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Zermatt (1,620 m/5,320 feet), situated just in front of the majestic Matterhorn, is one of the world’s most famous mountain resorts. There are no petrol-driven cars allowed in this idyllic village in the heart of the Alps. Horse-drawn carriages, as well as electric cars, are the only means of transport. You should not miss visiting the oldest part of the village. You can see houses and barns which are 200 - 250 years old, the original main street (about 1 metre wide), etc. On a rainy day visit the Matterhorn Museum (at Bahnhofplatz 57, closed during November). The museum tells the exciting story of the Matterhorn - from its origins in Africa and the terribly dramatic first ascent to the present day.
For skiers and snowboarders, Zermatt has everything to offer from the simplest to the most challenging slopes, each sector accessed by its own transport route. There are also various sled runs and as a non-skier you’ll find more than 30 km of scenic trails for relaxing walks. Ask for a map at the tourist office!
The cog-wheel railway to Gornergrat (3,130 m/10,134 ft!) is a particular highlight. It’s the highest cog railway in Europe and one of the most popular in the country. Along the way you’re rewarded with magical views (sit on the right-hand side)! The Klein Matterhorn, at 3,8820 m/12,338 ft, is the highest station you can go. The highest cable station in Europe provides access to the highest skiing on the Continent! www.zermatt.ch
The Tourist office is next to the train station (027 966 81 00). www.zermatt.ch
How to get there: take the mountain train Visp-Zermatt (hourly connections); it takes 1 1/2 hrs and is a scenic trip! There are hourly train connections to Visp from Bern (1 h 55 min), from Lausanne (1 h 40 min), from Zurich (2 h 9 min) and from Geneva (2 h 20 min).
Budget accommodation:
Matterhorn Hostel, Schluhmattstrasse 32 ( 027 968 19 19)
Zermatt Youth Hostel, Staldenweg 5 (027 967 23 20)
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