzerland without trying their famous cheese fondue. The signature dishes of Grilled Rack of Lamb and Secreto Iberico Pork are both juicy and tender, while the Lamb Tongue on Pot Wine Sauce is simply amazing. A Swiss gentlemen was kind enough to teach us a trick to taste the cheese fondue by dipping the bread in the apricot wine before dipping it into the cheese fondue. The strong and intense flavour of the wine, along with the rich cheese flavour, was the most bizarre but unforgettable eating experience of the trip.

Derby
www.derbyzermatt.ch

The menu includes the best of French, Italian and Swiss cuisine. The food is freshly prepared and served with a great deal of charm. 

Accommodation
Hotel National Zermatt
www.hotelnationalzermatt.ch

Located in the centre of Zermatt and only a 5-minute walk from the train station, the Hotel National is the only hotel in Zermatt offering exclusively south-facing rooms and a balcony in every room. Most rooms also offer views of the Matterhorn. The hotel features a 360 m² spa oasis with pool, caldarium, aroma grotto, sauna and other facilities.