Zermatt, Mattherhorn Virtual Tours

2007-08-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

The mid 1850's to the end of the 1860's marked the start of modern mountaineering as a sport in its own rights. This period became known as the "Golden Age" of alpinism. Most of the 4,000m peaks in the Alps had been climbed by the end of the 1850's but there was still one sought after prize - the picturesque Matterhorn - and Edward Whymper, son of an English wood-engraver, became the most famous mountaineer from the Victorian era when he made the first ascent in July 1865.
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Edward Whymper was an artist who had been commissioned to make drawings of the Alps for the second edition of Peaks, Passes and Glaciers, the guidebook to the Alps. Although he had never seen a mountain before his first glimpse of the Matterhorn in 1861, he immediately tried to scale the summit, a feat considered impossible by the best mountaineers of the time. Although that attempt and subsequent ones ended in defeat, Whymper reached his goal in 1865, but his triumph was dampened when four of his six companions plunged down an abyss to their deaths, an event that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

The Matterhorn, at 4478m (14,691 ft.), is not the highest mountain in Europe but is one of the most popular, and as one of the most frequently climbed mountains, its degree of difficulty is often underestimated, giving it one of the highest death rates in the world. A victim of its own popularity, large numbers of climbers and the various maneuvers they use to overtake each other, increase the likelihood of accidents.

Accessible from the popular ski resort of Zermatt (nestled beneath the mountain’s north face) Switzerland or Cervinia, Italy, ascending the mountain is only for experienced climbers in top physical shape, and even then they’re advised to hire a guide. But there are many 4000m peaks in the area for less experienced climbers. Hornli Ridge and Lion Ridge are considered the easiest routes because of the long sections of fixed ropes and ladders that enable local guides to get their clients up quickly. More experienced climbers tackle the classic routes such as the Zmutt and Furggen Ridges; the most experienced test their skills on the North Face.

Experience Zermatt Switzerland Arounder Virtual Tours

Zermatt Switzerland Mattherhorn Virtual Tours

2007-08-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

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Gornergrat

Switzerland > Zermatt

The view from Gornergrat is truly one of the most magnificent mountain panoramas in the world. Gornergrat is easily accessible from Zermatt in 45 minutes in a spectacular mountain train ride. If the views aren't enough, superb walks begin from here and terrific ski runs in winter. Note the spectacular Gorner glacier flowing along the valley floor. It is an enormous mass of ice and snow - and the second longest glacier in Europe.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Bahnhofstrasse 80

Switzerland > Zermatt

This panorama shows another one of Zermatt's hotels, the Seiler Hotel Monte Rosa.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Riffelberg

Switzerland > Zermatt

Riffelberg, at 2582 m (8,460 ft) offers wide-open views of the Matterhorn. It is one of the stops up the Gornergrat on the Gornergratbahn, which functions as an excursion as well as ski transport. Part of its rail system was completed in 1898 and it's the highest open-air rail system in Europe (the tracks to the Jungfraujoch, though higher, bore through the face of the Eiger). At the end of the 9-km (5.5-mi) line, the train stops at the summit station of Gornergrat (3,130 m [10,266 ft]), and passengers pour onto the observation terraces to take in the majestic views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gorner Glacier, and an expanse of scores of peaks and 24 other glaciers.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Zermatt Switzerland Mattherhorn Virtual Tours

2007-08-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

click on a thumbnail to open fullscreen QTVR

Rothorn

Switzerland > Zermatt

There are three skiing areas at Zermatt : Rothorn, Gornergrat and Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn slopes). The Matterhorn's nicest and most photogenic side is from the Rothorn, with its majestic vies of 29 mountains and summits over 4000 meters. There are three different mountain rides: first the Sunnega Express, a funicular; then the four-seated gondolas; and finally the panoramic cable car to the Rothorn. The beautiful panoramic restaurants with their large terraces at the top offer delicious dishes as well as the spectacular view.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Rothorn - view over Zermatt

Switzerland > Zermatt

Rothorn has the most scenic views of the whole area. If there is enough snow the valleywards slopes down to Zermatt are the most interesting ones. As pretty as the traditional Swiss village of Zermatt is, the visitor's eye is drawn upward to the majestic peak of the famed Matterhorn, which soars up to 4,478 meters (14,692 feet). There are 29 mountains surrounding Zermatt that rise over 4,000 meters (13,200 feet). The Matterhorn Ski Paradise covers three ski areas: the Sunnegga-Rothorn, the Gornergrat, and the Klein Matterhorn. There are 250 kilometers (155 miles) of trails with 22 percent designated for beginners, 50 percent for intermediates, and 28 percent for advanced skiers.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Rothorn - cable car station

Switzerland > Zermatt

Rothorn is easily reached by a combination of underground express train and cable cars, with the cable cars providing the most incredible views of the area. Great ski runs, and in summer, walks descend in all directions from Rothorn. From the top of Rothorn is an exciting view of the Monte Rosa and the mountains surrounding it. You can also ski down to Cervinia in Italy.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Blauherd - cable car station

Switzerland > Zermatt

The ride to Rothorn is first by cogwheel and then by cable car. The middle station is called Sunnegga (sunny corner). One can then hike or take a gondola holding up to four people up to Blauherd and its picnic facilities (2517m). The cable car from Blauherd to Rothorn carries up to 150 people and brings you to the most photogenic view of the Matterhorn.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Bahnhofstrasse 15

Switzerland > Zermatt

The picturesque village of Zermatt, full of original Alpine charm, lies at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn in the southern Swiss Alps and has arguably the best panoramic views of any ski resort in the world. This car-free resort is located at an altitude of 1,620 m above sea level and has 250 km of varied trails in the ski area between Switzerland and Italy. Transfer time is about 4 hours from Geneva and 4.5 hours from Zurich. Zermatt offers skiing 365 days a year with a 1000 meter vertical on its glacier in the summer months.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Bahnhofstrasse 37

Switzerland > Zermatt

The entire area of Zermatt is a pedestrian-only town. Zermatt is one of the world's most famous mountain resorts and the idyllic village in the heart of the Alps has become renowned amongst ski lovers. With its wind-protected southern location, it embraces three skiing areas that enjoy superb snow conditions and the longest skiing season in Switzerland.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Bahnhofstrasse 37

Switzerland > Zermatt

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Bahnhofstrasse 37

Switzerland > Zermatt

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Little Matterhorn - Europe's highest viewing platform

Switzerland > Zermatt

The observation deck atop the Klein-Matterhorn (meaning 'Little' Matterhorn) has exceptional views from 3885m/12,780ft. This is the highest lift-serviced summit in Europe and is best visited in fine weather. The cable car soars 1,000 feet above the ice and snow at some points. Views over much of Switzerland, deep into Italy and even to France (Mont Blanc - 68km away) are amazing. On a clear day it is possible to see forty peaks over 4000 metres elevation and 200km to the Maritime Alps close to the Mediterranean Sea. As a comparison, to stand at the top you are higher than all the highest mountains in Austria and New Zealand.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Little Matterhorn - Gletscher-Palast entrance

Switzerland > Zermatt

The ski lifts on the little Matterhorn are open all year but they close in early afternoon during the summer ski season (around 3:00, 3:30pm) depending on how warm it is up on the glacier. To reach the Little Matterhorn, take the cable car in Zermatt to a station called Furri; take a second cable car from Furri to Trockenersteg and then a third to Klein Matterhorn.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Little Matterhorn - Gletscher-Palast

Switzerland > Zermatt

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Little Matterhorn - Theodulgletscher

Switzerland > Zermatt

The 'Little' Matterhorn is directly opposite the Matterhon (4478m), or "Horu" as the locals call it, the most impressive and famous peak of Switzerland and the Alps. Many mountaineers tried to climb the legendary mountain; the first to succeed was the English Edward Whymper, together with a team of six people in 1865, four of them lost their life during this undertaking. The climbing of the Matterhorn is considered extremely difficult and dangerous and is only recommended for skilled mountaineers accompanied by a local guide.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Little Matterhorn - Europe's highest cable car

Switzerland > Zermatt

Ride the highest cable car in Europe up the Klein Matterhorn (Klein is the German word for 'little') where skiers find snow on the highest slopes in the middle of summer.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Kirchplatz

Switzerland > Zermatt

A lovely panorama of the Kirchplatz, or church square, close to the main road and the village's central activities and full of quaint cafes, shops and pubs. A fleamarket is held here every Saturday.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Furi - Cable car station

Switzerland > Zermatt

The cable car from Zermatt to Furi_Schweigmatten (usually abbreviated to Furi) takes you to Zermatt's third major ski area - Schwarzsee-Theodul, where you'll find a variety of cross-country skiing and hiking trails, and downhill skiing even in the summer.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Triftweg

Switzerland > Zermatt

Triftweg is a narrow cobble-stoned street off the main street (Bahnhofstrasse) and is typical of the local ambience.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Bahnhofstrasse 55

Switzerland > Zermatt

Located just north of the city center, the five-star Grand Hotel Zermatterhof may be one of the most expensive hotels in Zermatt. Posh doormen and a fancy horse and carriage will bring you from the station to the hotel, set back in a private park.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi

Zermatt - panoramic view

Switzerland > Zermatt

Zermatt is the world famous picture postcard village below the Matterhorn. It lies at the head of the Mattertal valley and in summer and winter it is a bustling and expensive resort. There are 100 restaurants to choose from in addition to the 38 mountain restaurants and the dozens of bars and nightclubs, making the après-skiing scene at Zermatt tough to beat.

Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi