nannibray

My husband and I will have 3 nights and 2 days in Zermatt the first of July. Which "High-Mountain Excursions" would you recommend and what is the order of preference?
Rick Steves list 4:
1)Klein Matterhorn
2) Schwarzsee
3) Rothorn
4) Gronergrat
Also, should we "try" to do several and spend all our time on lifts, or save some time for other hikes out of Zermatt past pretty chalets and streams? (Saw this prospect mentioned in another thread)
FYI: I have done the Gronergrat in the past, but my husband hasn't. Therefore, should we spend the money on an excursion that is new to both of us, or do you feel the Gronergrat is superior enough to repeat at the expense of another choice?
Thanks to all you EXPERTS!

bob_brown

Part of my answer depends on whether you want to ride or climb.

The Rothorn is a good hike up, steep as they come at the end without using pitons and rope.

Assuming you prefer riding, I think the views from the Klein Matterhorn and the viewing platform/restaurant at the end of the rail line are the two top ones.

My first endorsement goes to the Klein Matterhorn. Second, the Gornergrat which can be combined with a hike across open tundra.

The ride to the viewing building at the Klein Matterhorn goes up in 3 stages as I recall correctly. You must change cable cars enroute.

The view from there on a clear day is arguably the best in the Alps.
I was most fortunate the day I went because the sky was clear. We could see all the way to Mont Blanc to the west while to the east the Dom stood out like a beacon. To the north, the Matterhorn itself blended beautifully into a landscape full of dramatic peaks. Incredible.

The view from the Gornergrat is also terrific. Monte Rosa and its glaciers dominate the view to the south. To the west, the Matterhorn looms like a sentinel alone in the sky.

If you can, get off at the rail stop before the Gornergrat and walk the remaining distance. At that point you are above tree line and the mountains are in full view.

I took the hike several years ago and I recall that the station where we got off was named Rotenboden.

We had intended to walk back that way, but the weather did not cooperate. Snow started falling and the clouds closed in to the extent that I could not see the trail. I decided to let the train find the way for me.

I know Zermatt is a touristy place, BUT it has a lot to offer. For example in one shop we found a beautiful rose quartz carving of an angel. I have never seen one like it anywhere else. Outside, we heard my first alpenhorn concert. Those things have no valves so the players must be skilled with their embochures and have strong diaphragms.

Most of the horns are keyed in F or F sharp, but the length of course determines that feature. A good player can cover a wide range of notes. The sound is similar to that of a French horn.

nannibray

Thanks bob-brown,
I guess it all depends also on the weather and if it will be clear at the top. When I did the Gronergrat in 1989, we did the hike DOWN from Rotenboden to Riffelberg and the lovely lake that reflects the Matterhorn peak. Never considered the hike UP FROM REOTENBODEN TO THE TOP! Will have to think hard on that now since my husband and I are in our 70"s. (You probably think we are ready for the grave) Are the views that much better walking up than from the train?
Also, concerning the Klein Matterhorn trip - We will have done the trip to the Jungfraujoch a few days earlier - also a very high vista. Will the Klein Matterhorn be a close experience to that?
In Rick Steves he quotes:
Rothon offers THE classic Matterhorn view. When Matt Lauer wanted the best shot of the Matterhorn to broadcast on the TODAY show, he came here (and brought some alphorn players). The passage up to Rothorn has 3 parts. All along the way are typical glacial lakes, offering a picturesque foreground for your Matterhorn photos.
Do you agree with this statement by Rick??
Thanks again.

bob_brown

I though the view from the Klein Matterhorn surpassed anything I had seen previously. The list includes views from some of the 14,000 foot peaks in the Colorado Rockies, a few scenic places in the Canadian Rockies, and quite a few trips to the Berner Oberland.

Sounds like your experience at the Gornergrat was like mine the first time I went there.

swisshiker

Hello nannibray

If you have not been to the Gornergrat since 1989, you are in for some surprises! The access to the top viewing platform has been tremendously improved. Upon arrival at the station, there is now an elevator which takes you up to the restaurant area, and the walkway is much more user-friendly (not so rocky). Oh, the views from the Gornergrat: glaciers, jagged mountain peaks, and the Matterhorn. Oh my! I could stare for hours. And of course, try some of the goulash soup, schnitzel, or fondue at the outdoor terrace. You won't want to leave!

I totally agree with bob_brown about the views from the Klein Matterhorn. Once you climb the 50 or so steps to the very top, you will literally be blown away by it all. Take your time with the stairs or the altitude may get to you. When we took my parents (then about 80 years old) a couple years back, even Mother's arthritic knees couldn't keep her from making it to the top. Definitely one of those "wow" moments in your life.

The Schwarzsee area has another terrific view of the Matterhorn. There is a nice restaurant (with great schnitzel!), and an awesome deck overlooking the mountain. This is a great spot for relaxing, soaking in the beauty, esp. if you aren't going all the way up to Klein Matterhorn.

A nice easy walk in summer is downhill from the Furi lift. This is a very popular hike, and many even do it uphill (not me!). You will pass thru fields of wildflowers and some of the typical old Zermatt huts built upon stone corners.

The Rothorn walks are really nice too, and yes, the views can be great, esp. if the wind is calm and you get a reflection in one of the little lakes.

Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!

nannibray

Swisshiker,
thanks for the tip on the hike down from Furi. I believe there is a combo pass for both the Klein Matternorh and the Swartzsee. (Don't know how much one would save) Does anyone know of a website for info on the high mountain excursions from Zermatt?

swisshiker

nannibray, perhaps this will help:

http://www.zermatt.ch/e/ausfluege/

nannibray

it does help. Thank you!

mcnyc

Hi Nannibray,

Having returned from Zermatt recently, I would definitely do the Gornergrat again in the future. The rail is apparently faster now (instead of 45 minutes, it's now 33ish minutes). Here's the website http://www.gornergrat.ch/home/index.php

I, too, have a softspot for Zermatt as it was so surprising and soothing for me to hear someone practicing their alpine horn at the train station! What a treat! It made it more real to me that I was finally in Switzerland.