Zermatt: The Alpine Jewel of Switzerland

• HelloGrüezi
  [gru-e-tsi]
• GoodbyeUf Wiederluege
  [oof vee-der-loo-ge]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNei
  [nigh]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-te]
• Thank youMerci
  [mer-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie goots?
  [vee gohts]
• Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?
  [gweet. oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Rede Sie Inglish?
  [ray-dee zee ing-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstah nöd
  [eech fair-shtah nerd]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [eech merkhteh bit-te dee shp-eye-zeh-kahr-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [eech ess-eh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [eech merkhteh bit-te beh-tzah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [gay vegg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsy]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee ine-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [eech hah-beh meesh fair-irt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [eech been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [eech merkhteh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schau mich nur um
  [eech show meesh noor oom]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel kaws-tet duss]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [duss ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den prize zain-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorga
  [mor-ga]
• AfternoonNamitag
  [na-mee-tahg]
• EveningAbig
  [ah-bi-g]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ge-shtern]
• TodayHüt
  [hoot]
• TomorrowMorn
  [morn]
• 1eins
  [iyns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkt]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [kern-en zee meer (owf dehr kahr-teh) tsee-gen]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nayk-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ein Billett (nach ...)
  [ine bi-let (nahkh ...)]

Zermatt's history dates back to the early settlers of the upper Valais region. The first recorded mention of Zermatt was in 1280 under the name 'Pratobornum'. The village's remote location and challenging terrain fostered a unique alpine culture centered around farming, cheese-making, and mountaineering.

One of the most significant events in Zermatt's history occurred on July 14, 1865, when Edward Whymper and his team successfully made the first ascent of the Matterhorn. This achievement brought international fame to Zermatt and marked the beginning of the golden age of alpinism. The climb, however, ended in tragedy as four members of the team fell to their deaths during the descent.

Following the Matterhorn's first ascent, Zermatt rapidly developed into a major tourist destination. The construction of the Visp-Zermatt railway in 1891 significantly improved access to the area, making it easier for visitors to explore the scenic beauty and engage in mountaineering activities. The opening of grand hotels, such as the Mont Cervin Palace in 1852, further established Zermatt as a premier alpine resort.

In the early 20th century, Zermatt embraced the burgeoning sport of skiing. The installation of the Gornergrat Railway in 1898 and subsequent development of ski lifts and cable cars transformed Zermatt into a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. The high-altitude terrain and reliable snowfall made it an ideal destination for both recreational skiing and alpine racing.

In 1961, a tragic event cast a shadow over Zermatt's history. On August 3, a US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed into the Matterhorn, killing all 20 passengers and crew on board. The incident highlighted the challenges and dangers of navigating the high-altitude environment and remains a somber chapter in Zermatt's history.

Zermatt has long been committed to preserving its natural environment. In 1945, the establishment of the Zermatt-Matterhorn area as a car-free zone was a pioneering step towards sustainable tourism. The region's dedication to environmental conservation is evident in its extensive network of hiking trails, protected wildlife areas, and ongoing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly practices.

Zermatt's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals and traditions. The annual Zermatt Unplugged music festival, established in 2007, attracts artists and visitors from around the world. Traditional events like the Folklore Festival and the Swiss National Day celebrations showcase local customs, including yodeling, alphorn playing, and traditional dances, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural life of the region.

Zermatt is located in the Valais canton of Switzerland. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport, around 3.5 hours away by train. Another option is Geneva Airport, which is approximately 4 hours by train. From either airport, you can take a train to Visp and then transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for the scenic journey to Zermatt. Note that Zermatt is a car-free village, and private vehicles are not allowed. If you are driving, you can park your car in the village of Täsch and take a shuttle train or taxi the remaining 5 kilometers to Zermatt.

Zermatt is a car-free village, so the primary modes of transportation within the village are walking, electric taxis, and bicycles. The local eBus network provides convenient transport within the village and to nearby attractions. For exploring the mountains, the Gornergrat Railway, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable cars, and Sunnegga funicular are essential. These services offer breathtaking views and access to the region's hiking and skiing areas.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Zermatt, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout the village for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of technical issues with card payments.

Zermatt is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the village has a low crime rate. However, like any popular tourist destination, pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious in busy areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Zermatt.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Zermatt has a local police station and a medical center, the Zermatt Matterhorn Medical Center, which can handle most health emergencies. For more serious medical issues, the hospital in Visp is the nearest major medical facility. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and mountain rescue services.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear appropriate mountain gear when hiking or skiing. Avoid flashy or overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Churches are open for visitors, but dress modestly inside. Public Transport: Do be punctual and validate your tickets before traveling. Don’t make loud noises or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello in Swiss German). A handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like raclette and fondue. Don’t refuse an offer to join in these communal meals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Zermatt like a local, visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) when the village is less crowded but equally beautiful. Shop for groceries and local produce at the Coop or Migros supermarkets. For a unique experience, take an early morning walk to see the sunrise over the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat. Engage with locals at the village’s smaller, family-run restaurants and cafés. Don't miss the weekly farmers' market, where you can buy fresh, regional products and handmade crafts.