Zermatt in September 2019: Part 2

After lunch in the hamlet of Findeln,
we set off down the steep path back to Zermatt.
I loved these dark coloured chalets against the blue of the sky.

Looking back and noticing snow on the mountains in the background.

The path is very steep in parts, like this one here down to the next hamlet.
I was wearing appropriate mountains boots,
but walking poles would have been a great help too,
especially where there were rocks and tree roots on the path.
The striking Matterhorn mountain appears to us many times during our way down.

Another mountain range and chalets dotted on the slopes.

The cows were mostly lying down at this point of our journey.
There were no enclosures to keep them in one pasture
and I wondered why.

I went a bit closer and then zoomed in even further to capture the cow bell.

The narrow paths downwards and plenty of rocks, 
so it's best to look where we place our feet.

A bit further down on the same path. 
The lower one with the barrier is for hikers
and the one above had a signpost saying it was for mountain bikes!

There were sometimes small cabins along the way
and benches to rest awhile and drink some water.
Best to choose a bench in the shade as it was a rather hot day.

The shady parts were extremely welcome!

As we neared the town of Zermatt, there were many more chalets.
I was happy to catch these two grey horses and a carriage.
No ordinary cars are allowed in Zermatt and all local vehicules are electric.
Some of the bigger hotels have horses and carriages to transport visitors.

It had taken us much longer than expected to hike down to the town again.
It took us over three hours.
It's true that I stopped often to take photos
and once or twice we left the beaten track!
This house on the top of a rock always fascinates me.
One day I must go up there to see what it's like.

On our last morning, I got dressed early and went outside just after 6 am.
I wanted to catch the first rays of sun as they hit the peak of the Matterhorn.
Time: 6:48 a.m.

The first sun illuminates the summit.
Time: 7:01 a.m.

The mountain is fully illuminated, but not yet the surrounding area.
Time: 7:12 a.m.

On the other side of the sky a tree silhouette against the purple and pink
looks equally lovely. 
The time here is 6:41 a.m.

Ten minutes later, the sky looks completely different.

A cut-out silhouette of the mountains at sunrise

The last shot of this iconic mountain, showing the surrounding areas.

Going back to the train station with our suitcases and enjoying the flower laden window boxes
and the flag from the Canton of Valais.

A lovely photographic souvenir of these beautiful days spent in the mountains.

Click on the link below if you would like to see Part 1 of this stay


12 comments

  1. What a lovely trip. Stunning photos as always...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks! Yes, it was a simply lovely time away with such beautiful warm and sunny weather, without being too hot!

      Delete
  2. Hello, Sandra! I thoroughly enjoyed your second portion of your post on Zermatt! I felt like I was right there taking the hike with you. I can see where hiking poles would have been very useful on this steep path! My sons got me some for Mother's Day in May, but I haven't had a chance to use them yet. I do worry about falling with my osteoporosis...

    My favorite photos are of the cow and the mountain at different times of the sunrise--just beautiful! Thank you again for sharing your day with us :) Happy October! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Carol. I'm glad you like this second posting on Zermatt and enjoyed coming along with me! Yes, I shall definitely take hiking poles on another such stay! The cow is rather fun, I agree and being up to witness the sunrise was a wonderful experience!

      Delete
  3. Fabulous . . . as always.

    Cold here . . . autumn is upon us!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely to see you, Sarn! We had a return of very warm and sunny days for our time in the mountains! Since then, autumn has sneaked in but with lots of sunshine still!

      Delete
  4. Hello, Sandra! I really enjoyed your two Zermatt posts! The Matterhorn mountain is truly impressive, I specially enjoyed your pics of first rays of sun on the pick and wonderful sunrise sky. The way as you place your pictures in your posts makes us feel as if we can taking the walk with you: Green grass, flowers in every balcony, blue skies... and the mountain! I can almost feel the crisp mountain air. Thank you for sharing your photos with us. I showed your both post and pictures to my family so they can enjoy this beauty as well and, perhaps, we can plan a visit Switzerland some day. Have a lovely Sunday evening!! 💕 🍃🌸🍃

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for popping in to leave such a kind comment! I'm glad you, and your family, enjoyed walking in the mountains through the photos here! You would enjoy the beauty of Switzerland if you come and visit one day! I like the little designs at the end of your message!

      Delete
  5. What a wonderful hike to Zermatt! I can't even begin to imagine an area where regular vehicles are not allowed! This certainly protects the land and it's beauty! What fun that you got a close-up of the cow and cow bell! The last picture is postcard perfect! Such a lovely place!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was simply gorgeous up there, Cathy. I really appreciate a whole town in the mountains with only a few local electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages! Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment!

      Delete
  6. Dear Sandra, How are you my friend? I have had technical problems with my site and hopefully i can leave you comments on your blog as I have in the past. So many times I have left comments on your past posts and they didn't go through. It was very frustrating at times....
    Anyway, I love these photos of Zermatt, it reminds us of town we once visited in Switzerland many years ago, but I need to look up the name in our photo album. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello to you! Long time no see! I'm so glad that your comment came through. I have no idea why it doesn't work sometimes. That's so nice that you were able to revisit Zermatt through Part 2 of my wonderful time up there.
      When I visit your lovely recipes, I keep landing on recipes I have already visited and left comments. I hope your technical problems will soon be sorted.

      Delete