Office de tourisme de Zermatt Bahnhofplatz 5 CH-3920 Zermatt

Tel. +41 27 966 81 00 Fax +41 27 966 81 01

Near the Italian border of the Valais, Zermatt nestles at the very end of the 30 km Nikolaital (or Mattertal) valley, at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world.

For visitors from abroad, Zermatt is the very symbol of Switzerland with its sublime and authentic high Alps. Almost a third of the Alpine peaks over 4000 metres majestically frame the village, which has become a paradise for the most experienced mountaineers since the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.

Its hotels and gastronomy are world-renowned, and its ski area is the highest in the Alps and considered one of the best developed in the world, offering a daring sporting experience 365 days a year in the heart of the steepest destination.

The climate is exceptional: with 300 days of sunshine a year, rain is the lowest in Switzerland. The air in Zermatt is clear, dry and clean, as only electric and horse-drawn vehicles are allowed to drive through the village.

Despite these restrictions, Zermatt is very easy to get to: the authorized road climbs to Täsch, only a few kilometres away, where there are huge car parks. The final journey is by train or taxi, or even by shared taxi.

Zermatt is a rather expensive resort, but the excursions you can do there (expensive too!) are absolutely fabulous. The photos in the Matterhorn gallery and slideshow were taken on a single trip... that's how spectacular the area is!

(partly adapted from the official website)