Zermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants and is classified as a town by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office.
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The Matterhorn is a mountain of the Alps, straddling the main watershed and border between Switzerland and Italy. It is a large, near-symmetric pyramidal peak in the extended Monte Rosa area of the Pennine Alps, whose summit is 4,478 metres high, making it one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe.
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The Klein Matterhorn is a peak of the Pennine Alps, overlooking Zermatt in the Swiss canton of Valais. At 3,883 metres above sea level, it is the highest place in Europe that can be reached by aerial tramway or gondola lift, as well as by any other means of transport.
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Explore the Aosta glacier frontier on this hiking excursion to Lochien Lake. A little known Lake with BIG views, hike to Lochien, one of the most beautiful observation points of the Castore, Polluce and Roccia Nera glaciers. Hidden high in the Monta ...
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The Matterhorn Glacier is a glacier of the Pennine Alps, located at the base of the north face of the Matterhorn, south of Zermatt. It has a maximum width of approximately 2.5 km and reaches a minimum height of 2,800 metres. The glacier lies within the basin of the Zmutt Glacier. In 1865, following the first ascent of the Matterhorn, four climbers died in a fall on the way down from the summit.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Gornergrat is a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, overlooking the Gorner Glacier south-east of Zermatt in Switzerland. It can be reached from Zermatt by the Gornergrat rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe.
Learn more Book this experienceNestled in southern Switzerland at an elevation of 1.600 m (5250ft), Zermatt is a paragliding paradise. With a certified and experienced pilot as your guide, let the tandem paragliding adventure over Matterhorn begin.Your certified and friendly instr...
Book this experienceRiffelsee is an alpine lake above the town of Zermatt in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.
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The Weisshorn is a major peak of Switzerland and the Alps, culminating at 4,506 metres above sea level. It is part of the Pennine Alps and is located between the valleys of Anniviers and Zermatt in the canton of Valais.
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The massif of Monte Rosa is one of the true places in Europe where you can live an authentic heliskiing experience! If you are a powder lover, nothing is comparable to the sensations of skiing fresh untouched tracks surrounded by profound silenc...
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Randa is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is located between the Weisshorn and the Dom in the Matter Valley.
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The Gorner Glacier is a valley glacier found on the west side of the Monte Rosa massif close to Zermatt in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is about 12.4 km long and 1 to 1.5 km wide.
Learn more Book this experienceAmongst glacier-polished rocks and thundering waterfalls is a thrilling via ferrata with swinging bridges, rappelling, zip-lines, and breathtaking views! Suitable for families, friends, team building events, or solo travellers - the Gorner gorge via ...
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The Monte Rosa Hut is a mountain hut located near Zermatt on the Monte Rosa massif and above the Grenzgletscher sitting on a glacier-free rocky part called Untere Plattje at an altitude of 2,883 metres. It is owned by the Swiss Alpine Club.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Sunnegga Paradise is a ski area that forms part of the Zermatt ski resort, in Valais, Switzerland. The area relating to skiing is found on the Rothorn mountain, above the town of Zermatt.
Learn more Book this experienceExperience an enthralling paragliding expedition, where you can gracefully soar through the expansive sky and admire in the awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of Zermatt's majestic mountains.
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Zinal is a village in Switzerland, located in the municipality of Anniviers in the canton of Valais. It lies at an elevation of 1,675 metres above sea level in the Swiss Alps in the Val de Zinal, a valley running from the Zinal Glacier, north of Dent Blanche to the village of Ayer, part of the Val d'Anniviers.
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Monte Rosa is a mountain massif located in the eastern part of the Pennine Alps. It is located between Italy and Switzerland. Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in the Alps and western Europe, after Mont Blanc.
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Saas-Grund is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies east of Lenzspitze and Dom.
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The Metro Alpin is an underground funicular situated above the Swiss town of Saas Fee, in the canton of Valais. Opened in 1984, it links the Felskinn cable-car station on the shore of the Fee Glacier to the Mittelallalin in the north flank of the Allalinhorn.
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The Simplon Pass is a high mountain pass between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland. It connects Brig in the canton of Valais with Domodossola in Piedmont.
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Verbier is a village located in south-western Switzerland in the canton of Valais. It is a holiday resort and ski area in the Swiss Alps and is recognised as one of the premier backcountry ski resorts in the world.
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Crans-Montana is a municipality in the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. On 1 January 2017 the former municipalities of Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne merged to form the new municipality of Crans-Montana.
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Sion is a Swiss town, a municipality, and the capital of the canton of Valais and of the district of Sion. As of December 2018 it had a population of 34,708. On 17 January 1968, the former municipality of Bramois merged into the municipality of Sion.
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Brig, officially Brig-Glis is a historic town and a municipality in the district of Brig in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The current municipality was formed in 1972 through the merger of Brig, Brigerbad and Glis.
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Anzère is a small village in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, located in the municipality of Ayent and close to Sion and Crans. A south-facing purpose-built resort in traditional Swiss architectural style.
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20 pictures of Zermatt from Joshua Earle, Chris Henry, Joshua Fuller and other travelers
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⛰️ Highland ⛰️ Summit ⛰️ Mountain range ❄️ Glacial landform ❄️ Glacial lake 🌋 Volcanic landformWhy travel to Zermatt?
Zermatt is a picturesque Swiss village located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. It is a top destination for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering enthusiasts, as well as those looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. With its charming, car-free streets, delicious Swiss cuisine, and world-class accommodations, Zermatt offers a truly unique and memorable travel experience.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Zermatt is by train. The nearest major airport is Zurich, but Geneva and Milan are also viable options. From Zurich, you can take a train to Visp, and then transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway, which will take you directly to Zermatt. The total journey time is approximately 3.5 hours.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your Zermatt trip, it is recommended to book a few things in advance:
1. Accommodation: Zermatt is a popular destination, so book your hotel or chalet early to secure your preferred dates and rates.
2. Ski or hiking equipment: If you plan to hit the slopes or trails, reserve your equipment rental in advance to ensure availability and save time when you arrive.
3. Guided tours: For activities such as glacier trekking or a guided ascent of the Matterhorn, book a professional guide in advance to secure a spot.
What are the costs?
Zermatt is known for being expensive, but the costs can vary depending on the time of year and your travel preferences. Expect to spend around $200 per night for a mid-range hotel and $50 per day for meals. Ski passes and equipment rentals can add up, with a 6-day ski pass costing around $350.
What are the best things to do?
1. Skiing or snowboarding on Zermatt's world-class slopes, which cater to all skill levels and boast incredible views of the Matterhorn.
2. Taking a ride on the Gornergrat Railway, Europe's highest open-air cogwheel train, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
3. Exploring the charming village of Zermatt, with its historic, timber-clad buildings and bustling main street.
4. Hiking the Five Lakes Trail, a scenic trek that takes you past five stunning alpine lakes, each offering a different reflection of the Matterhorn.
Where to eat?
1. Chez Vrony: A cozy mountain restaurant offering traditional Swiss cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
2. Whymper-Stube: A rustic eatery serving Swiss and Italian dishes, including fondue and homemade pasta.
3. Zum See: A charming, family-run restaurant offering delicious, seasonal Swiss dishes in a picturesque setting.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Schweizerhof Zermatt: A luxurious 4-star hotel with spacious rooms, a wellness center, and a prime location.
2. Hotel Alpenroyal: A mid-range hotel offering comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and stunning mountain views.
3. Hotel Bahnhof: A budget-friendly option with clean, simple rooms and a convenient location near the train station.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience in Zermatt, try a moonlit snowshoe hike. Many tour operators offer guided nighttime hikes under the full moon, allowing you to explore the serene, snow-covered landscape bathed in moonlight. This unique adventure offers a different perspective of the Swiss Alps and a chance to experience the tranquility of the mountains at night.
On the Italian border of the Valais, the southernmost canton of French-speaking Switzerland, Zermatt nestles at the end of the 30 km Nikolaital valley at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. Almost a third of the Alpine peaks over 4000 meters in height majestically frame the ski resort of Zermatt, which has become a paradise for the most experienced mountaineers.
The town lies at an altitude of about 1,600 metres, at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is lined with luxury shops, hotels and restaurants, and offers après-ski entertainment. There are public outdoor rinks for skating and curling.
Zermatt, Switzerland is a good place to enjoy of the mountains but also to enjoy the resort which is one of the largest and highest summer ski areas in Europe, and its contiguity with several of Europe's highest peaks, including the Matterhorn, Liskamm, Pointe Dufour, Dent Blanche and Weisshorn !
On the spot, the language spoken (or rather "the languages", as they often speak : Swiss-German, Italian, English and a little French) only accentuates this spirit of mystery.
Trains lead directly to the car-free village of Zermatt. The journey ends in Täsch, 5 km from Zermatt. They then continue their journey on the shuttle train or by taxi to their destination at the foot of the Matterhorn.
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❄️ Glacial landform spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots ⛰️ Hill spots ⛰️ Hill station spots 🌲 Forest spots ⛰️ Summit spots ⛰️ Highland spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏞️ River spots ❄️ Glacial lake spots 🏕️ Camping spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🐾 Wildlife spots Mountain pass spots 🏰 Church spots 🗼 Landmark spots Log cabin spots 🌉 Bridge spots ⛰️ Mountaineering spots ❄️ Ski mountaineering spots 🏞️ Stream spots 🌋 Volcanic landform spots 🏞️ Watercourse spotsExplore popular touristic places around Zermatt
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