Zermatt & Matterhorn - NOT!

Zermatt lies in the shadow of the Matterhorn (at least when there is sun to cast a shadow), at 14, 690 feet. No sun today - all drizzle and gray skies. Therefore, no point in taking one of the 3 different conveyances (lifts, cog train, gondola/cable cars) up to the different glacier and Matterhorn views. Disappointing, but we explored the Swiss mountain Chalet and flower-box town in the rain instead.

No vehicles or motorcycles are allowed in town. It was AMAZING - so quiet, even with our windows open. Even residents park their cars outside of town, and take a shuttle (little electric van) or ride their bicycles into town.. Everyone also rides e-bikes everywhere, including children, because of the hills/mountain slopes. Like all the other towns we've been to, there is a lot of construction (looks like hotels). I guess their economies must be doing well. For construction, gasoline vehicles are allowed, but otherwise, electric only for trams or delivery vehicles. Clean air, too!

One area of town is the Hinterdorf Quarter, where narrow lanes are lined with traditional wooden buildings called mazots, built in the 16th-18th centuries. Hand-hewn from trees with foundations of local stacked stones, some buildings were set on stilts to keep rodents out so they could store grain, cheese and meat. (My cat could do that, but whatever!). The wood darkens over time, so the structures are dark brown.

Of course, after a lovely lunch and further exploring, we HAD to visit a Swiss chocolate shop and indulge ourselves!Read more