Vacation under the deer mountain - at the foot of the Matterhorn
Do you dream of relaxing in an alpine village straight from postcards? Visit Zermatt. Come here in summer and you will fall in love with flowery balconies and home vegetable gardens. You will be captivated by wooden granaries supported by stone supports. The view of the dignified mountain visible from between the roofs will accompany you every day.
Zermatt is a beautiful alpine village with an amazing climate. It provides spectacular views and we don't just mean one of the most famous peaks in the world. Although there is no denying it, the Matterhorn attracts lovers of alpine landscapes. The star of the region is located on the border between Italy and Switzerland. In Italian, its name is Monte Cervino, meaning Góra Jeleni. It measures 4,478 m above sea level. Its shape is known to absolutely everyone, even if they prefer other activities than hiking in the mountains. You can see it, for example, on a Toblerone chocolate package.
Zermatt - at the foot of the symbol mountain
Without a doubt, Zermatt is one of the most famous mountain resorts in all of Switzerland. Its location is the main factor behind its popularity. Tourists visit it crowds because of its location at the foot of the most characteristic peak of the continent (some say and the world). Besides, it is an important ski resort. Winter sports fans have almost 400 km of ski slopes, over 50 gondola lifts and lifts to themselves.
If you are planning to go here, you must know that you will not drive to Zermatt by car. The village is closed to car traffic. You will only get to Tasch (Täsch), and there you will have to leave your vehicle and continue your journey by train. The Matterhorn Terminal Tasch is a covered car park and a train station at the same time. The train runs to Zermatt every 20 minutes. He drives a 5 km long route in less than a quarter of an hour.
By cable car to the peak of Klein Matterhorn
One of the many attractions of Zermatt is the possibility of reaching the peak of Klein Matterhorn. For many people this is obvious, but to be sure it's worth noting that it is not the same as the Matterhorn. Experienced mountaineers climb the latter. On the other hand, everyone can get to the Klein Matterhorn - although it is better if they are in the right condition. We explain a bit further why.
The Klein Matterhorn is reached by a cable car from Zermatt (Zermatt Bergbahnen AG). It runs all year round and the journey takes 45 minutes. The upper station is located at 3820 m above sea level, which makes it the highest situated cable car in Europe. The summit itself is 3,883 meters above sea level, and is located in the Pennine Alps. The last few meters must be covered on foot, climbing the metal stairs. There is snow here all year round, which makes skiers and "ordinary" tourists extremely happy.
What awaits at the end of the tour? Panoramic view of the largest glacier in the Alps and almost 40 majestic peaks that are the pride of several countries. Here you will see the mountains of Switzerland, Italy and France, including the highest alpine peak, Mont Blanc. One of the largest ski regions in Europe can be seen far below, accessible all year round. There is really something to be delighted with.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise attractions
We mentioned good condition for a reason. The difference in height, and above all pressure and air, is clearly noticeable after leaving the car. And you can react to it in different ways. In less than an hour, the cable car covers a distance that would take at least two days on foot. There is no time for acclimatization, which can be seen already at the stairs. The thinned air is not conducive to exercise. As a result, most tourists will get tired and gasp before reaching the top. The stairs may look innocent, but try not to get out of breath. This is a real challenge.
There is a breathtaking panorama from the viewing platform. You can lose track of time here, especially when you don't know what to admire in the first place. In the end, however, you have to get off the top. The next stage may be taking the elevator to the ice grotto, i.e. the Ice Palace. After all, another name for Klein Matterhorn is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The Ice Palace is the highest attraction of its kind in the world. There are opinions that it is a beautiful but commercial place, but it is worth seeing. There is only ice inside the mountain, but what ice! Here you will see a multitude of sculptures made in ice, ranging from the king's palace throne to an Audi car. The whole building is properly lit, which makes a huge impression on the visitors.
Klein Matterhorn is also a place where you can eat lunch. The restaurant serves classic dishes. There is a souvenir shop here - with prices adequate to the height at which it is located. The mentioned restaurant also has, nomen omen, exorbitant rates, but you will quickly forget the amount on the bill while sipping your coffee by the panoramic window.
After leaving the Ice Palace and leaving the observation deck, you can go back down or rest on the slope. Avid skiers have the opportunity to go skiing regardless of the season. Climbing enthusiasts can go to one of the four-thousanders. For those with experience, for example, Breithorn.
Zermatt in summer - what can you do here?
There is no doubt that Zermatt has plenty to do in winter. Don't think, however, that in summer there is nothing to do in this ski resort. On the contrary! In warm months, you will meet dozens of mountain lovers on the nearby trails. Hundreds of kilometers of beautiful routes attract hockey fans like a magnet. The paths stretch around the village, leading through picturesque mountainous areas. Imagine trekking with a view of the Swiss, Italian or French Alps. Consider the Gornergrat to which the cog railway leads. Its highest and last station as well as the hotel are located under the rocky ridge. You will be amazed by the amazing routes, and above all the spectacular panorama of the Matterhorn and the glacier. The four-thousanders adorning the landscape are tempting, on the other hand, for mountaineers. Do you love challenges? You have a lot to show off here when it comes to climbing.
Zermatt can be safely called a paradise for hikers, but it is also a destination for fans of two wheels. The trails are extremely interesting and quite long. Thanks to the roller coasters (or your own legs), you will reach bicycle routes of various difficulty levels, including those of an enduro or DH character. An example would be route No. 4 - going down it will bring a lot of fun to people with more skills. For those less advanced, we recommend route 21 from Furi to Schwarzsee. The ascent can tire, but it will not overcome those who like being active in the saddle.
The new Flow Trail on Sunnegga is also worth mentioning. Its length is 9 km, and the route itself provides a number of attractions for both beginners and advanced. Those who prefer a sharper ride will prove themselves on the trails around Schwarzsee.
An intimate campsite close to Zermatt
Zermatt is a very popular town, so it is not surprising that it has an extensive tourist infrastructure. Fans of mountain landscapes and activities come here all year round from all over Europe. Luxurious guesthouses and hotels await them. If you plan to visit this region at least once, you have a large selection of accommodation. If you like to sleep in a tent, you will love Camping Zermatt . It is waiting for guests from June to September.
The facility is located right next to the village, close to the train and bus stations. It is a tiny campsite that offers tents for guests. It has a grassy surface, a designated barbecue area and access to hot and cold water. Holidaymakers will find peace and quiet here. A supermarket is a stone's throw away, so you won't have any problems with supplies. You can also stay there without your own tent - it is possible to rent it (a tent for 2 or 3 people).
We strongly encourage you to come to the Jeleni Mountain. There are opinions online that after getting to know Zermatt, no other place will delight you. However, we are sure that this risk is worth taking.
A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)
