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Published: April 18th 2007
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The Matterhorn Reflection in a Lake
This is the view from one the walks you can do from the Gonergrat railway. The scenery really inspires you and your lungs crave the fresh mountain air. Most people have heard of the Matterhorn; the famous mountain in Switzerland. It is over 4,000 metres high and is well and truly part of the Swiss Alps. Zermatt is the perfect place to base yourself for your European Alps experience. Zermatt is almost always busy with tourists. In winter, it is a playground for skiing, snowboarding and for those who just like to see the town blanketed with bright white snow. But summer also is busy because people come to see the views and sunshine. To get to Zermatt, I took the Glacier Express train ride through some of the worlds most amazing scenery and views (see the photos). I would strongly recommend this if you can afford it, as the trains windows give you total 360 degree views. There is not a bad seat on the train as far as viewing goes. To describe in print is really difficult and just doesnt capture the experience. . Trust me, buy a Eurail Swiss Pass before setting off from home. Reservations are essential for this particular ride and a supplement is payable. For what you get the cost is super reasonable. **** Zermatt is the last stop for the Galcier
Playing the Swiss Horn
Just one of those things. Happened to be walking by and saw them playing the Swiss Horn. Sounded eerie on a peaceful morning Express. You will notice when disembarking the train that there are electric cars, buses and taxis buzzing around everywhere. This is because the environment is so pristine that petrol cars are forbidden. Thats right no gas stations in Zermatt!!! Every automobile is electric. Its not really a big place so finding your way around is no trouble. And English is widely sopken. **** As far as accomodation goes, there are a few decent size hotels, a youth hostel, and a lot of medium size hotels. I had no drama as I booked ahead, but speaking to the locals, I was told that often people come into town without a reservation and either end up having to take what is available (often expensive) or not get accomodation at all. Having been here, I would strongly advise booking ahead (especially weekends). Its the kind of place where if there are a few tour groups in town hotels can fill up quickly. Zermatt is a beautiful little place on its own merits, but because of its proximity to the Alps ( and the Matterhorn) lots of people want to go there. **** Now, you may think that its a big hike to see
Native Deer
Yes, this is my photo!! I was amazed to see a native deer licking melted snow off the top of this post. This is taken at the top of the Gonergrat railway the Matterhorn, but that is NOT the case. In fact on a clear day you can get a great vantage point from Zermatt itself. But if you get a chance, you have to take the Gonergrat railway up the mountains. Its a ride you will always remember (in Feb 2007 it cost 72 Swiss Francs per adult return BUT with a Swiss Rail Pass you get 2 for 1 tickets). Once up the top there are 5 or 6 walks varying from 30 minutes to about 3 hours. The track always comes back and meets the Gonergrat stations so you can get on or off the train when you like, go for a walk, then get on the train again. Its easy!! The air up in the Alps is so crisp and fresh I wanted to put some in my backpack and bring it back to Australia. Breathe deep and take it in... you'll never breathe fresher air anywhere. At the top of the rail ride there is a buffet restaurant with hot coffee (mmm). And also a souvenir shop. Now they could rip you off, but surprisingly they dont. The prices are a bit higher than Zermatt, but OK
Main Street of Zermatt- Flowers in Bloom in Summer
Theres a unique feel about Zermatt. In the middle of summer, you can see the snow-capped peaks and still walk down a street with flowers lining all the balconies for Switzerland. **** The Matterhorn is set amongst a mountain range where there are 29 peaks over 4,ooo metres so the views are spectacular. Old or young, its a great day out and makes for some magnificent photo opportunities. There are glaciers, jagged peaks, deep valleys, lakes and scenic vistas in abundance. I loved it. **** Zermatt locals are friendly people. Most are happy to have a chat and answer your questions. They arent in a rush and are super helpful. The town of Zermatt is quaint and you can most probably walk around the main part of town in a few hours. But just because you have SEEN it doesnt mean you have EXPERIENCED it. Get into the pubs and restaurants, wander down the side alleys, mingle with the locals and take it in. Most tourists dont know, but there is a small supermarket in town. See if you can find it. Most tourists dont!! This is the kind of thing that gets you out your comfort zone. Yes, if it wasn't so cold in winter, I could live here. Thanks for reading my blog. Cheers, Crackly. **** I also have blogs on Andorra, Slovenia and Lichtenstein.
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Linh
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Best duration of stay
How many days would be best in your experience to get the most out of it for those who do not have many days to spend?