!!!Zermatt, Matterhorn, Switzerland

Photos by [Sergey Semenov|http://www.airpano.com/semenov] and
[Stanislav Sedov|http://rccam.livejournal.com],
members of the [AirPano Team|Geography/About/Consortium/AirPano,_Team] that is a member of the [global-geography Consortium|Geography/About/Consortium]. \\

18 December 2019

with kind permission of [AirPano|http://www.AirPano.com]

Zermatt, Matterhorn, Switzerland

Zermatt is one of the most beautiful and interesting ski resorts in
Switzerland. No wonder that it's not the first time for the AirPano team
to come here for creating panoramas.

The settlement with the population of fewer than 6,000 people is
surrounded by the majority of four-thousanders of the Pennine Alps such
as Dufourspitze (4,634 m), the highest peak of Switzerland in the Monte
Rosa massif, and the Matterhorn (4,478 m). On the slopes of the latter
mountain, at the elevation of 1,608 m, there is the settlement of
Zermatt.

[{Image src='01_Zermatt.jpg' caption='Matterhorn, Switzerland\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

The landscapes are the main attraction of this area. The name of Zermatt
derives from "matten" (in German) meaning "the alpine meadows". And the
authorities very carefully preserve the natural heritage: the entire
territory of Zermatt is closed for combustion-engine vehicles and all
the transport in Zermatt is represented by electric cars and bicycles.

[{Image src='02_Zermatt.jpg' caption='Zermatt, Matterhorn, Switzerland\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

Besides, the village has preserved its historical centre. There are
picturesque temples in Zermatt, such as the Church of St. Mauritius. The
first historical record of this church dates from 1285. In the 1980ies,
it was renovated but it has saved its main ancient outlines.

Today's luxurious hotels that appeared due to the growing popularity of
the resort stand in interesting contrast to the architecture of the
previous centuries.

The legendary peak of the Matterhorn, as well as Zermatt, got the name
after beautiful meadow landscapes. The mountain has a unique pyramidal
shape with four faces nearly facing the four compass points. The
southern slope descends to the Italian side, the other three slopes are
on the Swiss side.

[{Image src='03_Zermatt.jpg' caption='Matterhorn, Switzerland\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

Even though the Matterhorn is only the 5th highest Alpine summit, it is
one of the most difficult mountains for ascending among its neighbours.
The main hazard is the unpredictable weather when low clouds surround
the summit forming thick lasting fog. Rockfalls, storms and snow are the
challenges to the people willing to summit this mountain.

[{Image src='04_Zermatt.jpg' caption='Matterhorn, Switzerland\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

Another great landmark of Zermatt is the Gornergrat railway, the
second-highest railway in Europe after the Jungfrau and the first rack
railway in the world to be electrified. The line opened in 1898, and it
still connects the village with the summit of the Gornergrat.

The Gornergrat railway station at the altitude of 3,089 m offers
fantastic views of the Alpine mountain ridge. Just at the summit, there
is also the Gornergrat Kulm Hotel. This unusual hotel appeared in 1907,
and 90 years later, two observatories were built on each of the two
towers of the hotel. The clean air and the mountainous area create the
perfect conditions for exploring the stars.

On the way to this wonderful mountain, at the altitude of 2,757 m, there
is the lake of Riffelsee. On a clear day, one can see the reflection of
the snow-covered pyramid of Matterhorn on its surface.

The Gornergrat Railway has become more up-to-date and eco-friendly. It
is equipped with a special braking system that generates electricity at
the descend, thereby allowing to save energy.

Have an incredible journey with AirPano!

[{Image src='05_Zermatt.jpg' caption='Riffelsee Lake, Matterhorn, Switzerland\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

AirPano team would like to express our gratitude to
[Frédéric Poirier|https://www.facebook.com/frederic.poirier.360] for
perfect organization of the photo shoot, and warm welcome.

\\ \\
[13 panoramas of Zermatt|Geography/Europe/Switzerland/Pictures/Zermatt_2019]

[{SET customtitle='Zermatt (AP)'}]












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