Zermatt’s location offers an Alpine experience like few other resorts in the world. Whilst the magnificent Matterhorn dominates the skyline, 38 of Switzerland’s 4000 metre peaks also surround the town. The views from the tops of all the ski lifts (the main lifts up can also be used by non-skiers) are fantastic and are worth the price of the ski pass alone.
Lying at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn you will find the bustling town of Zermatt. Whilst the year round population is a modest 5700 plus. The resort swells enormously in the busy winter and summer high season weeks.
The village is car-free. However, getting around is easy whether you are on foot, using the free (during the winter season) electric bus service or hopping in to one of the many electric taxis to hand. Alternatively, you can take a horse drawn carriage or sleigh for a romantic view of the resort.
Being such a sought-after holiday destination by many, means that Zermatt boasts a wide range of excellent hotels and restaurants. From basic B&Bs (called Hotel Garni’s) to luxury five star hotels, from traditional fondue to sushi, there is something to suit every taste and budget.
Most of the shops, bars and restaurants are found on the Bahnhofstrasse, which runs almost the length of town from the train station to the church. Alongside the traditional watches and cuckoo clocks, you can find everything from designer clothing to kitchenware.
If you want to experience more of the old Zermatt, you can take yourself away to explore the romantic old village with houses dating back 500 years, or pop in to the Alpine museum to learn about the mountaineering heritage that played a huge role in transforming this once small farming village in to the iconic resort that it is today.
Planes, trains and automobiles, oh and helicopters! Zermatt has a reputation of being hard to get to. It is not the closest ski resort to major airports (one of the reasons it’s a bit quieter!) but with recent changes and Swiss transport it is really easy to get here.