The Matterhorn

It's hard to describe the scene from the top of the Gornergrat. You take a cog-wheel train from Zermatt at 1,800m up to the Gornergrat peak at 3,112 meters (10,210 feet).  Sweeping in a full panorama, you are surrounded by twenty-nine 4,000+ meter peaks, a tremendous glacier carves its way through the mountains, and the Matterhorn is perfectly framed as the lord of all.  It is the most striking view I have ever seen. And rather than try to put it into words, I'll show you with pictures and a short little video...

Also it must be noted, that I might have been the first person above 10,000 feet to wear linen pants (What? I was coming from Provence!).

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is an adorable little alpine village. Nestled at 1800 meters (5,900 feet) at the foot of the Matterhorn, it has thrived for hundreds of years. Napoleon used this site to create the first railway through the Alps to Milan (before there was even a train to use it!). The town lies in a glacial valley surrounded by twenty-nine 4,000+meter peaks. The Matterhorn being the prize attraction as it rests southwest without any other peaks around, providing those visiting the town an unprecedented view of the peak. Throughout the town little parks with reclining wooden chairs offer visitors the perfect opportunity to sit and view the monumental mountain.

Cobble stones pave the streets and wood houses wind their way through the alleys. In the winter, this town is a major hub for alpine skiing.  In the summer, it is a premier destination for high-intensity hiking, as many trails lead up past 3,000 meters. As with most tourist towns in Switzerland, there are some amazing hotels and 5-star restaurants, as well as local pubs and bars (everything is still abnormally expensive). It is a beautiful town with an unbelievable panoramic landscape, absolutely worth the trip. 

The tourists represent a very eclectic group. Young thrill seekers can be seen with their rugged look, bandanas and sunglasses, packs bulging for the long hike. Couples arrive to take in the scenic air and enjoy the 5-star service. Surprisingly a large number of elderly are here, walking the trails, using long ski poles for balance, here to breathe the alpine air and stretch their seasoned bones. I've also noticed a fair number of Japanese here on vacation, whether for hiking or just to take in the view, its hard to say, their dress would indicate the latter. For Zermatt offers something for every traveller, whether relaxing in the 1,800 meter air in the village or taking the Gorngergrat cog-wheel to 3000 meters, one can't help but take a deep breath and enjoy the surroundings.