Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt in winter
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_zermatt.jpg
Author: Gürkan Sengün


Zermatt is a small German-speaking village in Visp district, in Valais canton, Switzerland. Covering 24 sq km (62 sq mi), it has a population of just under 6,000 people (2011). Located in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is 1,608 m (5,276 ft) above sea level, at the end of the Mattertal valley, surrounded by towering peaks.

Zermatt, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3978_-_Zermatt_and_Riffelalp_viewed_from_Riffelberg.JPG
Author: Andrew Bossi


The name Zermatt is derived from "zur Matte", meaning "in the meadow", just as Mattertal means "meadow valley". Its post famous sight is the Matterhorn peak, whose name translates as "meadow peak". The mountain looms over the village of Zermatt and is one of the most iconic sights in Switzerland. Zermatt is today a popular tourist destination and famous ski and mountain-climbing resort. The history of mountain climbing in Zermatt goes back to the first and ultimately tragic climb up the Matterhorn in 1865. This blazed a trail for latter climbers, resulting in Zermatt transforming from a farming village to a tourist resort.

The Matterhorn as seen from Zermatt
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Matterhorn_from_Zermatt3.jpg
Author: Zermatt photos


To keep the village pollution free, combustion-engine cars are not allowed into Zermatt. Only battery driven vehicles can be used in the village, while electric vehicles are allowed for businesses. The only combustion-engine vehicles in Zermatt are the emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances.

Many people visit Zermatt for skiing holidays. The main ski areas in the village are Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee. Most of these ski sites are reached by funicular railway, gondola rides, lifts and cable cars.

From Zermatt, you can get splendid views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. This panoramic view is the reason many tourists converge on the village every year.

Visiting Zermatt

Most people get to Zermatt by taking the cog railway train from Täsch. There are also trains from the towns of Visp and Brig, from there you can connect to other trains in the country.

Sights & Attractions in Zermatt

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