Zermatt has a Cogwheel Train that goes up to the top of the mountains, up past the Matterhorn. And since I love trains, I just had to. This is the 125th Anniversary of this train, and it’s actually pretty popular.
It starts
right in the heart of Zermatt, so I grab a seat by the window – and even though
it’s still a bit cool (and cooler as we head up the mountain, I still opt to
open the window.
We start by riding past the edge of
the town, and you can really see how many apartments/condos/hotels there are
here. I can’t identify one single-family dwelling, but I’m sure there are a
few.
It’s a beautiful train – and a
spectacular view. As we get outside of town, we are riding through beautiful
tall pines – and the crisp mountain air with all these pines gives me a hint of
a Christmas smell.
Winding up the mountain, the
Matterhorn ever looming in every view. And below the valley looks small and far
away. This is a fast and steep elevation climb, and you can feel it in the air.
In the distance you can see other snow-topped peaks also.
The wheels screech on some of the
turns. This is an all-electric train, and I think it always has been. There are
a few stops along the way, but I’m all about getting to the top.
It’s cold up here, and there’s a
bit of wind. I envy those in puffer jackets and with mittens. But I am grateful
for the scarf/shawl/wrap that I tucked into my luggage – just in case.
And once at the top – WOW! The
views are stunning. I’m not sure the names of all the mountains in the distance
– but they are quite a sight to behold. Whatever amazing things you’ve heard
about The Alps – they’re all true.
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