Zermatt.

Zermatt sits in a high valley in the canton of Valais, directly below the Matterhorn, whose sharp pyramid shape has made it one of the most recognised mountains in the world. The village grew from a farming settlement into a mountaineering base in the 19th century, after Edward Whymper's first ascent of the peak in 1865 drew climbers from across Europe. That history is still visible in old timber barns standing beside grand hotels built for early Alpine tourists.

Today the village mixes dark-timber chalets with contemporary architecture, and its streets stay quiet and walkable, framed by surrounding peaks that rise well above 4,000 metres. The Gorner Glacier reaches close to the edge of the settlement, keeping high-altitude ski terrain open for much of the year. Mountain huts dot the slopes above, used by hikers and climbers heading toward the Monte Rosa massif. Restaurants serve Valais specialities such as raclette and dried meat, often in dining rooms with views of the Matterhorn's north face.