Whilst we had a very similar view from our bedroom window, one of the advantages of being in the attic is that the roof terrace was only a short flight of steps away, so I nipped up quickly just after we woke up and took this.
The view the other way wasn't so good though!
Having breakfasted early we decided to have a walk around town. In the church the Holy water is now dispensed automatically.
Which rather reminded me of hand sanitiser.
The animals on this statue are Marmots, Switzerland's second largest rodents after beavers. Apparently they live in family groups and after two years, the young move away to form colonies of their own. Marmots spend about 90 per cent of their lives underground and their burrows can extend to a depth of two metres, so I guess this is the nearest we'll get to seeing one.
We then had a walk around the Climbers Cemetery which, as the name indicates, is full of those who have lost their lives on the mountains. It was very interesting and so peaceful.
No comment!
Just behind the church is the town's main cemetery which is very modern and simply laid out, but made all the more glorious by the view of the mountains behind.
Each plot was immaculately cared for and very colourful.
This particular memorial moved me to tears, the stone figurine was exquisite and the colouring of the flowers and ribbons so pretty. She was just 27.
The Matterhorn dominates the town at one end and presumably the river Vispa is fed by its ice melt; certainly it was a chilly turquoise colour.
This bench was surprisingly comfortable.
The main street into Zermatt old town, which is known as the "Hinterdorf" (rear village).
The barns, stores, stables and old houses which were built between 16th and 18th centuries are made of larch which is particularly resistant to pests due to its high resin content. The houses are roofed with heavy slabs of rock which compress the timber and make the construction more robust. Sunshine and weather darken the wood and over many years it turns almost black which makes the house more effective for absorbing and storing heat.
Many of the buildings are rented out as chalets during the winter ski and summer holiday seasons, but were all locked up now.
This place is an Après Ski bar, currently closed.
I forgot to mention yesterday that Zermatt town centre is car etc. free. The only vehicles allowed are electric buses and golf buggy type taxis which ferry hotel guests and their luggage around. Travelling on the bus is free and obviously if you're going skiing you take your skis on the bus.
