We'd already called in at the Montreux ticket office yesterday to get our tickets and check the train times. Doing it in advance is such a good idea as it takes away the concerns of missing the train whilst queuing for a ticket (although you can buy online if you know your exact route). The journey time to Zermatt is about 2 1/2 hours including a change of train at Visp.
Shortly after leaving Montreux we were surprised to find ourselves in a wine growing region as we’ve never heard of Swiss wines.
The train went through the town of Sion which is known for two hilltop fortifications: the 13th-century Tourbillon Castle ruins and the Valère Castle complex, with a basilica housing an organ over 500 years old. Presumably I've photographed one or the other, or maybe both.
The steep hillsides were heavily terraced.
We knew we wanted to be seated on the left side of the Visp to Zermatt train so we could have the better mountain views but unfortunately when we changed trains we got confused as to which way the train would be travelling and ended up on the wrong side.
Once again the train had a helpful map.
Fabulous views.
I thought at first this was ice, but it's some kind of stone.
The old and the new - barn photo
This very nice lady sitting opposite me had a huge suitcase on wheels that had a mind of its own and kept escaping from her.
Every time we had a different view of the mountains, I'd ask Ian it we were looking at the Matterhorn, finally he was able to say "yes".
Approaching Zermatt itself there is a long tunnel, presumably to protect the track against snowfall.
Once in town, the Matterhorn dominates.
Wood chalet with slate roof.
After picking up a few leaflets from the Tourist Information office, handily placed on the station concourse, we had a 10 min or so walk along the shop lined main street to our hotel (at the far end of town, of course) and although it was only a shallow ascent Ian really struggled, which we're putting down to altitude (1,600m). The last bit up to our hotel is very steep and he had to stop every few moments to catch his breath. Our room is on the 4th floor but fortunately there is a lift - not something I would have thought to check when we booked last year. Our room is in the attic and is tiny with a sloping ceiling and lots of sticking out bits to hit ourselves on!
Originally we'd planned to only stay here one night and then move on to Chur the following day. But this would have involved another long train journey and then an even longer one back to Zurich to catch our flight home the following day. Actually I'm rather glad we have an extra night here as it looks an interesting place.
Neither of us was particularly hungry - I'm not sure why but we haven't eaten much on this trip at all - so we opted for a bottle of wine and some snacks in our room and set about planning our day tomorrow.
