Whoever began exporting Swiss stereotypes to the rest of the world must have spent a lot  of time in Zermatt. At a superficial glance, this place is a shrine to popular cultures perception of Switzerland. It is an exercise in Order and Cleanliness in a Picturesque setting. The town itself is an idyllic car free zone and a veritable aesthetic treasure. The mountains that dwarf the town are arrestingly beautiful, culminating in the fabled swiss side of the Matterhorn. Restaurants littered across town serve the quintessentially swiss (and delicious) selection of Fondue and Raclette dishes. One gets the impression that the only thing missing are bespectacled men making watches and swiss army knives. 

But the result of all this swiss stereotyping is rather pleasant indeed. This quaint town has more than a hint of a fairy tale feel to it. The history is palpable both in the town, and the 111 year old Furnicular railway up the mountain. The snow is reliable, with Europe's highest cable car, and the potential to ski year round on the glacier. Have you been? What venues do you recommend?

Photo: Zermatt Main St