Matterhorn Museum or Zermatlantis is the subterranean world which reveals the history of the village of Zermatt. Attractions include original houses, a multimedia room and finds from the first ascent of the Matterhorn. A visit to the museum is a must for all Zermatt’s guests. It shows Zermatt’s development from a village of mountain farmers to a world famous alpine resort. Original houses and interiors, and recreations of the world of the inhabitants and of former alpine explorers, bring the subject vividly to life. Visitors can also experience dramatically what happened during the first ascent of July 14th 1865. The story of triumph and death traveled quickly around the world. The original snapped rope is a witness of events on the fateful day.
The multimedia room shows excerpts from the film “Der Berg ruft” or “The mountain calls” by Luis Trenker. The drama was filmed in Zermatt in 1937 and 1938, including scenes of the deadly fall following the first ascent. The museum also honors the record breaking achievements of mountaineers on the surrounding 4000 meter peaks with photos and facts. A relief of the Matterhorn shows the different routes to the summit with illuminated lines.
The highlights are the snapped rope from the first ascent, effects of the climbers who perished on the first ascent, stone axe from the Neolithic Age which is around 3000 to 5000 BC, and finds and remains of the “Soldner” mercenary which is during approximately 16th century.
This wonderful museum is ideal for families and is also wheelchair accessible with audio guides in German, English, French and Japanese, have books and souvenirs, museum flyers, special exhibitions, and cultural events.
If you’re new to Zermatt you really can not miss Village Tour Zermatt. The village of Zermatt has been shaped by ancient traditions and modern tourism. The thrilling contrasts can be explored on a walk through the village.
In the old village there is about 30 ancient buildings showing the traditional building style of the original Walser residents. The barns and grain stores, up to 500 years old, are a piece of living history and reveal how the mountain farmers of Zermatt once lived. Anyone interested in the lifestyle of local people in days gone should visit Zermatlantis, the Matterhorn museum. Zermatt is also home to more than 100 hotels and numerous chalets, some ancient, others very modern. The resort does not, however, have any giant hotel blocks or flat roofs. The visitors can see and experience the charm and characterized Zermatt’s hotels. The Bahnhofstrasse is Zermatt’s main street, and a delight to walk along at any time with its bars, restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, bakeries and shops selling cakes and chocolates. From the steps of the church of St.Mauritius or from the Kirchbruck bridge, visitors enjoy a fine view to the south-west of the Matterhorn rising majestically into the sky. Depending on weather, the peak may be sparkling in the sunshine or adorned with clouds. And since Zermatt is car-free area, with this village tour, visitors can see horse drawn carriages and during summer visitors can see Valais Blackneck goats descending on the Bahnhofstrasse everyday at around 9 am and 5 pm.
