#robandsarah

Getting ourselves and our luggage to the train station meant climbing into a tiny electric vehicle… and it was perfect as it navigated the tiny streets of Zermatt…now on our way to Bern for dinner and then spending the night in Zurich.

Imagine walking in a huge freezer…in shorts! The ice caves at the top of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are part of the Glacier Palace, the highest ice cave complex in the world at 3,883 m. It’s one of the most magical experiences in Zermatt — a hidden world carved directly into the glacier, 15 m below the surface. We were well chilled by the time we exited. It is a unique and wonderful experience to walk deep within a glacier, such amazing colours, and beautiful sculptures.

There were skiers and hikers all over the mountain. It is one of the few mountain areas where skiing can be enjoyed year round. The skies were alive with ever changing clouds, and the temperature was in the mid 20’s - just prefect.

From the top of the cable car we could see the whole world. We looked down the almost vertical rock wall and to our suprise we saw two Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), wild mountain goats native to the European Alps. It’s perfectly adapted to the steep, rocky terrain you see in the photo — places where few other animals can move so confidently. The Alpine ibex nearly went extinct in the 19th century due to hunting. A few survived in Italy’s Gran Paradiso region, and from that remnant population, reintroduction programs restored them across the Alps — including Switzerland’s Valais and Bernese Oberland. What a wonderful sight!

We wasted no time, dropped our bags in the room, and headed up to see the Matterhorn. The weather was perfect, the mountain was clear and the sky dramatic. The Gonergrat railway climbs up the steep mountain with little teeth that grip the train as it climbs up the steep mountain - what a thrill. And when we reached the top it was a once in a lifetime view!

We are staying at the Schloss Zermatt in a boutique apartment in the heart of Zermatt. Everything is within walking distance. The hotel has a lovely spa, pool, steam room and so much more. Breakfast a the restaurant is fresh and delicious. We are feeling totally spoiled by Remi and Philip.