We left Lauterbrunnen in the morning and took trains to Zermatt. I enjoyed the journey as 3 changes kept it interesting and stopped boredom setting in. On arrival in Zermatt there were dark clouds overhead and a threat of thunderstorms on the weather forecast.
An Afternoon in Zermatt
As we headed back into the centre, the thunder rolled and rumbled loudly overhead. We opted to spend the afternoon in a more restful way than planned, bimbling around the village rather than walking.
We browsed the shops, picking up a few souvenirs (no chocolate yet as I’m certain it will melt)!
We wandered the streets, admiring the traditional buildings,
and saw a group of Alpine horn players outside the church. They drew quite a crowd!
Mountaineers’ Cemetery
Just around from the church is the Mountaineers’ Cemetery. It was a very sombre experience, a reminder that nothing in life is without risk.
The view of the Matterhorn from the cemetery was beautiful.
A poignant reminder for everyone that loses one they love through active pursuit …
Goat Parade
The rain came and we ducked into a shop to escape. Passing over heavily, but briefly, we then heard the jangling of bells. Much to our delight, there then appeared a large herd of goats.
On investigating further, it appears that this tradition takes place over summer with the goats heading through Bahnhofstrasse as they make their way to and from the pasture. A sight to behold!
Pizza to Die For
We had the good fortune of meeting another couple who we’d met in Lauterbrunnen on our way out to seek sustenance. They suggested pizza at the North Wall Bar, and we were delighted that we’d followed their advice.
It was possibly the best pizza we’ve had! Hand made on site, generous toppings (I love Gorgonzola) and a really relaxed vibe. A great evening.
Day 7: Matterhorn Views
We had a few options for walking today and chose to go to Gornergrat on the train. An electric cog railway, this took us to the station at 3089 metres.
The Cog Railway
We walked down to the station from our hotel, the Matterhorn dominating the view. It was another perfect day for going high. We have been so fortunate with the weather this week, the only day that wasn’t so great being yesterday, predominantly a travel day.
We reached the station to find there was a train scheduled to leave within 10 minutes. Tickets purchased, we joined the queue for the ticket barriers. When these opened, we then joined another queue at the gates for the train. Then the fun started, the boarding gates opened and it was a complete rammy, everyone hustling for position to try to get a good seat! Bruce, having read (and remembered) the route advice knew to sit on the right side to gain the best views. Safely onboard, off we went.
We resisted the urge to film the journey or take multiple photos, safe in the knowledge that we’d see it all as we walked back down. There were a few stops on route to Gornergrat and the option to ‘hop on, hop off’, but we just stayed put until the top.
Gornergrat: 3089 metres
Disembarking was thankfully a calmer process. We were able to wander around and take in views from all directions. I loved the periscopes as they named each of the peaks in view, highlighted the line of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, and also gave distances to major cities around the world.
We even managed to get a photo together!
It was amazing how the temperature was lower with altitude, and likely the time of day. There was a wee bit of a chill in the air.
Leaving the top, the crowds started to thin a little. Having been surrounded by tourists everywhere we go, and with so many young people just posing for the camera continually I could resist taking one for my sister & niece.
Trains Galore
As we headed down, the trains kept coming up, each of them crammed full of tourists. It’s only now as we sit on our balcony in the late afternoon sun that they’re passing by going uphill with far less folks onboard.
A Gradual Descent
Compared with the descent from Mürren, this felt very easy and gentle. The views of the Matterhorn were amazing, the skies so clear again, and we took many photos as we made our way down.
Skipping off the path afforded me views to surrounding peaks and the glaciers.
The alpine flowers were beautiful, as were the never ending butterflies. My skills as photographer’s assistant are developing well. I spotted this shot and the photographer got down low to take it for me. Thanks Bruce!
We came upon a few folks walking up but it appears the majority were on the train. It was very peaceful.
We almost stopped for refreshment, then realised the error of our ways when we saw the menu. Rather than a snack, we were looking at a very nice restaurant menu, not what we wanted ahead of the remainder of our walk. We continued onwards.
From here, quite a bit of our walk was thorough the trees. This provided some shade and relief from the sun, alongside cooler temperatures.
Here, it was my turn to fall, slipping on a smooth rock and landing rather unceremoniously on my bum! No harm done, we carried on, finally reaching Zermatt.
A stop at the Coop, as I write we’re relaxing on our balcony at Hotel Capricorn. Not often you find us sitting around on holiday!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 