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Getting there
Swiss railways must be ranked among
the best in Europe, if not the world, and by choosing Zermatt as your holiday
destination you'll find you are in safe hands, knowing they are usually
spotlessly clean and that all trains run to time! Depending on your initial
travel arrangements to Switzerland, onward train travel is ideal from Geneva
or Zurich as they both have stations within the airports, with just one
change at Visp required en-route to Zermatt. Travel times do vary, approx
3 hours from Geneva and around 4 hours from Zurich, but the journey won't
seem that long with so much scenery to enjoy along the way. Upon arrival
you'll find the train station is in the main street and there is ample
opportunity there to make contact with the holiday apartment owner for
your collection.
Zermatt is a 'car-free' area, only
'electrically driven' vehicles are permitted in Zermatt and some of these
may be Taxis, although most hotels seem to have their own vehicle for the
'pick up' service. Zermatt is enjoyed best on foot, as there is no problem
with noisy or congested traffic.
Motorists who drive to this region
must use the 'Matterhorn Park Haus' at the nearby village of Tasch to park
the car for the duration of their stay, and then catch the shuttle from
the new train station, for the very short journey into the resort of Zermatt.
Holiday Apartments in Zermatt
Really the size of a small town,
Zermatt is a delightful place which now provides almost 1600 Holiday Apartments
that are available for holidaymakers to rent throughout the year. Apartments
to rent are modern, comfortable and suitable for all your requirements.
For the first time visitor it will seem like a "home from home" holiday.
Most apartments are fully equipped, furnished with every conceivable necessity
and generally accommodate from 2 to 10 or more holidaymakers. With such
a comprehensive choice on offer, they are ideal for both summer and winter
visitors, especially those in groups or with families who may not wish
to stay in hotels.
Winter
in Zermatt
In winter, 'picture postcard' Zermatt
is popular with skiers, snow boarders and cross- country walkers who arrive
from all over Europe. They enjoy everything that Zermatt has to offer,
including the snowy mountains, alpine sports and dining out. The village
has numerous shops and pretty boutiques, selling more fashion wear and
the latest designs in winter sports clothing and ski-wear than you could
imagine. Although many newcomers discover skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt
each year, they all find good holiday rental accommodation quite easily
and often it's close to the centre of this picturesque resort. For experienced
skiers arriving in Zermatt, the challenging ski-runs and off-piste powder
snow conditions that surround the famous Matterhorn are just 2 of the big
attractions. The Italian resort of Cervinia is great to visit when skiing
for the day. Take the route to ski via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise,
it's a very possible stop for lunch.
The Mountains
All year round, there are several
points at which to access the mountains, either by train, cable-car or
gondola. The local Tourist Information office will provide you with the
very best maps, guides and train timetables for use during your holiday,
most completely Free of charge. You'll find at least 3 main routes from
which to enjoy an 'adventure' directly into the mountains.
Route 1 - Zermatt-Sunnegga Paradise-Rothorn
Paradise Route 2 - Zermatt-Rifflealp-Riffgleberg-Gornegrat Route 3 - Zermatt-Furi-Schwarzee
Paradise-Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Winter visitors just need to purchase
a ski pass and / or train ticket for any chosen destination and can generally
get on and off at any station along the route. Most high mountain areas
provide suitable rest areas and good catering facilities. Don't forget
your camera!
Summer in Zermatt
The spring and summertime in Zermatt
is generally a beautiful time to visit, and it feels invigorating just
to breathe in the pure clean and fresh mountain air. The summer temperatures
are much warmer than other parts of Northern Europe and the need for sun
protection is just as important, but when walking at higher altitudes it's
advisable to carry an extra jumper or fleece as the high mountain air can
be cooler.
Getting around is easy for most holidaymakers,
and being a 'car-free' zone with only electric vehicles, taxis, utility
and service vehicles allowed into the village, visitors are not restricted
in anyway. All the main thoroughfare and surrounding areas are mostly on
the level, with good roads and pathways for walking, but higher areas can
be reached either via steps, taxi, the Gornergrat train service or some
next level lifts adjacent to the ski lift / gondola stations. Summer visitors
can just take things leisurely, sunbathe in a comfortable spot or simply
stroll around the shops and restaurants gradually getting to know the village
and its people. To access the mountains, just purchase a train / gondola
ticket for each chosen location. As in winter, it's generally permissible
to get on and off at any station along the route, at no extra cost. Most
high mountain areas provide really good rest areas and catering facilities.
Once again, the camera is a must!
Adults and children of all ages can
and do enjoy the endless opportunities that Zermatt has to offer. It's
a great place for families to spend time together, in a relaxed and unhurried
region that's full of fantastic sights and spectacular scenery.
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