The Alpine scenery above Zermatt is arguably the most awe-inspiring and
beautiful in Switzerland.
The Area
The Zermatt area has a total of 400
km. of well-marked footpaths which will take you through pine-scented mountain
forests to the shores of calm Alpine lakes and
to the ice-blue glaciers. Zermatt
has been
welcoming walkers and mountaineers for over 150 years. Large areas are protected zones which offer plenty
of opportunities for challenging and remote walking. Mountain railways make it easy to
reach the high altitude rambling areas. There are many mountain cabins and
restaurants ready to offer a warm welcome and a leisurely rest.
The Walking
The village is situated at the foot of the famous Matterhorn and is
surrounded by thirty eight 4,000m. mountains, more than any other village
in the Alps, so the walking always
benefits from stunning backdrops. We have been walking and documenting the area
and will provide you with our exclusive booklet of walks with routes 
for all abilities and interests.
There is a great variety of routes for all. You can walk up to the hut on
the slopes of the Matterhorn which is the start point of ascents of the mountain
itself. Walk along a section of the EuropaWeg, one of Switzerland's long distance
walks, along the valley side from Zermatt to Tasch, enjoying stunning views of
both settlements. If you have a head for heights try the walk that takes in the
spectacular Gorner Gorge, using a walkway fixed to the rocks
above a swirling torrent. Take the cable car to Rothorn (3103m) and then
walk back to Sunnega taking in 3 stunning alpine lakes and unrivalled views
across to the imposing Matterhorn in the distance. Walk from 
Zermatt up to Trift
and on to Hohbalmen for a walk where you will probably see more Marmots than
people.
We could go on and on....
The Village
Zermatt is at the top end of the Valais (Wallis in German) a mostly French
speaking Canton, but itself is German speaking. It is a car free village, all
car owners having been forced to leave their car in Tasch and take the train for
the last portion of their journey into Zermatt.
Electric taxis and buses will get you around to all the
major places of interest but, as the distances are not great, most people prefer to walk. There is a very Swiss feel about
Zermatt despite there being all the benefits of a village
catering for international visitors. There is a bustling main
street full of restaurants and shops selling all you might need, and some things
you don't, during your stay. We have chosen hotels away from the busiest area but,
as Zermatt is a small place, you can easily walk there if you wish.
One is very quickly away
from the village to the walking areas, either walking directly
or using the three main rail systems that whisk you high above
the village to start your walks.
Getting There
Zermatt is on the national rail
network and is easily reached from the integrated railway station at Geneva Airport,
with only one change of train required. A total journey of 3.5
hours. The journey follows the shore line of Lake Geneva
offering many spectacular views interspersed with the
internationally famous towns of Lausanne and Montreaux. The
train then enters the Valais and journeys along the floor of
the wide and spectacular valley of the Rhone, with vineyards and orchards
just outside the window. At Visp you change for the rack and
pinion train that takes you through the Matter valley
climbing 1600m to Zermatt at its head.
Zermatt can also be reached in 5 hours from the integrated
railway station at Zurich Airport. The journey here will take you
to the capital Bern where you will change for a journey along Lake Thun to Spiez, a station with one of the best views in
Switzerland, then inland up the Kander valley past Zermatt the gateway to the
journey through the Lochstberg
tunnel. When you come out the other side you are in the French
speaking Valais and there are spectacular views over the
valley as you descend to Brig, and back into German speaking
Switzerland. Here you change for the rack and pinion train
that takes you through the Matter valley
climbing 1600m to Zermatt at its head.
Hotels
