When most people think of Zermatt, they think of one thing: The Matterhorn. This ultimate Swiss icon looms over Zermatt, first drawing visitors here in the 1860s. The village of Zermatt itself is lovely and car-free, with old-fashioned brown chalets and winding alleys. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk everywhere—there are electric vehicles and horse-drawn cabs.) Skiing in the region often lasts through early summer, but when the weather’s warmer, it’s a great time to hike.
At the foot of the Swiss Alps lies Valais, "the valley." This fabled region is a year-round favorite, with spectacular skiing in the winter and superb hiking in summer. The Matterhorn, the Great St. Bernard Pass and Zermatt are the stars of the area, but glaciers, lakes, mountain paths, castle-churches and a wealth of resorts also beckon. Visit L'Hospice du Grand St. Bernard to see the animals who helped the monks rescue travelers or the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Roman ruins that now house modern art.
A magnet for skiers and hikers, these dramatic peaks – including the iconic Matterhorn – range from 3,000 to 15,000 feet and spread across three-fifths of the country. Abundant glaciers, scenic valleys and gorgeous alpine lakes add to the region's visual appeal. The Glacier Express train travels the 7.5-hour route through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing through fairy-tale villages and over 291 bridges along the way.
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