Zermatt

Zermatt is a municipality in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, at the northern end of the Mattertal in the Swiss Alps, near the Italian border. The village sits at about 1,620 meters above sea level and is best known for its proximity to the Matterhorn, one of the most photographed mountains in the world.

Zermatt is a car-free village; private vehicles are not allowed, and access is by train or electric transport. The main gateway is Täsch, reached by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Zermatt; travelers park in Täsch and take a shuttle train or taxi into Zermatt. The town emphasizes environmental sustainability, with electric buses and pedestrian-friendly streets.

The area is a major year-round mountain resort. In winter, it offers extensive skiing and snowboarding, often linked with the Italian resort of Cervinia as part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. In summer, visitors hike and mountaineer amid Alpine scenery. The Gornergrat Railway, opened in the 1890s, climbs from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit (3,089 m) for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Matterhorn. The Klein Matterhorn cable car reaches 3,883 m, providing access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and year-round ice and snow experiences.

Historically, Zermatt developed as a mountaineering center in the 19th century, drawing explorers and tourists following the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. The town features traditional chalet architecture and a pedestrian core with shops, hotels, and restaurants.