IN LOVE!
I finally made it…to THE MATTERHORN!
This peak is spectacular! It stands at over 4,000 meters high (over 14,000 feet above sea level), not to mention the other 37 over 4,000 meters high peaks that you can spot there such as Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa (Dufourspitze), and Gran Paradiso in Italy. WE WERE LUCKY. The day we went was a clear skies day, so we had no clouds obstructing any views whatsoever. Amazing, super super astonishing, extra mega, ecstatically unforgettable.
Besides being the most photographed peak in the world, it’s also very popular amongst adventurous climbers. The first one that claimed the summit was British climber Edward Whymper which ended in tragedy for four of the seven companions involved in his expedition back in 1865. Their rope cut lose as they were attempting to descent from the summit. Four unlucky fellows fell down to their death, except for Whymper and 2 others. As a result of this tragedy, every mountaineer wanted to climb the Matterhorn. It popularized the town and so, Zermatt flourished and prospered to what it has become today…the icon of Switzerland.
To reach the Glacier, take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Gondola. It’s at the valley station and it will take you about 45 minutes to get to the top. Believe me. It’s worth the wait. It’s not cheap, but again, the view speaks more than a thousand words. And remember, it’s a glacier, for peep’s sake, so if you feel like skiing in the middle of July, go ahead, the Theodul Pass won’t judge. It’s open all 365 days of the year!
Let me tell you about the village…
It’s nice, very nice. It has the usual suspects: Souvenir shops, boutiques, a plethora of restaurants, with a bunch of patisseries, bakery shops offering their own signature chocolates made in heaven with the sole purpose of breaking your budget. Well, it’s Zermatt! So be prepared to spend $$$$!
We stayed at the Bristol Hotel. What can I tell you? Loved it because we were not expecting a direct view of the Matterhorn from our room. How sick is that! I couldn’t sleep, literally. I just wanted to stare are it all day and night. SICK STUPID, I KNOW. I LOVE IT!
At night, we ate at a great Italian place called Il Molino Ristorante Seilerhaus. It was packed, but since we were a table for 2, they took us in right away. Besides, they saw it was just my daughter and I, sharing an adventure together that would last us a lifetime of memories….and why am I weeping!!!! We had salads, pizza and pasta accompanied by some wine. We finished the night with their house specialty tiramisu and cappuccinos. Mind you, it was expensive! Our Dinner for 2 was the equivalent of $120.00, but then again, we were in Zermatt. Don’t expect to find a bargain! Maybe during shoulder season, but certainly not during Christmas time.
UNFORTUNATELY…
We had to live the following morning. Our stay in Zermatt was for only 2 days, but we went to see the Matterhorn, so mission accomplished! If you would like to have additional information about visiting Zermatt and the Matterhorn, go to their official website: http://www.zermatt.ch/en
