Switzerland is a mountaineer’s dreamland, with plenty of small mountain villages that have access to some of the most stunning hikes in the world.
Zermatt is one of those small villages in Valais, Switzerland. It’s known for its great winter skiing and great hiking opportunities during the summer, especially around the Matterhorn.
The area outside of the car-free village is also a great place to do some mountain biking. With trails that wind up and down the surrounding mountains, not only will travelers have a great experience but you will also be treated to some gorgeous panoramic views. You can often carry your mountain bike on the ski lifts and ride your way down the mountain side.
However, biking is not permitted on the main street, Bahnhofstrasse.
For those looking for a the trek of a lifetime, there is no shortage of trails to explore. The Breithorn is the one of the easier mountains to climb in the area, offering hikers the opportunity to trek a little bit and take a lift up for part of the way. Known as the “kleines Matterhorn” or little Matterhorn, Breithorn’s summit can be reached in a couple of hours, however a rope is necessary and it is recommended to go with a mountain guide.
If you are up for it, experienced mountaineers should give the Matterhorn a try. Take the Schawzsee cable car from the village and hike up to the Hoernli Hut, where hikers tend to spend the night and resume climbing early in the morning.
