Zermatt, in the Matterhorn’s antechamber.
Zermatt, the Alpine paradise.
Perched majestically in the Upper Valais region of the Swiss Alps, the picturesque village of Zermatt is a perfect symphony of natural beauty, captivating history and Alpine culture. Dominated by the iconic Matterhorn, this picturesque destination attracts nature lovers and adventurers from all over the world.
The epic ascent of the Matterhorn.
Zermatt’s history is closely linked to the first ascent of the Matterhorn in July 1865, a feat that resonated throughout the mountaineering world. The team, led by Edward Whymper, wrote an indelible page of history by reaching the summit of this majestic mountain in summer. But the immensity of the feat can only be understood when you’re standing at the very edge of the Matterhorn’s vertiginous walls, either by cable car or on foot. Much later, the first winter ascent was made in February 1962 by a Swiss team in temperatures of minus 20°C. Today, this ascent remains a challenge for intrepid mountaineers, but it also offers a spectacular backdrop for those who prefer to admire the Matterhorn from the green valleys along the many hiking trails.
Richness of the Upper Valais: tradition, agriculture, cultural crossroads.
Nestled close to the Italian border and not far from the French border, Zermatt enjoys a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. Cultural influences from neighboring countries blend sparingly into the cultural foundations of the Upper Valais, creating an original experience. Today, visitors can enjoy an international cuisine that subtly blends Swiss, Italian, French and Asian flavors in local restaurants, making Zermatt a true gastronomic crossroads. Nevertheless, to keep things local, you can enjoy fondue or raclette for the most famous, but also cholera or a dish of rösti with brisolée.
The Zermatt valley is not only rich in breathtaking scenery, but also in natural resources. Agriculture and livestock farming have been the mainstays of the local economy for centuries. Proud of their traditions, the local people celebrate their heritage through traditional festivities such as the Alp Festivals. These events offer an authentic insight into life in this high Alpine valley in the days when there were few means of transport.
Zermatt’s architecture is a work of art in itself. Larch-wood houses and cabins, adorned with delicate details, create a picturesque tableau that blends perfectly into the mountain setting. Slate roofs add a touch of charm to the whole, evoking a time when inhabitants built in harmony with the surrounding nature. Every street, every square, exudes authenticity and history.
Gornergrat viewpoint.
The Gornergrat railway was inaugurated in 1898 and is one of the oldest rack railroads in Switzerland. It climbs a steep 20% gradient over a distance of 9 kilometers, offering passengers a unique experience, from Zermatt station to the summit of the Gornergrat, at an impressive altitude of 3,089 meters.
Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The observation platforms offer 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, including the Lyskamm, the Dufourspitze and the Monte Rosa massif. Sunrise is majestic, a fleeting moment when the peaks light up in warm hues and, if you’re lucky, you can spot ibex perched above the void. At sunset, when the mountains and snow take on golden hues and you’re desperately searching for the last moments of warmth, everything becomes magical and shimmering, making every moment spent at the Gornergrat an unforgettable memory of the splendor of the Swiss Alps.
Zermatt is more than just a picturesque, iconic destination. It’s an immersion in the natural beauty of the Alps, in the epic history of mountaineering, in the rich culture and deep-rooted traditions of the Upper Valais. The charming architecture of traditional houses and wooden cabins adds an artistic dimension, while climbing the Matterhorn or more modestly the Gornergrat by train offers a breathtaking view of the natural wonders that surround this Alpine valley. Zermatt is an experience that is engraved in the hearts of those lucky enough to live it.
Zermatt (Switzerland) – November 2023
