This is a small but very informative and well-curated museum…read more It was ten Swiss Francs for entry but you could easily spend close to three hours here because they have over an hours worth of short films that talk about the area, the climbing history, the farmers etc. They are very well done. The exhibits show lots of detail about life in the mountains and talk extensively about the first climbers and the tragic situation that caused four of them to fall to their death after having ascended the summit. The museum is basically under ground next to the main church in Zermatt. They do not allow bags into the museum but they give you a free locker in which to place your personal belongings while you are in the museum.

Yelp Review 2026 #150:…read more Matterhorn Museum is a nice place to visit to learn more about Matterhorn in depth. I've never Googled "hiking Matterhorn" or anything like that. Because one, I'm not hiking Matterhorn. Two, I can just look at it from a good distance. You can tell by its shape that that climb is steep and won't be easy. The first hiker in 1865 died. A few more people ascended the mountain. Those who made it to the peak all tried different routes. There's a room with a model of Matterhorn and when you press a button for each hiker's name, it shows you what route they took. Some were straightforward, one did the long roundabout way, one did a zigzag. There are falling rocks making the hike even more challenging. It's in the top 5 highest fatality rate from hiking in the world with over 500 deaths since the first one in 1865. I appreciate dark information like this because it brings you back to reality before you think about something dumb like hike Matterhorn. There was also drama that involves alleged sabotage involving Edward Whymper and guides Peter Taugwalder, Senior and his son PT, Junior vs 4 other hikers who died because of the 3 survivors previously mentioned. The rope that was allegedly cut to separate the survivors from those who fell to their death is in the museum. The actual story is still being debated by these climbers' descendants. Aside from that, the museum also tells you how Zermatt went from a poor town to a popular tourist town. From the first hotels (Monte Rosa, Mont Cervin and Zermatterhof - which are all still operating), church, flora and fauna. There's a weird section where you can see pictures of animals indigenous to Zermatt and their droppings. You can buy tickets at the gift shop. We got in for free using Swiss Travel Pass. The museum is underground. I just Googled "Matterhorn fatality" and sadly, an Italian hiker lost his life a few days ago.

So beautiful! The stairs are steep but worth it! There is an elevator you can pay to take if…read moreneeded, but the views were amazing the whole way down so I think walking was the best option.

This is the home to one of Europe's most beautiful botanical gardens. Scottish Captain Neil…read moreMcEacharn donated this land to the Italian state in 1931, and it opened to the public in 1952. We admired the ornamental fountains, sculptures, and waterfalls that are accented by a diverse array of flora. It is 40 acres park houses 20,000 plants of particular botanic value and more than 80,000 blooming bulbous specimens and over 15,000 border plants cover the numerous flowerbeds. The English style gardens are below and you climb up some steps to view the Italian gardens. You can also view the Swiss Alps border - Monte Rosa - which is the highest mountain in Switzerland and the second-highest in both the Alps and western Europe. In the movie 'The Sound of Music", when Maria sings "The hills are alive . . ." you can see the alps, that I saw here! The garden is a real work of art generated in 1931 by Captain Neil McEacharn's botanic passion, plants from all over the world. Inside the Mausoleum Chapel, the windows have 4 round large stained glass windows, featuring some botanical favorites! If you're visiting Stresa, make sure you stop here!

TIP TOP! Hotel…read moreDufour is very affordable, but makes it's guests feel welcome and safe. The hotel is in a great location, very close to town and the train station (within walking distance, even with luggage). My boyfriend and I stayed in a lovely and large room that had a big balcony looking right at the Matterhorn. The room was clean, the bathroom was big, and the people working there were very nice. In the morning we had a complimentary breakfast filled with cheeses, meats, cereals, granolas, home made breads, rolls, jams, honeys, and just about everything else you can think of. They even have a spa, and a putt putt course out front. And it was only 165 chf for the night! I called on a Friday to book it for the next night. That's pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.