Zermatt

They say theres always light at the end of the tunnel; This is how I would describe my journey. My getaway to Zermatt started with a few complications, but at the end of the day it was one of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever had.

The train journey from Geneva to Zermatt takes almost four hours, therefore I wanted to get the train as early as possible to be sure I would make the most out of my time there. So my train was due to leave at 8 from the Gare Cornavin. Therefore I woke up at 6. 30 which was a nightmare – Anyway I take the bus to Carouge Rondeau and supposedly from there take the tram to the station. It turns out that half way down the service is interrupted between Carouge and Planpalais, therefore I was left to walk to Planpalais (keeping in mind it was already 7. 30 and I was hoping to buy some food for the journey). It was windy as hell, my bag is incredibly heavy as im carrying my laptop, camera, extra lense and diary so I was half power walking half dying of stress. When I finally made it to Planpalais, the only bus that actually came was the 12, which meant that I had to get off again at Bel Air cité and change with another tram from there to reach the station. When I arrived at the station I decided that I wouldn’t have time to go to the supermarket so I just stop at a pastisserie and order a Brioche au Raisin. Then I go to the platform and guess what? Time seemd to completely slow down and I ended up waiting a whole 10 minutes for the train whilst I could have gone to get some proper food!

After all the stress I was finally on the journey to one of the most beautiful places in the world, and this very train journey was probably the closest thing I would ever get to living a fairytale. It was a winter wonderland; It felt like I had jumped into the film Frozen. Driving from Geneva to Visp is already very scenic, with large mountains covered in snow and sweet little houses which look like living there would be living the dream. But the train journey from Visp to Zermatt is something else and I am so grateful to be able to experience this. I had the sun shining in my face whilst the train is almost gliding across the snow. I was surrounded by evergreen trees sprinkled with snow, little rivers and streams with icey white water sprinkling downwards and gigantic mountains which to me are the most beautiful kinds of scenery.

Although you would think that being in -11 degrees (or even -17 on top of the mountain) is massively uncomfortable, for me it is only an excitement. My first time at such freezing temperatures I feel so happy – then again I have to get used to the cold for my next getaway in Prague!

Once arrived in Zermatt I went to the tourist office to grab a map and some interesting information I will share with you to ensure you make the most out of the trip here. Considering I do not want to be too late returning to Geneva (also because I have an exam tomorrow [as you do]) my activities will be quite limited but I will write everything important to do here so that if you plan on visiting Zermatt you have a complete itinerary.

My first stop was the Gornegratt station (opposite the main train station) to grab a cog train to Gornegratt Mountain. I have read that this is the best place to get a magnificent view of the Matterhorn. Tickets are slightly expensive unless you have the half fare card : 58 CHF. But I can guarantee that if there is one mountain you have to go up then this has got to be the one. The journey up to the top is magical, you go up a steep hill with the Matterhorn constantly on your right and the little village of Zermatt slowly disappearing into the valley. It is beyond breath-taking. Once you get to the top it is incredibly cold but you forget about the temperature when the beauty of nature surrounds you. When I finally made it to the top (the journey took around 20 minutes) no words can describe the feeling. You are surrounded by a duotone of white and blue. The Matterhorn is they’re looking as mesmerizing as ever. But that is not the only beauty; you have a whole 360-degree view of mountains surrounding you. There is a chalet at the top of the mountain where you can grab a bite to eat in both the self-service part and the restaurant. Then you can walk around to the panoramic spot to get an even better view of your surroundings – however bare in mind to walk slow and take some breaks as you walk up- the thin air and the freezing temperatures made it quite difficult to breathe. I spent a total of two hours and a half up here (half an hour was spent charging my phone which decided to die on me at 30% presumably because the battery froze).

Zermatt village is spectacular in itself. This little, car-free village is so unique and interesting it is worth spending an hour or so having a walk around and maybe sitting down in a café for some hot chocolate. For example I passed a café, which looked very nice called Petit Royal. Furthermore the village is filled with a lot of history. You must take a walk through the old part of the village. You take a right at Hinterdorf – this is the oldest past of Zermatt. Here you will see some barns and stables built between the fifteenth – nineteenth centuries. You can carry on walking until the river and turn right down Bachstrasse. You walk until you see Kirchstrasse on your right which is where three of the most important sights in Zermatt are. The first being the Mountaineer’s cemetery, which is where the many climbers who lost there lives on the Matterhorn or the surrounding mountains are buried. Since 1865 there have been more than 500 deaths so it is quite an iconic and important thing to have a look at in my opinion. Next to the cemetery is the Anglican church of St. Peters. This majestic church is the main church of Zermatt, it Is one of the highest buildings of the village and worth seeing.

Walking up from the church back to Banhofstrasse there is the Matterhorn museum. In my opinion you should have a look at this museum to understand the history behind this magnificent village. Tickets cost 10 CHF for adults and 8 CHF for students, the museum is quite small but I did learn a significant amount about the legacy Zermatt. There is a story about 7 climbers went up the Matterhorn, Edward Whymper who was a British climber, three Swiss guides and three english tourists. However arrived at the peak it is said that the rope snapped taking down four of the climbers. Since then there has been debate on whether one of the guides cut the rope to save himself and the other two men, or if it was an accident. This incident has changed the life in Zermatt as it was one of the most significant events that happened. In the museum you will understand in more detail this legend as they have a video demonstrating the accident and they also have some objects dating back to the terrible accident.

My last stop before returning home is the Focus Matterhorn Hotel – I thought that I couldn’t come to Switzerland without trying out a Spa with a view. So I made my way across the village, which only took me 15 mintues to walk. The Focus Matterhorn Hotel is located up the Schuhmattstrasse just after the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

This hotel is absolute luxury, you walk in by taking a lift from -2 to the ground floor and you are greeted by the reception. The first thing I did was order a green tea; after walking fifteen minutes in -11 degrees I was in need of a hot drink to warm me up. The lounge was such a cosy atmosphere with a little fire, fur blankets and huge comfortable sofas. After my tea it was time to enter the spa. This is the most spectacular spa I have ever been to, simply because it is combining two of my favourite things – Relaxation and Mountains – the indoor pool has a gigantic glass window with the view over the mountains and the dimmed blue/green lights really set the mood. They also have an outdoor heated pool which as much as I would have loved to go in, I couldn’t simply because I probably would have died from hyperthermia. Having an afternoon in the Spa was a perfect way to end this incredible experience. But unfortunately as much as I would have loved to stay in this beautiful Hotel I had an exam to study for so I left around 18. 00, arriving in Geneva for 22. 00.

Other things to do in Zermatt:

Sunnegga & Rothorn:

The Sunnegga is a 5 minute cable car ride. It is advised to do in the spring or summer as it is an idyllic, relaxing spot where you can go marmot-watching by the Leisee lake. Furthermore from the Rothorn you will have a spectacular view of the Matterhorn.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

I was advised by the information desk that this is the best excursion; whether you are skiing or simply are here for the vies. It is also the priciest excursion with tickets costing 100 CHF return. You will be taken to a height of 1. 883 m but will experience a 360 degree panoramic view over 38 alpine peaks. You will have a view over the French, the Italian and the Swiss mountains.

Schwarzee:

You can take the Matterhorn-Express from Zermatt which will take you to the foot of the Matterhorn in just over 10 minutes. Here you will find a lake and a chapel. This is a beautiful walk, both for a family and for couples. You will also find some interactive theme paths from where you can learn about the glaciers.

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