Country Vacations & Resorts

Last but certainly not least, this run through the vacation destinations list ends our virtual and alphabetical journey in Zermatt, Switzerland.

This Disney-like resort in the Alps is set at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn (Mont Cervin), three hours from Geneva, Zurich or Milan, and accessible only by cog railway. For over 150 years, Zermatt has been famous for its hiking, skiing, and scenic beauty.

Zermatt is almost as busy in summer as in winter as it is perhaps the only destination in the world to offer skiing 365 day a year. There are abundant opportunities for hiking with over 400 km (250 miles) of well-marked footpaths through pine-scented mountain forests to Alpine lakes and ice-blue glaciers. This unique resort town is a luxurious tourist area within a high-alpine landscape. 75% of the Zermatt municipality is zoned as nature reserve.

Zermatt has a fabulous range of ski runs for all abilities; some easy-to-intermediate while cruising over the Italian border, and even heli-skiing for the more adventurous. The charming mountain restaurants are some the best in the world. With its great mix of sophisticated and informal, and with over 100 restaurants, bars, and clubs, Zermatt also offers some of the best dining and night-life in the Alps. One can walk from one end of the town to the other in just about fifteen minutes and, walking it will be since no cars are allowed on the local streets. What a concept…I’d like to see a few US cities adopt the same!

The 6th Annual Zermatt Festival is coming up soon, starting Friday, Sep 3, 2010 and ending Sunday, Sep 19, 2010. Make reservations now to attend this spectacular event hosting world-class musicians, concerts, and surrounded by the beauty of Zermatt itself – always a main attraction.

Wish you could just move to Zermatt and never leave? I have to admit I have wished for the same for myself. Switzerland has some of the tightest residency rules in the world but who can blame them? Still, property seekers or virtual dreamers might be interested in what is happening in the real estate market in Zermatt or would like to find out what it takes to immigrate there. Plan on an independent income of close to $100,000 USD to do so….

There is almost too much good to say about Zermatt – certainly too much for one blog post. Spend a little time with the tourism web site and see for yourself. If you are looking for a vacation destination with clean air, quiet streets, incredible views no matter what the season, a huge variety of activities and fantastic food and nightlife – Zermatt will prove to be your perfect destination.