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ZERMATT GUIDE
Newport Travel Guide
ANCIENT VILLAGE
A village for the jet set, steeped in history
The dramatic mountains and picturesque, car-free lanes of Zermatt are only a few of the reasons why the village is perhaps the most exclusive ski resort in Switzerland. This alpine hamlet has attracted celebrities and tourists alike for over 150 years. Zermatt has 330 days of sun per year, making it the sunniest spot in all of Switzerland. It is also dry, with minimal precipitation. The high altitude and northern slopes ensure that the snow here lasts and lasts, yet still maintains its high quality.
HORSE POWER
Car-free and exclusive
Zermatt has been car-free since long before the environment became a hot topic. The lack of traffic shrouds the village in silence, making it one of the most peaceful places in the Alps. The teams of horses and carriages clip-clopping through the narrow streets make a visit to Zermatt feel almost like a trip back in time.
The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is Zermatt’s hub. It is lined with luxury boutiques, fabulous bars and divine restaurants.
THE GLACIER EXPRESS
The most scenic train ride in the world
The world-famous Glacier Express is the obvious choice for anyone who wants to experience the stunning Swiss countryside and the Alps by train. The route of the Glacier Express has been dubbed “the most scenic train ride in the world.” The train began running between Zermatt and St. Moritz all the way back in 1930. The image of its red wagons chugging through the splendid snowy landscape has made the train a renowned symbol for all of Switzerland.
MATTERHORN LANDMARK
Renowned alpine peaks
The Swiss resort of Zermatt is surrounded by nearly forty alpine peaks soaring to heights of over 4,000 metres. One of the most famous is the Matterhorn, whose pyramid-like appearance is said to have inspired the triangular shape of Toblerone chocolates. The Matterhorn is of little interest to skiers; it’s a mountain for climbers, marketing execs, and photographers. Still, the free skiers Stian Hagen and Christ Davenport did their best to change that when they skied down the Matterhorn’s eastern slope, a feat that was documented in Matchstick Productions’ 2008 ski film, Claim.
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
A well-managed ski system
The ski lift system in Zermatt is the highest in all of Europe, and its exceptionally good management consistently wins praise. Here, visitors can enjoy superb high alpine skiing with every type of piste, from sunny and simple to tough and challenging competitive slopes. Zermatt’s soaring cliff faces, ice blue glaciers, vast snow fields and enormous drops – 2,217 metres in the lift system alone – all provide ample explanation for the many mountaineers buried in the cemetery of St. Peter’s Church in the heart of the hamlet.
THE OMNIA ZERMATT
5 STAR HOTEL
5 STAR HOTEL
The Omnia Zermatt
The Omnia may well be the best hotel in Zermatt for a romantic getaway for two. Its plush, “grown-up” interiors, modern American design and many enticing amenities – such as marble jacuzzi tubs set under windows that offer majestic views of the Alps. And that’s to say nothing of the delicious, oversized and extra-comfy beds in the hotel’s sophisticated bedrooms.
GRAND HOTELL ZERMATTERHOF
5 STAR HOTEL
5 STAR HOTEL
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has won countless awards since it opened its doors all the way back in 1879. It has retained much of its original charm but added modern comforts. The spa area features an indoor swimming pool with a waterfall, and many of the 78 rooms have their own balconies, while the luxurious suites also boast open fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs.
CERVO MOUNTAIN RESORT
5 STAR HOTEL
5 STAR HOTEL
Cervo Mountain Resort
Cervo Mountain Resort is often described as an airy, modern hotel with a down-to-earth ambiance. It has three restaurants. The largest one, Bazaar, focuses on plant-based dishes. Cervo’s rooms and suites are decorated in a range of styles dubbed “The Huntsman”, “The Nomad”, and “The Alpinist”.
CHEZ VRONY
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
UNIQUE IN ITS KIND
Chez Vrony
Chez Vrony is located in Findeln, a tiny village just above Zermatt, at an altitude of 2130 metres above sea level. The restaurant boasts a distinctive atmosphere and sunny, stunning views of the Matterhorn. If you’re hoping for a celebrity sighting, this is the place to be. Chez Vrony is truly one-of-a-kind, just as unique as the famed peak of the Matterhorn itself.
RISTORANTE CAPRI
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
ITALIAN FLAVORS
Ristorante Capri
With 16 Gault Millau points and a Michelin star, Gault Millau has touted this Mediterranean restaurant as “the best Italian restaurant in Switzerland”. Its location on the 4th floor of the Mont Cervin Palace, a hotel, spa and restaurant complex, affords truly breathtaking views. Ristorante Capri is only open in the winter season.
PRATO BORNI
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
DOUBLE MENU
Prato Borni
An elegant gourmet restaurant located in the magnificent Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. Count on classic decor, an impressive wine list, and flawless service. Choose from two delicious menus: “Heimat” (“Home”) and “Fernweh” (“Wanderlust”). The former is inspired by the surrounding region, while the other features highlights of international cuisine.
Getting there
There are no direct flights to Zermatt; the surrounding terrain is simply too mountainous. Still, there are easy connections to Zermatt (either entirely by train or first by bus and then by train) from all major Swiss airports, including those in Zurich and Geneva. Because Zermatt is a car-free resort, there is no point in driving there in a rented car, as you will still need to cover the last stretch of your journey by train.
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