Zermatt General Tips

by HORSCHECK,
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HORSCHECK and the
Matterhorn

As the weather was fine on our second day we decided for a longer hike. At first we took the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga Paradise (2288 m). This was the starting point for a hike along the lakes Leisee and Grindjisee to the lake Grünsee (2300 m). From there we went via Riffelboden (2348 m) to the Riffelalp (2200 m) where we took a rest in the Restaurant Alphitta. During this walk the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains are almost always visible. Apart from that, the Gornergrat railway and the famous Riffelalp tram can be seen on this walk. This part of the hike took us about 3,5 h, including many photo stops. Please read "Hike: Riffelalp to Zermatt (Winkelmatten)" about how to get back to Zermatt


	Hike: Zermatt to Z'Mutt	Tip Rating:

Updated By HORSCHECK

on September 1, 2007

by HORSCHECK, 3 more photos
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Trail to Z'Mutt

After our arrival in Zermatt around late midday we wanted to head off for a first hike to explore our immediate surroundings. We decided to walk to Z'Mutt which is a pretty little hamlet with two restaurants for hikers. It is located at 1936 m south of Zermatt (1620 m). Depending on your level of fitness you can choose between at least 3 possibilities to get to Z'Mutt. The quickest and most direct way follows the valley and takes only about one hour (upwards), whereas longer versions lead on smaller paths along the mountains and offer panoramic views of Zermatt and the valley. All possibilities are well signposted and you almost can't get lost. Upwards we chose a way along the smaller paths and downwards we went along the valley. To find the start of the paths just go to the district Oberdorf at the southwestern end of Zermatt. Look for signs directing to Z'Mutt.


	Hike: Riffelalp to Zermatt (Winkelmatten)	Tip Rating:

Updated By HORSCHECK

on September 1, 2007

by HORSCHECK, 1 more photos
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Start of the Arvenweg

After our hike from Sunnegga paradise to Riffelalp (2200 m) we had two options to get back to Zermatt (1620 m). Either take the Gornergrat railway or follow the Arvenweg (Swiss stone pine trail). As the weather was fine and we were still in good shape we decided to follow the Arvenweg downwards. The trail starts opposite to the Riffelalp station and leads in steep serpentines through a pine and larch forest downwards to Winkelmatten which is a district of Zermatt. The trail is about 4,5 km long and the difference in altitude is more than 600 m. It took us 2 h to get to Zermatt as walking downwards on such a steep trail can be pretty exhausting. The way is well signposted and has good vantage points for panoramic views of Zermatt.


	Matterhorn	Tip Rating:

Updated By HORSCHECK

on September 1, 2007

by HORSCHECK,
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Matterhorn

Of course most people come to Zermatt to see the famous Matterhorn mountain. Interesting enough with 4478 m in height it isn't Switzerland's highest mountain, which is the Monte Rosa (4634 m). Both mountains belong to the Pennine Alps. The fascinating fact about the Matterhorn is that it doesn't belong to a mountain massif and is therefore clearly identifiable. The first ascent of the Matterhorn took place on the 14th July 1865 by a group led by Edward Whymper. On clear days the Matterhorn can already be seen from Zermatt. Most hikes in the region offer panoramic views of the Matterhorn. For more details please read my "Hike: Sunnegga Paradise to Riffelalp" tip.


	Alpine flora and fauna	Tip Rating:

Updated By HORSCHECK

on September 1, 2007

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Valais Blackneck Goats

The Alp regions offer a wide range of wildlife and native flora. On our hikes we saw quite a few interesting animals, flowers and plants. Among the animals was the "Valais Blackneck Goat" which is mainly located in the Canton of Valais. It is usually long haired and has a typical black forequarter and white hindquarter. Besides many other colourful flowers, we saw several "Silver thistles" (Carlina acaulis). It is a proteced alpine plant which can be found in regions of central and southern Europe.


	The weather	Tip Rating:

Updated By eurotravels

on January 2, 2005

by eurotravels
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The Matterhorn

It’s worth noting that the Matterhorn clouds over pretty quickly. It seemed crystal clear when we set off on our trip but within an hour or so little of it was visible even though we had great views of the surrounding mountains. We got some nice shots from the Monte Rosa aspect of the Matterhorn. You will need to take walking boots and pick a totally clear and still day. Allow plenty of time.


	FLOWERS	Tip Rating:

Updated By JudyinPA

on October 10, 2002

by JudyinPA
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SOME OF THE HOTELS HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ADORNED BALCONIES WITH VERY COLORFUL FLOWERS.

THE MOUNTAINS AROUND ZERMATT IS IT'S BEST FEATURE TO ME. I CAN'T HIKE FAR BUT WITH THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS THEY HAVE I AM ABLE TO GET UP THERE TO SEE ONE OF THE BEST VIEWS OF EUROPE.


	Schwarzsee - Black Lake	Tip Rating:

Updated By sandysmith

on July 24, 2004

by sandysmith
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Schwarzsee and chapel

The Schwarzsee cable-car takes you up high to nearly the foot of the Matterhorn. There is a pretty little lake here of the same name (means Black Lake). This was the only reflection pic I got from our visit in 2003 so I have to include it - a tiny chapel by the lake is reflected in the clear water. The Chapel of the Holy Mary of the Snow was built by three grateful Italian climbers who, whilst fearing for their lives in a terrible storm at Schwarzsee, pledged to erect a chapel to the Lord if they survived.


	A winter scene????	Tip Rating:

Updated By sandysmith

on September 6, 2002

by sandysmith
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A fond memory was the view of the town on the day we left. We had a snowfall the day before but now the sun was cracking the flags again and the mountains were resplendent with a fresh coating of snow..... This was the view from the square near our hotel.


	Sunsets fast in the mountains	Tip Rating:

Updated By herzog63

on January 31, 2003

by herzog63
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Late Afternoon over Zermatt

On one of my longer hikes the sun set very fast and I wasn't prepared for it! At this point I'm about half way on the trail back to town and the sun is setting as it was late afternoon. My last 1½ hours of the hike were done in the night without any flashlight or moonlight to see by! You can see in the picture it is already getting darker in town as the sun goes behind the mountains.