A brilliant, life-affirming morning unfolds in the Swiss alpine resort of Zermatt, a destination that captivates beyond its famous winter ski season. This car-free village, sitting at an altitude of about 1600 metres, offers a stunning summer playground for hikers, climbers, and those seeking breathtaking scenery.
A Charming Alpine Base: Hotel Chesa Valese
For visitors on the nine-day Best of Switzerland tour with Globus, a charming stay at Hotel Chesa Valese provides the perfect base. This traditional alpine hotel blends modern comforts with old-world charm, its wooden facade adorned with vibrant flowers. Inside, photographs and mementos pay tribute to the pioneering mountaineers who put Zermatt on the map in the 19th century.
After a hearty buffet breakfast featuring local fruits, pastries, cheeses, and hams, it's time to explore. Despite the T-shirt weather, a distinct chill is felt near the gushing Matter Vispa River, a reminder of the snow-capped peak that dominates the horizon.
The Mesmerising Presence of the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn, rising 4478 metres on the Swiss-Italian border, is an ever-present, mesmerising sight. Its history is etched with both triumph and tragedy. In 1865, the same year Lewis Carroll published Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Englishman Edward Whymper led the first successful summit expedition. This achievement was marred by disaster when four of the seven climbers fell to their deaths during the descent.
The village's Matterhorn Museum documents this and other historic alpine feats. While waiting for it to open, a stroll through Zermatt's traffic-free streets reveals a quiet hum of electric carts, ferrying guests to and from the rail and cable car stations.
Summer Trails and Alpine Serenity
While skiers flock in winter, the warmer months yield a raft of activities. Following signposted trails south of the village leads past grassy, wildflower-tickled foothills below the Matterhorn. The air is filled with the sound of chirping birds and insects, the tingling bells of Valais blacknose sheep, and the soothing aroma of pine forests.
The walk offers lung-busting exercise, more challenging than in lower-altitude Swiss stops like Lugano. Cable cars drift silently above the valley, carrying travellers to panoramic viewpoints. For those seeking a picturesque, not overly strenuous walk, the network of tranquil trails around Zermatt is perfect for soaking in the spectacular alpine beauty.
The Globus Best of Switzerland tour, which runs between May and October, includes two nights in Zermatt alongside stays in St Moritz, Lugano, Montreux, Lucerne, and Zurich. The tour starts and ends in Zurich, with prices from $6740 per person based on double occupancy.
