Zermatt, Switzerland & the Mighty Matterhorn (300 Words)
Fairytale village in Southern Switzerland in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Super expensive ski resort; some people still on the slopes in mid-May.Hiking & Mountain Biking popular in summer.
No cars allowed - only small electric vehicles.
Special train from Visp to Zermatt: 36 Francs each way or discounted to 27 Francs with Eurail pass. Beautiful scenery!
Matterhorn Hostel
33 Francs/night/person
More like military barracks. Bottom bunks too low to sit up straight so mind your head. Wifi was ok. Check-in only 16:00 - 21:00. Breakfast = additional 8 Francs/person 7:30 - 9:30.
We hiked to Riffelalp, the first third of the the trek to the summit of Gornergrat. Incredible views of the Matterhorn during the hike.
I used a walking stick named Sven until my sister spotted a stray ski pole that was probably only recently revealed once enough snow melted.
Cable cars & gondolas take you to the top of Gornegrat (observatory & shopping) or Klein Matterhorn (Glacier Paradise) for a hefty price.
Dinner at Cafe Du Pont; oldest restaurant in Zermatt. Fondue with herbs and Kirsch Schnapps served hot and bubbling in a red pot along with bread and potatoes.
The proper way to eat this traditional Swiss meal is to cut up the potatoes on your plate & dip pieces of bread into the pot; some cheese drips off the bread & covers the potatoes. Alternate bites of bread and potatoes.
Paired with salad and a local Vallais white wine called Hieda. (Many vineyards in the area.)
The following morning the valley was foggy and cold. Like waking up in the middle of a cloud.
Fun fact: The Matterhorn is the inspiration for the shape of the famous Swiss Toblerone chocolates & the peak featured on its packaging.