It was 150 years ago that the Matterhorn was climbed for the first time. This was a pioneering achievement by the Englishman Edward Whymper and his 6 companions, which gave a kick-start to tourism in Zermatt.
During that time Zermatt was a remote mountain village that was only reachable by feet. With the many tourists coming to Zermatt after the first ascent of the Matterhorn, the need of a train connection became necessary. In July 1891, the pioneering construction of a train line between Visp and Zermatt was inaugurated, and it celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016. This was also the first step for the famous Glacier Express route between Zermatt and St. Moritz, which is now operational for more than 85 years.
Nowadays 200,000 guests from 120 different countries are travelling on this historic route. As one of the most famous luxury trains in the world Glacier Express passes 291 tunnels, 91 bridges, various landscapes, and climate zones and three different regions in the alpine area of Switzerland.
From December to February the whole Glacier Express route is a snow-covered fairy-tale landscape. At the highest point along the route the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m above sea level – the train travels through metre-high snow walls. In spring guests can savour two impressive seasons on a single journey: the magic of spring in the valleys and the wonderland of winter in the higher elevations – a natural spectacle of an incredibly special kind. The slowest express train in the world with its modern 1st and 2nd class panoramic cars operates daily from mid of December to end of October between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
In the book “1000 places to see before you die” Patricia Schulz is describing Glacier Express as one of the experiences you have to do once in a lifetime
Climbing the Matterhorn
Gornergrat is the mountain peak offering the best view to the Matterhorn. With its 360° view it is located just opposite this world-famous mountain. Retracing the footsteps of mountaineers 150 year ago, visitors to the Gornergrat can now experience the first ascent of the Matterhorn from Gornergrat. Dressed in original mountain climbers’ cloths of the old days they climb up to a platform where they seem to stand on the route to the peak.
Naturally, a photo is taken to enable proof of the ascent of the Matterhorn to be sent and posted online. After their ascent, a summit drink will await travellers in the Matterhorn Whymper Bar.
Winter experiences in and around Interlaken
Winter in the Interlaken holiday region is full of atmosphere and rich in variety. A little away from the buzz of the well-known winter-sport resorts, the villages and towns around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are ideal departure points for thrilling downhill runs in the Jungfrau Ski Region. Every day, a free ski bus takes winter-sport enthusiasts to the bottom stations of the mountain rail & cableways. And winter fun is constantly accompanied by panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. The Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, embedded in eternal snow and ice, is worth a visit in winter.
Peace and solitude
The tranquillity of the mountains can also be found by those who prefer gentler winter activities. Hiking trails that can also be taken on snow lead through forests blanketed in white and past romantic mountain huts. The Alpine panorama is especially spectacular from the various higher routes. The solitude of the remote mountain valleys can be enjoyed on a night-time snowshoe trek, or a tour with llamas or huskies. Those who find it slow going on foot can try sledging: a rapid downhill run by moonlight or under a star-studded sky is an unforgettable experience.
Relax and take it easy
Relax and take it easy – just what is needed after an active day. And this is precisely what is on offer in the wellness oases of the luxury hotels in Interlaken and select establishments on the sunny shores of Lake Thun. Massages, beneficial salt-water spas, saunas, cosmetic treatments, and steam baths ensure deep relaxation and wellbeing. The healthy appetite that follows can be satisfied in many ways: alp locales serve hearty cheese and potato dishes and local star chefs create unconventional variations of Swiss culinary classics. The holiday region’s international character is also evident in restaurant kitchens, where global cuisine from Italian pasta and Chinese sweet and sour to Indian curries is prepared.
Lake cruises by snow & ice
The lake steamer and motor vessels also ply Lake Thun in wintery conditions. A scheduled boat sails from Thun to Interlaken and back every day. The stately lake steamer Blümlisalp is also in winter service over the Christmas period. During a cruise on the shimmering blue lake, the villages and castles along the shores appear as if from a fairy tale: the trees glisten with frost, roofs are dusted with snow and streets and buildings are adorned with Christmas decorations.
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