Switzerland is like a chest full of diamonds – each gem is cut differently and shines with a unique light. On one side, the rugged, majestic beauty of the Alps; on the other, the elegant pulse of historic capitals.

And it is precisely these two worlds that are perfectly embodied by Zermatt and Bern. The journey between them is like transitioning from a monumental natural cathedral to a living museum. Get ready for an unforgettable experience.

 

Zermatt

Forget about traffic jams and searching for a parking spot. Cars simply don’t fit in Zermatt, the pearl of the Swiss Alps.

Our trip began in the village of Täsch, where we parked among hundreds of other cars and boarded a special electric train. The ride was comfortable and pleasant. Soon, we were stepping off right in the heart of Zermatt. From there, we continued on foot to our cozy Hotel Perren, the perfect base for exploring this enchanting mountain village.

Address: Vispastrasse 10, Zermatt

 

A tip for you:

If you have a lot of luggage, you can use convenient electric cars, which will take you and your suitcases comfortably and quickly right to your hotel door.

 

Our recommendation:

When you book your accommodation directly on the hotel's website, you will get an excellent breakfast already included in the price. Additionally, we recommend booking a room well in advance, as Zermatt is a magnet for tourists all year round.

We felt on top of the world when we stood on the Gornergrat, 3,130 meters above sea level. The journey here on the old cogwheel train, the first of its kind in Switzerland, was an adventure in itself.

At the summit, we then had the legendary Matterhorn Mountain within arm's reach. Its sharp ridges and perfect shape were captivating. The overall panorama was breathtaking. In the background, the Gorner Glacier stretched out like a white sea, surrounded by other snow-capped peaks.

Near the cog railway station stands the mysterious 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. Among other things, this mountain hotel also offers a unique view into the universe. Next to the hotel is an impressive meteorological station that constantly listens to the mysterious whispers of cosmic radiation.

We climbed onto the viewing platform behind the hotel, which offered us a beautiful view in all directions. Clouds floated like balls of cotton below us, while in the distance, the snowy mountain peaks towered.

A beautiful contrast to this wild nature was offered by the Riffelsee mountain lake. Its surface was so still that it reflected every detail of the surrounding landscape, including the majestic Matterhorn.

Of course, Zermatt isn't just about the Matterhorn. On the second day, we discovered hidden corners and ancient wooden chalets in the town centre that tell stories of the past. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, was the pulsating heart of the village. While we were enjoying local specialties in one of the cozy restaurants, we couldn't help but notice an unexpected procession – a herd of goats with impressive horns and long black-and-white fur, which parades through here every day in summer around 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The English Church of Saint Peter was a place we couldn't miss. It's more than just a church; it's a memorial to brave climbers. Here, in a quiet corner of the village, we realized the risks climbers took to conquer the summit of the Matterhorn. The memorial plaques on the walls tell stories of courage, friendship, and, unfortunately, also of loss. And it is here, beneath the main altar, that Reverend Charles Hudson lies, one of the seven men who first reached the summit. His story is a reminder that even the greatest achievements often hide a tragedy.

Address: Chrum 12, Zermatt

 
Do you want to feel like you're in a real 19th-century mountain village? Then you must visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis. This underground museum transported us back to a time when the Matterhorn was still an unconquered peak and Zermatt was more of a tranquil mountain village.

In the museum, two houses fascinated us the most: that of the mountain guide, who knew every corner of the surrounding mountains, and the house dedicated to the tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. The story of Edward Whymper and his expedition, where four of its seven members did not survive a deadly fall, completely captivated us. In the museum, we saw the broken rope, remnants of clothing, and other period objects that brought this event, which forever changed the history of Zermatt, closer to us.

Address: Kirchplatz 11, Zermatt

 

Our tips:

If you want to capture the unforgettable moment when the first rays of sun kiss the peak of the Matterhorn, then the Kirchbrücke bridge will be your holy grail. This unique spot in Zermatt offers a panorama so stunning it will literally take your breath away.

If you are a cheese lover, you must not miss the opportunity to try raclette. This Swiss treasure will surprise you with its rich flavour and variety. The melted cheese, heated on a special grill, pairs perfectly with various side dishes like potatoes, salads, or cured meats. Get ready for a culinary adventure you will never forget.

 

Bern

Imagine a city where you can stroll through streets over 800 years old, while discovering vibrant markets, modern boutiques, and trendy cafés hidden within Gothic arcades. Welcome to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.

Several legends surround the origin of this enchanting city’s name. According to one of them, the city’s founder, Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, supposedly decided to name the city after the first animal he would hunt in the surrounding forests—and that turned out to be a bear (in German: Bär).

Today, this legend is commemorated by an adorable bear family that resides in the local Bear Park (Bärengraben). Although this story is very romantic, it’s more likely that the city’s name is actually related to the Old German word for Venice.

Address: Grosser Muristalden 4, Bern

This city, boasting one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Europe, won us over at first glance. Its historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.

We instantly got lost in a labyrinth of winding alleys where the past seemed to breathe upon us. Flower boxes filled with red geraniums and charming red-and-white shuttered houses created a fairytale-like backdrop.

While strolling through the medieval lanes of Kramgasse and Markgasse, we stumbled upon a treasure: historic houses hiding not only shops and cafés but also tucked-away cellar restaurants.

And did you know that Bern is also home to the world’s longest covered arcades? A six-kilometre walk sheltered under vaulted roofs is a truly unique experience.

We also stopped under the famous Zytglogge Clock Tower and imagined how city guards once gathered here in the past.

Address: Bim Zytglogge 1, Bern

 
Then we headed to the Gothic Berner Münster Cathedral, where statues depicting the Last Judgment gazed down at us from the tower. It felt like stepping into a medieval painting. From the adjacent green park, we were then treated to a beautiful view of the turquoise-coloured River Aare washing the city’s shores in a sharp bend.

Address: Münsterplatz 1, Bern

Bern captivated us not only with its history but also with its art. Among the most beautiful pieces were the Renaissance fountains scattered throughout the city. We were particularly intrigued by the mysterious Kindlifresserbrunnen, or the Child Eater Fountain, located at Kornhausplatz. Imagine an ogre feasting on a small child, with another one ready in his bag. It was a sight that definitely didn’t leave us indifferent.

And did you know that one of the greatest geniuses of all time also lived in Bern? Yes, Albert Einstein. It was right here, in his modest apartment, that he worked on his revolutionary theory of relativity. Today, his apartment has been turned into a museum, offering a glimpse into the life of this extraordinary scientist.

Address: Kramgasse 49, Bern

 

Our recommendations on how to enjoy both pearls to the fullest:

Packing: Swiss weather is fickle. In Zermatt, you will need layers (a base layer top, a fleece jacket, a windbreaker), sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun in the Alps is intense. In Bern, comfortable city shoes for the cobblestone streets and a light jacket will suffice.

Transportation: The best way to travel around Switzerland is by train. Get a Swiss Travel Pass – you will save not only on travel between cities but also often on cable cars and museum admissions. The journey from Bern to Zermatt takes just under 3 hours with a transfer in Visp.

Gastronomy: In Zermatt, don't miss fondue or raclette. In Bern, you must try Berner Platte (a plate with various types of meat and cabbage).

 

A chocolate riddle to conclude:

Have you ever wondered why Toblerone chocolate has such a unique shape? It's not just by chance! Behind this iconic design lies an interesting story inspired by Switzerland itself.

If a snow-capped mountain with a characteristic pyramid shape comes to mind, you are on the right track! Yes, it is the Matterhorn. And that triangular shape of the Toblerone is meant to resemble its majestic peak.