Zermatt Holiday Accommodation In Switzerland
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Easily accessible from all points in Switzerland and beyond, Zermatt has become a very special location to enjoy walking, hiking, skiing or just a relaxing holiday away from it all! The famous Matterhorn at almost 4,500 metres high, towers majestically above the village and whether in full sunshine or covered in snow, it is easily the biggest talking point for visitors and residents alike. The Matterhorn is Switzerland’s most famous landmark – it’s the most beautiful mountain in the world and is considered by many mountain climbers and skiers to be their ‘peak of all peaks’.
Getting there
Swiss railways must be ranked among the best in Europe, if not the world, and by choosing Zermatt as your holiday destination you’ll find you are in safe hands, knowing they are usually spotlessly clean and that all trains run to time! Depending on your initial travel arrangements to Switzerland, onward train travel is ideal from Geneva or Zurich as they both have stations within the airports, with just one change at Visp required en-route to Zermatt. Travel times do vary, approx 3 hours from Geneva and around 4 hours from Zurich, but the journey won’t seem that long with so much scenery to enjoy along the way. Upon arrival you’ll find the train station is in the main street and there is ample opportunity there to make contact with the holiday apartment owner for your collection.
Zermatt is a ‘car-free’ area, only ‘electrically driven’ vehicles are permitted in Zermatt and some of these may be Taxis, although most hotels seem to have their own vehicle for the ‘pick up’ service. Zermatt is enjoyed best on foot, as there is no problem with noisy or congested traffic.
Motorists who drive to this region must use the ‘Matterhorn Park Haus’ at the nearby village of Tasch to park the car for the duration of their stay, and then catch the shuttle from the new train station, for the very short journey into the resort of Zermatt.
Really the size of a small town, Zermatt is a delightful place which now provides almost 1600 chalets in Zermatt that are available for holidaymakers to rent throughout the year. Apartments to rent are modern, comfortable and suitable for all your requirements. For the first time visitor it will seem like a “home from home” holiday. Most apartments are fully equipped, furnished with every conceivable necessity and generally accommodate from 2 to 10 or more holidaymakers. With such a comprehensive choice on offer, they are ideal for both summer and winter visitors, especially those in groups or with families who may not wish to stay in hotels.
Winter in Zermatt
In winter, ‘picture postcard’ Zermatt is popular with skiers, snow boarders and cross- country walkers who arrive from all over Europe. They enjoy everything that Zermatt has to offer, including the snowy mountains, alpine sports and dining out. The village has numerous shops and pretty boutiques, selling more fashion wear and the latest designs in winter sports clothing and ski-wear than you could imagine. Although many newcomers discover skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt each year, they all find good holiday rental accommodation quite easily and often it’s close to the centre of this picturesque resort. For experienced skiers arriving in Zermatt, the challenging ski-runs and off-piste powder snow conditions that surround the famous Matterhorn are just 2 of the big attractions. The Italian resort of Cervinia is great to visit when skiing for the day. Take the route to ski via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, it’s a very possible stop for lunch.
The Mountains
All year round, there are several points at which to access the mountains, either by train, cable-car or gondola. The local Tourist Information office will provide you with the very best maps, guides and train timetables for use during your holiday, most completely Free of charge. You’ll find at least 3 main routes from which to enjoy an ‘adventure’ directly into the mountains.
Route 1 – Zermatt-Sunnegga Paradise-Rothorn Paradise
Route 2 – Zermatt-Rifflealp-Riffgleberg-Gornegrat
Route 3 – Zermatt-Furi-Schwarzee Paradise-Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Winter visitors just need to purchase a ski pass and / or train ticket for any chosen destination and can generally get on and off at any station along the route. Most high mountain areas provide suitable rest areas and good catering facilities. Don’t forget your camera!
Summer in Zermatt
The spring and summertime in Zermatt is generally a beautiful time to visit, and it feels invigorating just to breathe in the pure clean and fresh mountain air. The summer temperatures are much warmer than other parts of Northern Europe and the need for sun protection is just as important, but when walking at higher altitudes it’s advisable to carry an extra jumper or fleece as the high mountain air can be cooler.
Getting around is easy for most holidaymakers, and being a ‘car-free’ zone with only electric vehicles, taxis, utility and service vehicles allowed into the village, visitors are not restricted in anyway. All the main thoroughfare and surrounding areas are mostly on the level, with good roads and pathways for walking, but higher areas can be reached either via steps, taxi, the Gornergrat train service or some next level lifts adjacent to the ski lift / gondola stations. Summer visitors can just take things leisurely, sunbathe in a comfortable spot or simply stroll around the shops and restaurants gradually getting to know the village and its people. To access the mountains, just purchase a train / gondola ticket for each chosen location. As in winter, it’s generally permissible to get on and off at any station along the route, at no extra cost. Most high mountain areas provide really good rest areas and catering facilities. Once again, the camera is a must!
Adults and children of all ages can and do enjoy the endless opportunities that Zermatt has to offer. It’s a great place for families to spend time together, in a relaxed and unhurried region that’s full of fantastic sights and spectacular scenery.
About the Author
Paul is a UK travel writer, specialising in holiday destinations worldwide. Paul travels the UAE and assists in the management of online Holiday villas which forms an increasing collection of articles, top-tips and travel resources.
How do train timetables work – by InterRailNet.Com
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Europe International Passenger (Train) Timetable (1985) – BOOK $6.95 |
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1956 THROUGH ALL EUROPE BY TRAIN TIMETABLE C.I.C.E. $14.99 |
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European Rail Timetable Winter 2011/12: Special seasonal editions of our hugely popular European timetable $14.43 Published twice a year, these special Summer and Winter editions are based on the June and December issues of the monthly European Rail Timetable. As well as extensive rail and ferry timings for the whole of Europe, they include a guide to European rail passes and a special section containing invaluable country-by-country travel information. · Unique – Highly targeted to the in… |
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European Rail Timetable Summer 2011 $14.43 Published twice a year, these special Summer and Winter editions are based on the June & December issues of the monthly European Rail Timetable. As well as extensive rail and ferry timings for the whole of Europe, they include a guide to European rail passes and a special section containing invaluable country-by-country travel information…. |
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