Chalets in Zermatt

Gazing at the iconic Matterhorn's pyramid peak is practically mandatory in this car-free Alpine village where the air feels cleaner than anywhere you've breathed before. The Gornergrat railway chugs up to spectacular viewpoints that make even seasoned travelers fumble for their cameras. Skiers flock to slopes that seem to touch the sky, while hikers explore trails that wind through meadows dotted with wildflowers and bell-wearing cows. The Matterhorn Museum reveals the sometimes-tragic history of those who've challenged the famous peak. Schwarzsee Lake offers perfect reflection photos on calm days. After dark, fondue becomes less a meal than a ritual in wood-paneled restaurants where servers explain the proper cheese-dipping technique with Swiss precision.