SWISS ROLL DAY 6
22-06-07

Today, we take the optional trip up to the Little (Kleine) Matterhorn by a series of gondolas and cable cars. One longish stop for coffee and “acclimatisation” (photo below, with St Bernard) and then on to the viewing point on top @ 3838m. Not much to be seen (photo below) as the weather has closed in completely but, on the way down, visibility improves and we have good views of the Little Matterhorn, into Italy (photo above), and of Monte Rosa (the highest mountain in Switzerland, second highest in Europe).

Get off at one of the lower stations and walk back to Zermatt with our New Zealand companions (C and G). It is an easy walk (approx 45 minutes) but not very picturesque, though we do see a squirrel. We earlier saw some marmots, from the cable car.

In Zermatt, we stop at a street corner vendor, buy a bratwurst and bread, along with Cardinal beer, (18 SFR for the two of us) and eat it, while sharing a windowsill with others. Back to Hotel then for a cup of coffee, collecting our Matterhorn photos on the way.

Take it easy for an hour or so in Hotel before walking up town again, checking the shops (and restaurants for tonight). Nothing much bought except a few cans of Cardinal at 1.35 SFR each. Polish off the beer while viewing the Matterhorn (clouds are shifting) from the balcony.

Done enough walking for the day so decide to have the five-course meal on offer at the hotel: crayfish terrine, lentil soup, salad, beef paillard and dessert (at a cost of 48 SFR each). Friendly proprietor has time for a chat and the meal is very enjoyable, more so because of a bottle of Dole red from Sion (38 SFR). Back early to room to pack for 8.15 departure tomorrow.