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first time in Swizerland: Zermatt a good place to stay?

I am planning on spending 3 nights/2 days in Switzerland in summer 2003. It being my first time in Switzerland, is it a good idea to spend the three days in Zermatt. (I'd like to stay away from big cities, rather do some hiking and take in the scenery.) Can you suggest any other small towns? thank you.

Some people find Zermatt touristy, but that is who goes to the Alps in the summer: tourists. I think you will find plenty to do and walk to in Zermatt. There are many opportunities to take what I would classify as tough hikes. You need to be in good condition to do them. It is as good place as any to get a taste of the high Alps. I have always argued that the mountains around Zermatt are of more character than elsewhere. But if you do your touring from a train or gondola, I don't think you get the full flavor. Around Zermatt, however, many excursions suddenly require mountaineering skills. I think you will get an eyefull in your two days.

AA- Zermatt is one of my favorite places in Switzerland and an excellent choice. So nice to hear from someone who is interested in places other than the Jungfrau area! There are any number of great hikes in the area...from very strenuous to easy. If you're in good shape, try the hike to the Hornlihutte for a up close view of the Matterhorn. You won't need mountaineering skills or gear unless you decide to go for a glacier hike or do some climbing. There will be lots of other people around all summer though. And the atmosphere in Zermatt is very special even when crowded.

I feel the desire to throw in a couple more comments about Zermatt. The Matterhorn is well known, and for good reason. It is one of the most dramatic peaks you will see outside of Nepal or the Kara Koram range. Certainly not the highest, but its isolation and its dramatic profile make it unforgettable and unmistakeable. Monte Rosa, 4634 meters above sea level (ca. 15,203 feet). is an immense mountain, one that spawns several huge alpine glaciers. But these are only two of the stars in the crown around Zermatt. Dent Blance, the Rothorn, and others are stunning in their appearance. I think Kevin Reynolds describes the area best in his book, The Valais. Fodors seems to have a things about quoting the words of even well known authors, but Kev, who has authored many books on Switzerland, describes the mountains of the Mattertal as peaks of character, substance and great charm. (that is a paraphrase, hopefully it will survive) Above Zermatt there are more peaks that exceed 4,000 meters than anywhere else in Switzerland. (4,000 meters = 13,123 feet, about) So I can hardly wait to there again in a few weeks.

>I'd like to stay away from big cities, rather do some hiking and take in the scenery. Seems like Zermatt is one of the best choices for what you are after. Away from big cities and lots of possibilities for hiking. Try to find a hotel a little away from the center of Zermatt. I stayed at a hotel near Sunnegga station last month. Quiet area with a real village atmosphere. 2-3 star rather plain hotel but our room had a open view to Matterhorn, a balcony with a table and chairs. After a day of hiking, we sat there with a glass of wine and watched the sunset on the villages and the mountains behind. Even lying on my bed, I could see Matterhorn through the large windows.Never thought we could have this "luxury" for the price we paid.(FYI, the name of the hotel is Primavera. ) I know many people on this forum prefer Berneroberland. I have been there myself many times and like a lot too. But still Zermatt with Matterhorn is so special.

Sorry folks, but I'll throw a wrench into this humming engine and recommend the Engadin (eastern Switzerland), and the village of Pontresina. Why? - Just as - if not more stunning - scenery than Zermatt: Piz Roseg, Biancograt, Piz Palu from Fuorcla Surlej; the views from Muottas Muragl; the incredible valley vistas from Furtschellas and the Val Fex down to Sils Maria and Maloja. I like Zermatt too, but sometimes you can feel sort of "trapped" there - like everyone else, you're there for the Matterhorn and the Gornergrat; - Mountain passes themselves can be fascinating - you'll get some of the cream-of-the-crop with the Julier, Maloja, Fluela, and Bernina all nearby. Plus the Albula Pass, one of the more rustic. - Zermatt HAS become more touristic (there's now a McDonald's there...) and the mystic of the Hexen Bar has sort of diminished among all the restaurants, stores, etc. In the Engadin, you can avoid St. Moritz and its glitterati by just not going there. - When in Pontresina, you've got hiking variety and heaven all around you. Plus mountain biking. (If you don't like mountain bikers on the same trails as you're hiking, no problem - I didn't see any where I was). There are several great lakes in the valley offering water sports, a big plus vs. Zermatt as it gives you a more open and fresh feeling. - You'll see why people like Segantini and Nietzsche stayed in the area: it has absolutely stunning panoramas. You can visit the Nietzsche house in Sils Maria. And nearby, the Hotel Waldhaus is worth a visit just for curiosity - it's perched up above Sils Maria and while it's opulent, it gives off an authentic aura... - You don't need a car to visit some of the other villages and the hiking areas - notably around Sils Maria, Celerina, Silvaplana, Maloja, Pontresina and Samedan. There's the technically fascinating Rhatische Bahn (train) that connects most areas, plus typically efficient Post-Bus service. - Weather-wise, the Engadin is very reliable. Late summer has more risk of afternoon thunderstorms, but that's typical all over Switzerland. So please consider this area. Check out www.engadinferien.ch (has option for English) - it's a very well constructed, graphically appealing site.

Engadine seems to be a great option. True Zermatt is a rather closed valley location. A.A.,however, are staying only 2 nights and for the first time in Switzerland. I can't imagine they would feel "trapped" in the area. And there will be more than enough possibilities for hiking, mountain biking, etc. Just a thought.

You're right, iron. But maybe we can convince AA to make it 5-6 days in Switzerland? Strike 1: if he's flying in from overseas ie. USA, directly to CH, he'll be jet-lagged 1 day; Strike 2: Zermatt is a hike from either Zurich or Geneva (less so from Geneva - maybe 4 1/2 hrs.via train?) - as is the Engadin for that matter from Zurich. Strike 3: getting out of the country again means more travel time. So frankly, don't know where the 2 days are going to go. If his access to the country is Zurich, then he could try Lenzerheide or Flims (2 hrs. travel); from Geneva, Villars above Lake Geneva or Chamonix in France (both 1hr.). And in Chamonix, he'll get the Mont Blanc...

I doubt if Zermatt will trap anyone with sturdy legs. Too much to see and do, particularly for 2 days. Also, the Engadine doesn't have the Matterhorn or Monte Rosa. I cannot argue that it is not beautiful, and would be a good destination. But afanas does not have much time to do anything. So, go to a place that delivers a lot of alpine bang for the buck.