ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
We boarded the Glacier Express from Chur to go through the Alps to Zermatt which is located at the base of the Matterhorn. It is a breathtaking experience that transcends the ordinary.
The iconic train ride is often dubbed the "slowest express train in the world" due to its leisurely pace, which allows passengers to fully absorb the stunning Alpine scenery. The interior of the train is designed for comfort, featuring large panoramic windows that ensure an unobstructed view of the stunning landscapes.
We enjoyed our lunch with wine and cider as the train meandered through the picturesque landscapes of the Swiss Alps, offering us panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and pristine valleys.
The train's path followed the contours of the land, revealing pristine valleys below. Lush greenery blankets the slopes, creating a vibrant contrast to the icy brilliance of the mountain peaks. Crystal-clear streams weave through these valleys, their melodic murmur harmonizing with the rhythmic chug of the train. The untouched beauty of these valleys imparts a sense of serenity, inviting contemplation and reflection.
We pass charming villages, nestled like storybook settings, that punctuated the journey. These idyllic hamlets with their traditional Swiss chalets exude a timeless charm. Quaint houses adorned with flower-filled window boxes add splashes of color to the surroundings.
As we started toward the summit of the alps we entered a tunnel that goes deep into the mountainside. Upon our emergennce we were transported from the lush green valleys into a winter wonderland.
The snow-capped peaks stand proudly, their majestic summits reaching towards the sky like sentinels guarding the secrets of the alpine realm. The crisp, pure white of the snow contrasts sharply against the sky, creating a visual spectacle that captivates the senses. Each turn of the track reveals a new vista, as if nature itself is unfolding a carefully crafted tapestry of scenic wonders.
Each peak, with its own unique silhouette, seems to reach for the heavens, exuding an aura of timelessness and majesty.
The towering peaks, shrouded in a mantle of pristine white, stand as formidable sentinels that paint a mesmerizing tableau against the expansive canvas of the azure sky. The interplay of light and shadow on the slopes reveals the intricate contours of the mountains, adding a dynamic quality to the scene.
As we approach Zermatt, a palpable sense of anticipation sweeps through the train, and the landscape transforms into a dreamscape of Alpine wonder. The journey, which has been a visual odyssey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, reaches its crescendo as the iconic Matterhorn comes into view. The atmosphere inside the train becomes charged with excitement as everyone in the train catch their first glimpses of this legendary peak, its distinctive pyramidal shape rising majestically against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
The train's gentle descent into the Zermatt valley unveils a panorama that is nothing short of enchanting. Nestled at the base of the Matterhorn, the car-free village of Zermatt exudes a charming allure with its traditional Swiss chalets, cobblestone streets, and vibrant alpine flowers. The crisp mountain air carries a sense of tranquility as our train gradually approaches the railway station.
Upon getting off the train, we strolled down the street that ran alongside the tracks, making our way to the Aspen Resort Hotel. Our accommodations featured a pleasant room, complete with a view of the Matterhorn from our porch. Exhausted and famished from the train journey, we opted to stay in and dine at The Dude bar and restaurant, conveniently connected to our hotel. We savored burgers and beer as we satisfied our hunger.
Although the beer and burger quelled our hunger, the lingering fatigue from the lengthy journey prompted us to take advantage of the hotel's indoor pool and hot tub. It proved to be a remarkably relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Immersed in the warm water, we enjoyed a serene view of the sunset over the mountains through the windows. It turned out to be exactly the what we required.
The following morning greeted us with a stunning yet brisk day, ideal for strolling through the village to explore the local attractions. The magnificent views of the Matterhorn were a constant presence, adding to the beauty of the surroundings.
The main street was a narrow pedestrian way lined with three story chateau style buildings of this Alpine ski resort village, gave me a feeling of being in a frontier town.
We had to visit the Mountaineer Graveyard dedicated to the people who have died climbing the Matterhorn. As we approached the Graveyard, the serene atmosphere and awe-inspiring surroundings enveloped me. The weathered tombstones, adorned with symbols of the climbers' trade, told stories of courage, determination, and, at times, heartbreaking loss. Walking through this sacred space against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the adventurers who once sought the thrill of conquering these formidable peaks.
Departing Zermatt in the late morning, we boarded a train bound for Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Regrettably, we didn't have the time for the exhilarating bobsled ride through the Matterhorn—missed out on that adventure! LOL As luck would have it, we struck up a conversation with a couple on the train, only to discover that they lived just a few blocks away in our neighborhood back in Bristol, England. The coincidence was amusing. During the journey, we swapped recommendations for our beloved local restaurants and bars. It turned out that they had also explored Scrantons, a cherished secluded bar situated on the Christmas Steps, which happened to be one of our favorite spots as well. Small world, indeed!