Lake Atitlán – The Stunning Volcanic Lake in Central America

It’s definitely my BEST lakeside holiday!!!

Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán in Spanish) is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and the deepest one in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. The lake is located in the southwestern part of Guatemala called the Highlands of Guatemala at 1,573 meters. It is one of Guatemala’s most important national and international tourist attraction.

The lake basin was formed nearly 85,000 years ago as a result of volcanic activity, leaving a picturesque body of water surrounded by three stunning dormant volcanoes (Volcán San Pedro, Volcán Tolimán, and Volcán Atitlán), rolling hills and photogenic Mayan villages that deserves to be your Central America travel itinerary.

The busy town of Panajachel, where vendors sell traditional textiles, is a popular gateway to this beautiful lake.

The Chicken Bus

The cheapest transportation option in Guatemala is definitely the Chicken Bus, the country’s local bus connecting all of Guatemala’s villages, towns, and cities. Chicken Buses are the old retired American school buses that are festively painted.

The term “Chicken Bus” originates in Guatemala and comes from the fact that passengers would often transport live animals on them, although this doesn’t happen often anymore.

As seen in the documentary, La Camioneta (the local term for the vehicles), U.S. school buses are typically auctioned off after around 10 years or 150,000 miles.

There’s an entire industry of people who travel to these auctions to acquire them for USD 2,000 or less, then drive them back to Guatemala or other Central American countries. There, the school bus transforms into something vastly different.

Upon arrival, these buses are repaired, though one might doubt it when riding in one. The familiar yellow paint is replaced by wild & colourful designs.

Once renovated, Chicken Buses become the most common (often only) form of public transportation.

They’re often family businesses and usually staffed by two people– a grumpy driver on his cellphone and an assistant, who shouts out destinations from the opened doorway and collects fares, delivering change from a huge wad of cash stashed in their front pockets. They also help little old ladies with baggage, as well as stowing boxes and crates for people.

The experience of travelling on a Chicken Bus is normally hectic and slightly dangerous (don’t bring any valuables with you if you plan to take the Chicken Bus), but they are always entertaining and it gives you a taste of Guatemalan life, someone would say your trip to Guatemala will not complete without experiencing the Chicken Bus.

How to Get There?

Panajachel is the gateway for visitors visiting Lake Atitlán, from Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (GUA), the distance to Panajachel is around 113 km with the travelling time of about 3.5 hours.

There are a few ways getting there, while taking the Chicken Bus might be the most economical way, but it’s going to take almost 5 hours or more, it has multiple stops and for such a long journey, you do not want to worry about your safety; Therefore, the best & easiest way is definitely hiring a private transfer, considering the cost, time & comfort.

You may check Adrenalina Tours for booking the private transfer and any tours in Guatemala.

Take A Shuttle Bus (USD 25)

Shuttles leave regularly from Guatemala City Airport to Panajachel. However most shuttles are not direct and make stop over in Antigua. This makes the total travel time to the lake lasts for about 4.5 hours.

1. Shuttle Service – 0600 – Guatemala City/Airport to Panajachel USD 25 p/p
2. Shuttle Service – 1100 – Guatemala City/Airport to Panajachel USD 25 p/p
3. Shuttle Service – 1430 – Guatemala City/Airport to Panajachel USD 25 p/p
(this service makes a stop in Antigua and then continues to Panajachel, travel time 4 – 4.5 hours)
4. Direct Shuttle Service – 1430 – Guatemala City/Airport to Panajachel USD 35 p/p (min 3pax)

Hire A Private Taxi (USD 120 – USD 130)

There are plenty of taxis available to take you directly to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán. They cost between USD 120 – USD 130 and take around 3 hours. You can either arrange one yourself outside of the terminal or book one through an agency at the airport.

Hire A Helicopter (USD 1,000)

If you have the budget, you can fly directly to Lake Atitlán on a helicopter with the price between USD 1,000 – USD 1,400, arriving at the lake in style.

The main form of transportation around Lake Atitlán is the shuttle boat that goes from village to village. The most common boats start in Panajachel and end in San Pedro and there are two options. A faster direct one that cuts across the middle of the lake and the one that goes along the edge past the villages of Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Marcos and San Juan before stopping in San Pedro. It is always best to know the price and have exact change as being overcharged is quite common.

Going to hop on the shuttle boat at Panajachel dock heading to the hotel, I even had porter service!

After arriving at Panajachel dock, depending on which village or hotel you are going, you can then get on a shuttle boat to your final destination.

The boats leave every 20-30 minutes. Shuttle boat services start at around 0630 with the last boat departing Panajachel at around 1930, the last one from San Pedro is at 1700. There is also a boat from San Pedro to Santiago a couple times a day.

Price of the shuttle boat (GTQ 1 = USD 0.13):
Panajachel to/from Santa Cruz/ Jaibalito – GTQ 10
Panajachel to/from San Marcos/ San Pablo/ San Juan/ San Pedro – GTQ 25
Panajachel to/from Santiago Atitlán – GTQ 25

The shuttle boat from Panajachel to our hotel, La Casa del Mundo!

What to Do in Lake Atitlán?

First of all, let’s take a look at the map of this beautiful volcanic lake. As you can see, there are many Mayan villages located around the lake. Among them, there are 6 main villages that lie along the banks of Lake Atitlán. Each one offers a different experience and view of the volcanoes. They are Panajachel, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Marcos, San Juan and San Pedro.

Below I am sharing some of the things you can do while visiting Lake Atitlán:

Panajachel

Panajachel or Pana as the locals and expats call it, is one of the largest towns along the lake. The reason for this is two fold. First, a major road connects Pana with the city of Sololá and further to the outside world. Second, the city is home to a large number of US and European expats.

As a result Pana is arguably the most convenient town on the lake. It hosts multiple humanitarian NGO’s, Spanish schools, real estate offices, mormon missionaries, high-end hotels and restaurants, and even a western grocery store.

It has the best sunsets, the best nightlife and easily the best market, so if you’re looking to stock up on beautiful Mayan clothes and textiles, this place is a must.

And for the adventure seeker, you can do paragliding in Panajachel, imagine flying over Lake Atitlán with the volcanoes under your feet, how amazing!

Reserva Natural Atitlán

If you are someone who loves nature, why not visit the Reserva Natural Atitlán while you are at Panajachel. It is a gateway to the magnificent nature of Lake Atitlán.

The Reserve’s zip lines, butterfly preserve, trails, hanging bridges and lodgings bring you in close contact with nature. On the zip lines, you fly above waterfalls, coffee groves, oak stands and the steep cliffs that guard the lake. Some trails are ancient, many bridges unexpected, and everywhere you hear the sounds of water, birds, and the wind.

At the Butterfly Geodome you enjoy the colours and forms of hundreds of butterflies surrounded by flowers and the sounds of water. Humming birds and the murmur of the river accompany you while you have lunch, coffee or a drink.

The reserve opens daily from 0800 to 1700, the entrance ticket is GTQ 70 (USD 9). Check out the Reserva Natural Atitlán website for more information.

San Pedro Volcano Hike

With three dramatic volcanoes situated around the lake, hiking up to at least one of them is on most people’s Atitlán bucket list.

San Pedro Volcano (3,020 meters) hands down the best view of Lake Atitlán. You can see his volcano brothers around the lake and further. The hike is a challenging 1,400 meters of elevation gain, it takes about 5 hours round trip to complete it, depending on your fitness level.

Unlike other volcano treks, you can do this one on your own. The path is well-kept, but make sure you bring warm clothes as it gets chilly at the top. Try to start as early as possible, as clouds pass over the volcano at noon and the visibility becomes poor.

The trail starts a few hundred feet above water level. There’s a tourism booth on the road towards Santiago where you have to pay the entrance fee of GTQ 100 (USD 13). The price includes a local guide, even though you can hike on your own, you might want to consider going with them as a security and supporting the local guides. I have heard visitors having problems with the local police while reaching the top of the volcano, because of miscommunications & language barrier. It has also been reported of bandits attacking tourists at the summit.

From the top you can see neighbouring Tolimán and Atitlán Volcanoes to the south. On a clear day you can even see Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes (south east behind the other two mentioned above).

The hike can be done year round. Best time of the year is mid-November to March. Rainy season is from May to October.

San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro is a busy village with shops, restaurants and markets, it is best known for its Spanish schools and nightlife. If you are looking to meet new friends and socialise, as a popular backpacker hub, you’ll find plenty of people to talk to and places to go. It is likely the best place to stay in Lake Atitlán for backpackers and those who enjoy a social touristy vibe!

It is located directly beneath San Pedro Volcano, and is a starting place for many different hikes. I’d suggest you go to one of the restaurants overlooking the beautiful lake for your lunch or dinner.

San Juan La Laguna

Arriving the dock at San Juan from our hotel!

San Juan La Laguna is just a five minute drive from the busy San Pedro, if you are going there by boat from other villages, it’s between 10-20 minutes. This colourful town has hardly any tourists and it is extremely clean and tranquil. Known especially for its art, it’s a great place to pick up some canvases to take home. If you fancy it, you can try your hand at traditional weaving at Lema – but if not, you can purchase some gorgeous woven Mayan textiles from here too.

Like every town around Lake Atitlán, San Juan boasts lovely views of the expansive blue lake and lush vegetation in its vibrant gardens.

Shop at the Local Markets

The area around Lake Atitlán is rife with markets, each of them is slightly different but all of them are filled with local life. Whether you are looking for local bites, pick up gifts or souvenirs, buying textiles and canvases, or shopping for fridge magnets or postcards, the local markets in this region are ideal for visitors. You’ll find bigger markets at Panajachel, Santiago, and San Pedro.

Watch Sunrise from Indian’s Nose

If you love sunrises, hiking Indian’s Nose is a must. Indian’s Nose got its name because the profile of the mountain looks like an indigenous man’s face, and the peak (the ‘nose’) was considered sacred by the Mayans. Start early at around 0330 and you will be at the summit before the sunrise. When you are up there, enjoy the morning breeze and fresh air, you’ll soon be rewarded with stunning views of the sun rising over the misty lake.

This hike starts in the village of San Juan and it is shorter than San Pedro Volcano hike, it takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top and slightly less to get back down. Although guides here don’t cost much and are usually helpful, you don’t really need one. There are a few spots along the way where the farmers now charge access fees to cross their land. You can estimate a minimum of GTQ 20 per person to get in the park.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your jacket as it gets quite chilly up there in the morning.

Thermal Bath

If you manage to scale the volcano, you should probably give yourself a treat – and what better way to soothe your aching muscles than with a thermal soak? San Pedro has several options for a long hot soak, but Los Termales, is one of the best. For about GTQ 40 (USD 5) you can treat your tired legs – and best of all, it’s bring your own booze (BYOB) too.

Even if you are not doing any hike, still you should experience it, some hotels have their own thermal bath with a great view of the lake.

Kayaking

Another best way of enjoying the serenity of the lake is definitely by kayaking. With the calmness of the lake and the gorgeous surroundings, you immerse yourself entirely into the nature, feeling the great energy and it’s so refreshing.

You can rent a kayak from one of the companies on the harbour or from your hotel for about GTQ 15 (USD 2), and depending on how far you wish to go, you can paddle over to a neighbouring village or beach.

The ‘Secret’ Hamlet of Jaibalito

Jaibalito isn’t really a secret, but it is the town few people seem to know about, it is inaccessible by road and there are no cars. You can only reach there by boat or hiking. And it’s because of this isolation, Jaibalito remains the most authentic and charming Mayan village on Lake Atitlán.

Although Jaibalito doesn’t get many tourists, it does have a few unique accommodation options. There are also a couple of great places to eat.

This little place offers gorgeous, unspoilt views out onto the lake and with friendly, welcoming locals. Club Ven Aca, with its hot tub and infinity pool overlooking the lake, is well worth a visit.

Learn Spanish in San Pedro

Guatemala is the best place in Latin America to learn Spanish because of the clear accent. If you’re hoping to brush up on your language skills while you’re here, why not study in San Pedro, where there are several excellent language schools and they are quite economical. Because Spanish is the second language of the locals (the population of Lake Atitlán is mainly Mayan), you’ll find that speech is slower here, so it’s even easier than Antigua to pick up a new language.

Many people choose the homestay option so they are truly immersed in learning. They usually sign up for a week at a time and take 3-4 hours of classes each weekday with group activities on the weekend. Alternately, you can be more relaxed with your own schedule by hiring a private teacher or a teacher from Lake Atitlán Spanish School to give 1-hour classes a couple times a week.

Coffee Farm Tour

This Central American country is well known for its quality coffee, and it’s no less famous around Lake Atitlán. The rich, volcanic soil around the lake, as well as the relatively high altitude, they are ideal conditions for coffee-growing.

Harvested coffee beans are being spread on the floor for sun-drying!

One of the best things to do in Lake Atitlán is going for a coffee tour, where you will be seeing how they grow the plants and roast the coffee. Learning the whole process is really an eye-opening experience. At the end of the tour, you will be served a cup of hot Guatemalan coffee, making it a perfect finish of the tour.

Tuk Tuk Ride

You’ll see Tuk Tuk in most of the villages around Lake Atitlán, that’s the main mode of public transportation if you are travelling around the lake. The base price to anywhere around the village is GTQ 5 per person. If you are taking them from village to village the price varies – e.g. GTQ 10 from San Pedro to San Juan or San Marcos to San Pablo and more for a longer trip. Make sure you confirm the price before taking, especially from village to village.

Get on one of the Tuk Tuks and that’s a very fun way of exploring the village, you can even make a deal with the driver for booking the ride by hour. Trust me, they are very keen to show you their village and cultures, they know where to bring you and ensure you have a great time, I totally did!

Relaxing in a Hammock

After the day of exploring the Mayan villages, discovering the lake with some active activities. You should get a book, lay down in a hammock right by the lake and enjoy the sunset at the same time. With such a breathtaking scenery around Lake Atitlán while you are lying quietly in a secluded spot, it definitely gives you the ultimate relaxation, and this is the essential lake experience you want to have.

Where to Stay?

If you are visiting Lake Atitlán, you must be wondering which village to stay. Every village has its charm and no matter where you are staying, you will still enjoy the beautiful lake and have direct access to it and the mountains. Most importantly, you can travel between the villages easily by hopping on the shuttle boat or taking tuk tuk.

Panajachel & San Pedro are bustling and lively towns with nightlife, great touristy vibes, and they are also great places for shopping and dining.

Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Marcos, San Juan & Santiago are less touristy, very quiet and tranquil, good for relaxation and you can really unwind yourself.

I’d highly recommend you staying at La Casa del Mundo in Jaibalito to spend your lakeside vacation. The hotel is beautifully seated on the cliff facing the gorgeous lake with the backdrop of volcanoes, the location is perfect! I can assure you are going to have a relaxing and memorable holiday like no others, get inspired and rejuvenated by the breathtaking scenery.

Accessible only by boat or on foot, Jaibalito hosts Guatemala’s most magical hotel. Perched on a secluded cliff, it has gorgeous gardens, swimming holes and a hot tub overhanging the lake.

– “Lonely Planet”

La Casa del Mundo has 17 bedrooms, each with unique architecture, they were built one by one into the lake’s cliff sides over the past 20 years. They’re equipped with top quality beds, hot water (mostly solar heated), restrooms, traditional Mayan decorations, and spectacular lake views from their 100-250 feet high perches.

Standing on the balcony with the view of the lake and volcano, life is wonderful!

“Make your heart like a lake with a calm, still surface and great depths of kindness.”

– Lao Tzu

You can always check in booking.com or AirBnB to look for the accommodation that suits you.

My Itinerary

Guatemala city > Lake atitlán > Antigua > Tikal

We spent 4 days in Lake Atitlán and it was clearly not enough, this place has so much to offer. I love hiking a lot and it’s a regret that I didn’t get to hike to at least one of the mountains in Lake Atitlán, I wish I had more time to spend there, a week would have been perfect!

If you are staying at a nice hotel like La Casa del Mundo with stunning views of the lake, you would wish to have one day of doing nothing but just staying in and enjoy the environment, relax on the terrace with a cup of coffee, laying in a hammock reading a book, and soak yourself in a thermal pool.

Every morning, I look forward to the breakfast that is served on the terrace, it is thoughtfully prepared by the hotel using fresh ingredients! Enjoying it with a cup of hot Guatemalan coffee, nothing feels better than that.

Getting to Lake Atitlán from where I am living is an extremely long journey. As soon as I got there, I just wanted to rest and relax. It’s definitely the perfect place to get rid of all the tiredness and stress from travelling.

Before going for Acatenango Volcano overnight hike in Antigua, I was glad I started my Guatemala holiday here. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have survived the strenuous hike without proper rest.

The few days by the lake we were really taking it easy; we did kayaking, swimming in the lake, sitting on the terrace planning the remaining part of our trip, hopping on the boat visiting San Juan and San Pedro, did some shopping, etc.

I had a wonderful time, I will definitely be returning in the future, probably take up a few Spanish lessons, attend cooking class and do at least 1-2 hikes watching sunrise on top of the mountain.

My Guatemala Travel Video

Take a look at my amazing Guatemala trip:

June 21, 2021June 21, 2021

Lauterbrunnen – The Valley of 72 Waterfalls

A valley that is PHENOMENAL whether in WINTER or SUMMER !!!

The 297 meters high Staubbach Falls cascading down the valley, it’s breathtaking!

You must have seen a lot of stunning pictures and videos of Switzerland, and it is not hard at all to understand why it is being rated one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Switzerland encompasses a great diversity of landscapes such as the Swiss Alps, glacier, waterfalls, lakes, forests, valleys, mountain villages, etc., making it a dream destination for everyone.

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the deepest in the Alpine chain when compared with the height of the mountains that rise directly on either side. In places the cliff walls are up to 1,000 meters high. It is to this form of the valley that it owes the numerous waterfalls from which it derives its name. The streams descending from the adjoining mountains, on reaching the verge of the rocky walls of the valley, form cascades so high that they are almost lost in spray before they reach the level of the valley. The most famous of these is Staubbach Falls, less than 1 km from the village of Lauterbrunnen. The 297 meters high Staubbach is the highest free falling waterfall in Switzerland.

Lush green alpine valley in Lauterbrunnen!

Lauterbrunnen Valley is comprised of the small towns of Wengen, Mürren, Gimmelwald, Stechelberg, and Isenfluh. Mürren, Gimmelwald and Wengen are only accessible by gondola or by foot creating this magical rural countryside feeling.

Swiss Travel Pass

One awesome way of travelling in Switzerland is to have your Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll save time queueing at the stations buying tickets, you’ll save money, you’ll enjoy up to 50% discount on most mountain excursions (Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Mt. Schilthorn, Mt. Titlis, Jungfraujoch, etc.), you’ll also have free entrance to more than 500 museums.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a single ticket that lets you travel around Switzerland as much as you want by train, bus and boat for a set amount of travel days. You can use a Swiss Travel Pass if you’re a tourist and permanently reside outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

There are 3 types of Swiss Travel Pass:

1. Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited travel around Switzerland and free entry to over 480 attractions and museums. Swiss Travel Pass options include 3, 4, 8 and 15 consecutive days of travel.

2. Swiss Travel Pass Flex
The Swiss Travel Pass Flex offers a set number of travel days (3, 4, 8 or 15) in a given time period (1 month). On your travel days, which don’t need to be consecutive, you can take as many trains as you want. With the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you can also get discounts on Swiss attractions and museums.

3. Swiss Travel Pass Flex Promo
With the Swiss Travel Pass Flex Promo, you can get unlimited travel around Switzerland for 5 or 10 non-consecutive days within 3 months. You’re also entitled to discounts on different Swiss attractions and museums.

You may check out for more details and purchase the Swiss Travel Pass from the SBB website.

Or you can also go to Klook website for purchasing, they offer discount from time to time, one thing I love about buying from Klook is, you are going to earn some Klook points, which can be converted into spending credit to use in your future purchase in Klook.

The snow-covered Lauterbrunnen during winter!

How to Get There?

The distance between Zürich and Lauterbrunnen is about 131 km.

It is just 15 km away from Grindelwald if you are going from there. Grindelwald is another beautiful village at the base of Mt. Eiger, it offers easy access to the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch.

By Train:
It is very easy to get to Lauterbrunnen by train, even more if you have the Swiss Travel Pass.

Check for the train schedule & boarding platform from the SBB Website.

If you are travelling from Zürich, the total travelling time to Lauterbrunnen takes between 2 hours 25 mins to 2 hours 55 mins, depending on the train connection.

By Car Rental:

If you are driving from Zürich, you might want to make a stop at Lucerne, take a walk on the Chapel Bridge by the Lake Lucerne, this covered wooden bridge dates from the 14th century. You can also take the cable car up to Mt. Pilatus for the panorama views of the lakes and mountains in Central Switzerland.

Before getting to Lauterbrunnen, you will pass by Interlaken. Total driving time from Zürich to Lauterbrunnen is slightly over 2 hours without stop.

What to Do in Lauterbrunnen?

When you envision Switzerland, you’ll probably picture a place like Lauterbrunnen — a mystical land of snow, water, towering trees, gargantuan mountains, lush green valley and crisp air. In this tucked away mountain village with the altitude of 802 meters, you feel like you are in a hidden paradise where no one could find you, it’s other-worldly.

Let’s take a look some of the THINGS TO DO in Lauterbrunnen:

Explore the Village

On arrival in the village, one of the first things you will notice are the huge rock faces surrounding the town. Nestled in a valley, the village sits surrounded by these huge cliff faces from which 72 waterfalls spill over, and each morning you wake up to the soothing sounds of water rushing over the rocks.

The Lauterbrunnen waterfalls are a real feature of the town and are a tourist attraction in their own right.

The main street of Lauterbrunnen village!

The village’s main street is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops selling outdoor gear, souvenir shops and a Coop supermarket.

After a stroll in the crisp mountain air, there’s nothing better than rewarding yourself with a typical Swiss meal or a coffee at a sunny outdoor café looking out at the massive mountain peaks.

Hike to Staubbach Falls

Staubbach Falls is the landmark of Lauterbrunnen, it is the eye-catching picture you will see when you search on internet about this place.

It is the position that made Staubbach Falls so striking. It’s so close to the village and as soon as you arrive by bus or train, you will see it right away.

There’s a large bench where you can get a photo with the Staubbach Falls behind you, and a slight detour trail that goes uphill and behind the waterfall.

Staubbach Falls complemented the landscape, which included steep, glaciated U-shaped valley walls as well as the iconic Swiss Alps peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This is the quintessential Swiss scenery that made Lauterbrunnen so popular.

The 297 meters high Staubbach Waterfall is the third highest waterfall in Switzerland and one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world. A small hike out of the town takes you to this iconic waterfall. Then, tourists can hike up the well-marked pathways to reach the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, is a narrow observation point amidst mountains that clings to the edge of the cliff. The views of the valley below through the curtain of gushing water from such a high altitude are definitely something to be experienced.

Note: The trail up to Staubbach Falls only open during summer time, and it is FREE.

Trümmelbach Falls

After Staubbach Falls, you can take a detour of less than 30 minutes to Trümmelbach Falls, they’re located inside a cave with loud thundering and roaring crashing water surround you.

These falls are responsible for draining the glaciers of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – that’s why these falls are so impressive! They are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls and are located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Trümmelbach comprises no fewer than 10 glacier fed waterfalls inside a mountain. The impressive falls – floodlit and accessible by a special tunnel lift – carry up to 20,000 litres of water every second! The Trümmelbach Falls are open from 0900 to 1700 daily from the beginning of April to the beginning of November and from 0830 to 1800 in July and August.

Ticket is CHF 11 for adult and CHF 4 for child, if you have Swiss Travel Pass, the entrance is FREE.

Mountain Railway Ride to Mürren

A visit to Mürren is a must if you are visiting Lauterbrunnen – not only this village is beautifully situated on the mountain, right at the foot of the Schilthorn peak, the cable car plus mountain railway ride from the village of Lauterbrunnen to Mürren is one of the most scenic & nostalgic rides you’ll ever experience.

The traditional wooden chalets in Mürren!

At an elevation of 1,638 meters above sea level, Mürren cannot be reached by public road, making it a car-free town. It is a place that no matter which season you go, you will truly enjoy the breathtaking scenery with plenty of activities to do. The village features a view of the three towering mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

The scenic ride from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren includes a 5 minutes cable car ride to Grütschalp and then the iconic cogwheel train journey from Grütschalp to Mürren for another 15 minutes.

Mürren is the highest village in the Jungfrau region. It usually gets plenty of snow in winter, therefore it’s one of the best places to enjoy winter sports and other snow activities like sledging and winter hiking.

In summer time, because of the cliff, this area is one of the best spots in the world for base-jumping. But there are many less risky sports to enjoy as well, like hiking, mountain biking and paragliding.

Please check the cable car and train schedule from the SBB Website.

Schilthorn Peak

Above the town of Mürren is the famous Schilthorn Peak at 10,000 feet high where they filmed the old James Bond movie.

A 30 minutes cable car ride from Mürren takes you to the summit of the 2,970 meters high Schilthorn, where you can enjoy the spectacular 360° view of the mountain world.

The Schilthorn provides the perfect opportunity to see the entire Jungfrau area in all its glory as you view the mountainous peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, among others (there are more than 200 peaks to see from the top).

On a clear day you can also see as far as Mont Blanc in France and the Black Forest in Germany!

Schilthorn is also a perfect place for watching sunset!

This spectacular location also boasts the honour of being featured in the blockbuster 1969 Bond movie – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Bond fans might be interested to learn that arch-villain Blofeld’s “allergy laboratory” now serves as a revolving restaurant called Piz Gloria!

There are numerous Bond-themed attractions on the summit, as well as a thrill walk and glass-floored viewing platform at the Birg intermediate station, making a visit to the Schilthorn a fantastic excursion.

Schilthorn is a popular ski field to visit during the winter months. If you wish to spend a day skiing in Lauterbrunnen, Schilthorn is the place to go. If skiing is not your thing, you can still head up to the famous Piz Gloria viewpoint regardless to enjoy the magnificent views.

You may check the ticket and ski pass from this official Schilthorn website. Return ticket price for an adult from Mürren – Schilthorn is CHF 85.60, it includes the “Bond World – the interactive exhibition at Schilthorn” &
the “Skyline Walk & Thrill Walk at Birg”. If you have Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll get a 50% discount off the ticket.

Skyline Walk & Thrill Walk at Birg

If you take the cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn Peak, do remember to make a stop halfway at Birg for the thrilling & scenic experience that is going to blow your mind away.

The Birg station is proudly situated on the rocky massif, 1,000 meters above Mürren. Birg is the middle station of the cable car between Mürren and Schilthorn. This station provides a lot of adrenalin, it is definitely worth making a stop, after all it is already included in your ticket to Schilthorn.

The Skyline Walk opens up new perspectives. This platform is situated over a vertical precipice, offering stunning and exhilarating panoramic views!

At the opposite of the Skyline Walk is the entrance to the Thrill Walk, which leads down into the perpendicular walls of the imposing rock massif. The steel structure clings to the rock before swerving under the observation deck and cableway to end below the cable car station. Features including a crawl-through tunnel, glass-bottomed floor, rope and cattle grid lend an additional frisson of thrill to this spine-tingling adventure.

Wengen

Located on the other side of the valley, at an elevation of 1,274 meters is another Swiss alpine village which is also car-free, Wengen has cute timber chalets and traditional hotels. The only way to get from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen is by the 12-minute iconic yellow train journey with frequent services. Winter sports lovers will adore the skiing on offer, and in the summer, the village is a mecca for hikers of all levels.

From Wengen, you may continue on the train journey up to Kleine Scheidegg, and then onwards to Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe!

Wengen is in a perfect location for long and short hikes. If you are willing to do longer hikes, you can get to peaks like Männlichen or mountain passes like Kleine Scheidegg.

If you would like to take it easy, you can hike down to Lauterbrunnen, even though it is an easy hike, you will still get the full package of spectacular views.

Männlichen

Männlichen, at an elevation of 2,343 meters, located above Wengen, is a mountain with spectacular close views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, it can be accessed by aerial cableway from Lauterbrunnen/Wengen. From the top, it also offer amazing view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

In summer, you can choose to hike from Wengen to Männlichen. This will not be an easy hike as you will have to gain over 1,000 meters in elevation, but it’s absolutely doable if you take it easy. OR, you can do it the other way round, take a cable car from Wengen to the top and then hike down.

The hike from Wengen to Männlichen will take you up to 3 hours with the distance of 5 kilometers. The hike is pretty steep most of the times, so be ready for a great workout session.

To the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch

Located 3,454 meters above sea level is the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch.

“Top of Europe” is the name given to the station, which is the terminus of the train to the Jungfraujoch inside the Sphinx. Already the ride with the Jungfrau Railway is an experience of a special kind. From the valley station of Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch has been accessible by Jungfrau Railway since 1912. It takes 35 minutes to get there.

Once at the top, you will be able to view the UNESCO-listed landscape and explore summit attractions such as the Ice Palace, Sphinx Vantage Terrace, 360° Cinematic Experience, Alpine sensation, and the Snow Fun Park with a knowledgeable guide.

Unfortunately for me, it was snowing heavily when I was up there, I couldn’t enjoy the spectacular view of the Swiss Alps!

The return ticket to the Top of Europe is around CHF 220, you can go from either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. It’s expensive to be honest, but if you would like to have a Swiss Alps experience, plus if the weather is clear and sunny, I think it is still worth it to pay for the experience.

Kindly check the official Jungfrau website for booking the ticket and more details about it.

Paragliding

Have you ever thought of flying freely over the stunning Swiss Alps landscape, gliding through the lush green valley, and admire the snow-capped mountains up close?

If you have an adventurous spirit, why not trying paragliding in Lauterbrunnen, not only you’ll have the experience of a lifetime, you’ll also get to admire the stunning scenery from a whole new perspective.

“No experience necessary – just an appetite for adventure!”

Take a deep breath, put your best foot forward, a few steps together down the hill and soar high up into the sky! – Airtime Paragliding

Please check out Airtime Paragliding for more details and make your booking.

Where to Stay?

There are plenty of accommodation choices to choose from in this beautiful valley, from budget to luxury.

If you prefer even more quiet place with higher altitude to spend your holiday, you may consider Wengen or Mürren, both charming mountain villages located above Lauterbrunnen, giving you the feeling of being isolated from the daily hustle.

I was staying at BASE Cafe during my visit, the location is perfect, it’s just a few minutes walk from the bus/train station. I was paying around USD95 for 2 nights, absolutely great value for money.

Set 801 meters away from Staubbach Falls, BASE Cafe offers accommodations with a restaurant, a bar and a shared kitchen for your convenience. The homestay features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

Since dining in restaurants is expensive in Switzerland in general, staying at AirBnB or homestay with a kitchen really helps saving a lot of money. BASE Cafe is just a few minutes walk from the Coop supermarket, I was basically cooking my meals most of the times during my stay.

My room with a big window, offering great view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley!

The staff at BASE Cafe are very welcoming allowing me early check-in and gave me a lot of insights about Lauterbrunnen. The room is very clean and cozy, there’s a big table for me to eat and work, a small wardrobe for me to hang my jacket and what I love the most is the big window offering breathtaking view of the valley, and allowing a lot of sunlight into the room.

You can search for your accommodation from the Lauterbrunnen.Swiss website, or from booking.com.

My Itinerary

ZÜRICH > lauterbrunnen > Jungfraujoch > WENGEN > mürren > spiez

I bought a 3 days Swiss Travel Pass one week before my trip since I was travelling alone. I was determined to explore as much as I possibly can, taking trains, buses, cable car and ferry, with the goal of getting my money’s worth, hehe! (I think I did, lol)

I started my trip in Zürich, taking the train to Interlaken before changing to bus continuing to Lauterbrunnen. The entire journey took me about 3 hours, it was an enjoyable and scenic ride getting to the beautiful valley.

I am always looking forward taking train while travelling, every time when I get on the train, looking for my cabin and my seat, that immediately gives me the feeling of excitement, “Yesssss, I am going on vacation!!!”

Before arriving Interlaken, I had this gorgeous lake view on my left, it’s Thunersee (Lake Thun). When you are on your way to Lauterbrunnen from Interlaken, do look around because you are entering one of the most beautiful and deepest valleys in Switzerland, look at both sides, the scenery is captivating.

Arriving Lauterbrunnen village at noon, I checked-in my accommodation, after settling down and freshen up myself, I couldn’t wait to go out and explore.

This is what I did on my 3 days trip to Lauterbrunnen:

DAY 1: Take a stroll and explore the village | Easy walk to Staubbach Falls | Visit Trümmelbach Falls
DAY 2: Visit the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch | Make a stop at Wengen on the way back (from Wengen, you can go to Männlichen if you have time)
DAY 3: Take cable car and mountain railway to Mürren | Make an excursion to Schilthorn & Birg (unfortunately it was closed for maintenance when I was there)

After the heavy snow the day before, Mürren became a snow wonderland!

On my last day, I took the train to Spiez, had my late lunch at a restaurant overlooking the peaceful deep blue Lake Thun, then I walked around the town.

Spiez is a small, quaint little town on the south shore of Lake Thun. It has a wonderful medieval castle and offers spectacular views across the lake.

A nice little walk by the lake, listening to the birds chirping, enjoying the fresh air, I felt so refreshing and alive. Sometimes, we do need some serenity to heal our body and soul. Sitting by the lake, the whole world seemed slowing down.

What other better way than enjoying sunset from the boat cruising across Lake Thun!

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

– Gustave Flaubert

Since the boat/ferry rides are included in the Swiss Travel Pass, I decided not to take the train leaving Spiez, but I chose the experience sailing across Lake Thun on a boat to Thun, before I switch to train for returning to Zürich.

It was an amazing 46 minutes journey on the boat, I enjoyed every second of it, taking a lot of pictures and admiring the beauty of the surroundings.

Please check the timetable of the boat/ferry from the BLS website in order to plan your time well. The frequency is quite rare, it is important that you don’t miss your ferry going to Thun.

Lastly, I hope you like my contents and enjoy reading. If you are planning on a trip to Lauterbrunnen, trust me it’s going to be one of your best trips.

June 13, 2021July 2, 2021

Matterhorn – The Symbol for Switzerland

the mountain on TOBLERONE chocolate!

If you have not heard of Matterhorn before, you definitely know the Swiss chocolate Toblerone. Toblerone is known for their triangle-shaped chocolates and the distinct mountain on the side. This mountain is called Matterhorn, located in Zermatt. Since Toblerone was created in Bern and Bern is known as the “City of Bears”, you can see a whole bear figure on the mountain if you look carefully!

Matterhorn is the most iconic peak in the entire Alps and in the world. Often referred to as “the Mountain of Mountains”, climbing this large pyramidal peak is every mountaineer’s dream. Standing at 4,478 meters (14,692 ft), Matterhorn is the fifth highest peak in the Alps. It is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. One day, I hope I can summit Matterhorn!

Matterhorn is famous for its four picturesque ridges (Hörnli, Furggengrat, Liongrat, and Zmuttgrat), which split the mountain into four steep faces that rise above massive surrounding glaciers, pointing to the four compass points. Three of Matterhorn’s faces (north, east, and west) lay on the Swiss side and one (south) on the Italian side.

The breathtaking view of the majestic Matterhorn at Trockener Steg!

Some Interesting Facts About Matterhorn

Despite being neither the highest, nor the most difficult to climb, so why does Matterhorn exert such a draw on people’s imagination? Let’s look at some facts about the Matterhorn that you may not know and that have helped build its distinctive reputation:

1. The Matterhorn is the 12th highest peak in (Western) Europe; the 10th highest mountain in Switzerland; and one of 48 Swiss peaks above 4,000 meters.

2. About 3,000 climbers summit the Matterhorn per year. In the summer, up to 150 climbers can attempt an ascent each day.

3. Over 500 people have died climbing on the Matterhorn – both on the way up and down from the summit.

4. The number of deaths averages around 5 per year, but this has fallen from around 8 during the 1990s.

5. Air Zermatt flies around 15 missions a year to rescue climbers. Like the number of deaths, the number of rescues has fallen in recent decades. It’s believed this is because more climbers now travel with guides than in the past.

6. Most ascents start from the Hörnlihütte before dawn. There are 130 places available in this refuge and the hut is open from July to September.

7. At CHF150 (USD166.80) per night, the Hörnlihütte is one of the most expensive mountain refuges in the world. In 2015, it was reduced in size and camping forbidden – with a maximum fine of CHF5000 – to try and reduce the number of people attempting the ascent.

8. The Hörnli ridge route to the summit is rated at 5.4 or AD (‘assez difficile’) – not particularly difficult by mountaineering standards. The vertical height gain is 1,300 meters when starting from the Hörnlihütte.

9. The first ascent was on July 14, 1865 – just over 150 years ago. Four of the seven climbers in the group died on the descent.

10. The first woman to climb the Matterhorn was Lucy Walker in 1871. She was also the first woman to summit the Eiger (1864).

11. The oldest person to have summited the Matterhorn was Ulrich Inderbinen, who achieved the feat at the age of 89 years. Born in Zermatt in 1900, he first climbed the mountain when he was 20.

12. The Swiss-German name for the peak comes from the words Matte meaning ‘meadow’ and horn meaning ‘peak’. It is called Monte Cervino in Italian or Mont Cervin in French.

13. The Matterhorn first appeared on the famous Toblerone packaging in 1960. Before this, an eagle was the main symbol. [Have you spotted the bear in the Matterhorn image on Toblerone. This is a reference to Bern, where Theodor Tobler first invented the bar.]

14. It used to take two days to climb the 1,100 meters of Matterhorn’s north face. In the modern era, it takes around 8 to 10 hours when starting from the Hörnlihütte.

15. This very famous poster of the Matterhorn was designed by Emil Cardinaux in 1903 and is considered the first modern travel poster.

(source from Matterhorn Chalets)

When the sun kisses Matterhorn in the morning!

How to Get There?

For those who wish to visit Matterhorn, you first have to get to Zermatt, a car-free town at an elevation of 1,620 meters (5,310 ft). Zermatt is famed as a mountaineering and ski resort of the Swiss Alps, and it is one of the world’s most attractive vacation villages.

Zermatt is about 214 km away from Zürich, 74 km from Blausee.

By Train & Bus:
Check for the train & bus schedule & boarding platform from the SBB Website.

If you are travelling from Zürich, the total travelling time to Zermatt takes between 3 hours 10 mins to 3 hours 45 mins, depending on the train connection.

Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, photo from https://www.matterhorngotthardbahn.ch/en/summer/

Whether you are travelling from Zürich, Geneva or Lucerne, you will have to go to Visp first, then take Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt. It is an hour of scenic journey through the valley.

If you are travelling from Blausee, you will first take the bus #230 to either Frutigen or Kandersteg, then change to train with multiple train switch before getting to Zermatt. Estimate travelling plus waiting time is about 3 hours to 3 hours 30 mins.

Arriving by train is very convenient and it makes the most sense since Zermatt is a car-free town. On top of that, the train trip is beautiful, because it goes through the deepest cleft valley in Switzerland.

By Car Rental:
Driving route from Blausee to Täsch, then change to shuttle train to Zermatt.

If you are driving, access is allowed until Täsch (5 km from Zermatt). There are plenty of parking spaces there, the Matterhorn Terminal itself in Täsch has already 2,100 covered parking spaces.

Then, you change to the Shuttle Train and travel in comfort to Zermatt in just 12 minutes. The shuttle trains travel the “Täsch – Zermatt” route every 20 minutes, and the return ticket costs CHF 16.40 (USD 18.30).

By Helicopter:

photo from https://www.air-zermatt.ch/en/experience/sightseeing-flights

You can also travel to Zermatt in style by booking a helicopter ride. Air Zermatt provides various services like Transport Flights, Sightseeing Flights and Rescue Flights. Visit Air Zermatt website to check out for more information.

What to Do in Zermatt?

There are plenty of things to do when you are in Zermatt, it is a place you will definitely return for more discovery. Climbing, mountaineering, biking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking & paragliding are often the reason drawing visitors to this idyllic mountain village tucked away in the Swiss Alps.

Let’s take a look some of the Best Things To Do in Zermatt:

Enjoying the View of Matterhorn

As soon as we arrived in Zermatt, first thing I did was to look for Matterhorn, which is dominating this charming mountain village. With the altitude of 4,478 meters, this majestic mountain can literally be seen almost anywhere in Zermatt. It feels like you are in the postcard, unbelievably stunning!

You can easily take a lot of amazing pictures in Zermatt!

Being in Zermatt is just overwhelming, I was speechless looking at such an astonishing view!

Gornergrat

One of a few unforgettable excursions in Zermatt is the highest open-air rack railway in Europe.

The Gornergrat Bahn shuttles up to the observation platform at Gornergrat, just over 3,000 meters above sea level through a mountain wilderness where no fewer than 29 peaks rise above 4,000 meters.

It might be hard to believe but the railway was laid as long ago as 1896 when it became the world’s first fully electrified rack line.

The trip takes 33 minutes and the train courses over ravines and through stone pine and larch forest.

Finally you’ll arrive at the platform, in the centre of a small tourist development and where the scenery almost defies description.

The Matterhorn is hard to ignore, but you can also view the Dufourspitze, Switzerland highest mountain at 4,634 meters and the Gorner Glacier, the second-largest in the Alps.

You can purchase the ticket from the Gornergrat Bahn website.
Ticket from Zermatt to Gornergrat: CHF 63 One way | CHF 126 Return

On a clear sunny day, you will get a spectacular view of the Swiss Alps along the journey while taking the railway, until reaching the top. We were encountering heavy snow when we went there, still we had another kind of experience which we truly enjoyed.

Viewing Platform on Klein Matterhorn

The next peak along with the Matterhorn is the Klein Matterhorn (or the Little Matterhorn). At 3,883 meters (12,740 ft) above sea level, it is the highest place in Europe that can be reached by aerial tramway or gondola lift.

At the top you’ll reach the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise where there’s a tunnel leading you through to the Breithorn Plateau, a vast glacier on the south side of the peak.

You don’t need any mountaineering skills, ropes or crampons to reach the summit of the Klein Matterhorn. Just step off the Matterhorn Glacier Ride and into the summit lift and up you go. Then you mount a flight of steps and the summit cross is almost within touching distance.

From the highest viewing platform in Europe visitors can enjoy a unique alpine view that knows no national boundaries. The 360° panorama opens up over 38 four-thousanders and 14 glaciers in France, Italy and Switzerland. It’s impossible to get enough of this view, which takes in the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in the north, the craggy north face of the Breithorn in the west, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, in the east. And the Matterhorn too can be seen from a different perspective up here. The long-distance view is captivating and instils a quiet, reflective mood in many visitors.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be reached from Zermatt in a journey time of around 40 minutes. It is Europe’s highest mountain station at 3,883 meters.

You can also visit the world’s highest Glacier Palace there, making the excursion an experience you will never forget.

A return ticket to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt is from CHF 104.00 (USD 115.60), please check the Matterhorn Zermatt Bergbahnen official website for more information and early birds discount. If you have Swiss Travel Pass, you will enjoy a 50% off the ticket discount offer.

What is included in your ticket:

Single or return trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (option of getting on or off at stations en route)
Admission to the Glacier Palace
Use of the Viewing Platform, Cinema Lounge and Snow Tubing Run (as timetabled)
Admission to the 3S InfoCube
Bike transport (as far as Trockener Steg)
Local bus
Dogs are carried for free

Hike to Breithorn

If you enjoy hiking and would like to get a taste of hiking in the Swiss Alps, you might be interested in Breithorn.

This peak is considered the easiest of all the 4,000-meter peaks to climb. The hike up to the Breithorn (4,164 meters) and return takes about 3 hours 20 mins from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station, with the distance of 5.4 km. Big reward is waiting for you at the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning views over 38 other 4,000-meter peaks in the Italian, Swiss and French Alps.

The Breithorn is a heavily glaciated ridge comprising several peaks. Although it is considered one of the easiest four-thousanders in the Alps, you are not advised to attempt the ascent unless accompanied by an experienced guide. The adventure begins after ascending the Klein Matterhorn on the aerial tramway.

If you have limited time in Zermatt and you would like to conquer your first-ever 4,000-meter peak, then you should go for it, breathe the air above 4,000 meters.

It was during the coldest month when I went to Zermatt, therefore I missed all the amazing hikes I could have done. I definitely have to go back!

Matterhorn Glacier Ride

The world’s highest 3S cableway has been carrying visitors to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise since 2018. The Matterhorn Glacier Ride, with gondolas created by the Pininfarina design studio, was developed in addition to the existing aerial tramway and offers a more comfortable and luxurious trip. It also increases the transport capacity by 2,000 guests per hour.

The highlight of the modern cable car are its four “crystal ride” cabins, which are coated with Swarovski crystals. During the nine-minute journey from Trockener Steg to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn), the four special cabins offer a spectacular view: after three minutes, the cloudy glass bottom clears in a matter of seconds to provide a magnificent view of the glacier landscape.

Rothorn (Unterrothorn)

Locals call the view from Rothorn “the Chocolate-Box Side of the Matterhorn”. No wonder, the view from Rothorn at 3,103 meters offers the best panorama of the surrounding mountains. One four-thousand-meter peak after another is spread at your feet – a unique panorama!

photo from https://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Rothorn

The Rothorn is easily reached from Sunnegga in just 15 minutes. From here, you can see the Matterhorn from its most photogenic side. An added attraction is that you see all 38 four-thousand-meter peaks that surround Zermatt. It is worth to get up early and enjoy the magnificent view at sunrise!

Five Lakes Leisure Walk

Mountain lakes are places of pure tranquillity, a perfect spot to escape the stress of everyday life. So it’s a stroke of luck that the five most beautiful mountain lakes in Zermatt are so close together.

The Five Lakes Walk is in a class of its own among hikes in the Zermatt mountains. The views of the mountain lakes are superb (with the Matterhorn reflected in three of them), and the trail is full of variety.

The path leads past the lakes of the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. Each of these mountain lakes is very different in terms of shape, colour, character and size, and has its own special attraction. The Leisee is good for swimming: children love it. The Grünsee looks out over a rather more rugged landscape, where Swiss stone pines nevertheless manage to grow among the scree and sand. The shores of the Grindjisee are home to rare flowers. And so on – each one promises a unique experience.

The Trail:
“ Blauherd > Stellisee > Grindjisee > Grünsee > Moosjisee > Leisee > Sunnegga “

Distance: 9.8 km

Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Reflection of Matterhorn is in Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee lakes.

(This hike is marked on the signposts as “5-Seenweg”)

Alternative: If you don’t have enough time to complete all the 5 lakes, you can just start from Blauherd, walk to Stellisee, and then back to Blauherd. This would take you about an hour, still you will be rewarded by the breathtaking view of Matterhorn and its reflection on the lake.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Zermatt’s history as a ski resort goes back to 1928 and the opportunities for snowboarding and skiing in Zermatt today are nothing short of amazing.

There are countless pistes – 360 kilometres in fact, framed by towering mountains. The Matterhorn itself provides 4,000 meters of altitude and boasts the impressive accolade of being the highest winter sports area in the Alps.

The ski area is shared with Cervinia in Italy so why not start your day traversing the slopes in Switzerland and then nip into Italy for a light lunch before returning?

Skiing holidays in Zermatt aren’t limited to the winter only; during the summer, you can just keep skiing and snowboarding, thanks to the glacier and the low temperatures at high altitude.

Gorner Gorge

The Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht) is one of the most fascinating scenic attractions in Zermatt. It is an easy 20-minute walk from the south end of the village of Zermatt.

Over 130 years ago Zermatt pioneers discovered a particularly lovely natural attraction, the Gorner Gorge. The gorge was formed by the Gornera River over thousands of years and is known for its unique formations and spectacular waterfalls. The green-tinged serpentinite stone is around 220 million years old.

A well-kept path passes through galleries and over wooden walkways. It is an easy 20-minute walk. You can continue on to Blatten or Moos if you would like a longer walk. More adventurous souls can hire a mountain guide to take a three to four-hour tour of the Gorner Gorge.

From the middle of October it’s worth visiting the gorge in the afternoon between 3 pm and 4 pm because the late afternoon sun turns the waters a striking turquoise.

Opening Hours: 09:15 – 17:45 Daily

Ticket:
Adults – CHF 5
Group of 10 – CHF 4.50
Children up to 16 years – CHF 2.50
(Children up to 6 years are for FREE)

The Furi Suspension Bridge

The suspension footbridge soars 90 vertical metres above the Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht). The view down to the foaming water of the Gornera river reveals the tremendous natural forces at work.

The 100-metre-long suspension bridge, made of a lattice and cables of steel, leads from one side of the valley to the other. It’s completely safe to cross, but still require a little courage and a fairly good head for heights. Once on the other side, walkers find themselves once again in an idyllic mountain forest with larches, Swiss stone pines and squirrels.

Continuing on through the shady forest, past fireplaces and a playground with a picnic area, you reach the next site of natural beauty, the Drossen Glacier Garden. You’ll be amazed at the traces left behind by the glacier over 4,000 years ago. Information panels explain to visitors how the glacial potholes, rock formations, caves and signs of glacial polish came to be.

The Trail:
“ Furi > Suspension Bridge > Barbecue Site > Glacier Garden > Furi “

Hiking Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 mins

Difficulty: EASY

(This hike is marked on the signposts as “Hängebrückenweg Furi”)

Zermatt Village

Take a break from winter sports or summer hikes and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming village of Zermatt. This compact municipality features many houses that date back from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as interesting features and monuments.

Many of Zermatt’s traditional houses were built in a very unique style. Resembling barns, they are built on flat stone slabs balanced on stilts – a method used to keep out mice! You can see numerous examples of these houses in the older part of the village, known as Hinterdorf.

Strolling along the main street, you can follow the ‘Walk of Climb’, nine bronze markers situated along the Bahnhofstrasse. Each is placed to commemorate the first brave climbers to take to the peaks of the Matterhorn in July 1865.

You can also pay your respects at the Mountain Guide’s Memorial or the Mountaineers Cemetery.

While you’re enjoying the crisp Alpine air, keep an eye open for the black nose sheep who like to graze in fields around the village.

If you’re in town at 9am or 5pm during summer, you might see a herd of black-haired goats being led through the streets. From the start of July until the middle of August, the gletschergeissen (glacier goats) are paraded through the centre of the village.

Known as the Geissenkehr, the parade follows a tradition from times past when the goats were led to the meadows around Zermatt to graze before being returned to their barn in the evening for milking.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars in the village, after your excursion, go enjoy some food and drinks, and take the weight off your feet. Shopping is great in Zermatt, you will find everything from local souvenirs to luxury brands. Why not send a postcard to your friend or family from this beautiful village?

Helicopter Ride

For a bird’s eye view of the Matterhorn, why not take a helicopter tour of the majestic mountain? Trips last between approximately 20 to 40 minutes and will provide you with an experience you will never forget.

photo from https://www.air-zermatt.ch/en/experience/sightseeing-flights

Your pilot will talk you through the journey and give you plenty of insightful information about the Matterhorn.

Visit Air Zermatt website to check out for more information.

Apart from what I have mentioned above, you can also visit village of Findeln, Schwarzsee (Black Lake), Sunnegga & Forest Fun Park. For adrenaline seeker, you can go for paragliding and have an adventure of a lifetime. If you would like to pamper yourself, there are many hotels with wellness centres and spas in the village. Relax your body and soul in the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi!

Where to Stay?

There is a wide range of accommodation choices in Zermatt to suit all travellers.

You can go to https://www.zermatt.ch/en, booking.com or AirBnB to look for one that suits you.

We booked a spacious apartment with a functional kitchen from AirBnB while we were there for 2 nights, it is conveniently located in the heart of the village, within 5 minutes walk from the Zermatt train station, just by the main street. We were paying around USD190 a night, during winter time, it’s a very good deal!

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but having new eyes.”

– Marcel Proust

My Itinerary

ZÜRICH > BLAUSEE > KANDERSTEG > TÄSCH > ZERMATT

After Blausee & Kandersteg, we drove to Täsch, parked our car and took the shuttle train to Zermatt. We arrived at the beautiful mountain village in the early evening, after checking in our AirBnB and settling down. We took a stroll in the village, with the sunlight dimming, the village came alive with the yellow lights. It definitely has the atmosphere of Christmas with the snow and freezing temperature.

On the first night, we wanted to fully enjoy the apartment with the big dining area, we bought some wines and food from the supermarket and cooked ourselves.

It was a short trip for us in Zermatt, therefore we could not do many things, plus we had one day of heavy snow. Still, it was an amazing one, going to Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. I will definitely go back in the summer time to complete the other things-to-do list.

My Drone Footage

I took some nice footages during my trip to Blausee & Zermatt, take a look: