Zermatt Before the Tourists?

Hello from the Swiss Alps! I’m in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn, in the little town of Zermatt. Zermatt is extremely touristy, but once upon a time, it was a humble village of farmers. Walking down into town from the high lift stations, you pass through hamlets with 300-year-old buildings of stone and larch - and it’s easy to imagine a simpler time.
An advantage of being here before the summer peak season hits is that there are no crowds. While high-country hikes are snowed in, lots of low-elevation hikes through little farm hamlets (which are filled with Airbnb guests in the summer) are empty and evoke the old days. Join me as I imagine Zermatt once upon a time, long, long ago…with more cows than tourists.

[@LOSTEpisodesForFree]

I went to that small village once around the age of 6 with my family. Incredibly friendly people, an unbelievable view of the Matterhorn and the greatest fondue I've ever had. A truly remarkable place.

[@jonasb696]

I went backpacking through the Via Alpina at the age of 15 with my grandfather. This was my starting point, and we hiked for 6 weeks until we made it to Salzburg. Beautiful little town; picturesque if you will.

[@JEOGRAPHYSongs]

Wow, what a beautiful place. Thanks for bringing the world to us, Rick.

[@prasadd3516]

I love this Swiss Alps. NICE 👌

[@veerpratapyaduvanshi3633]

Very exciting place,a must go one❤️

[@durdanadancejoy]

There is so much love and peace and contentment in this place🙏

[@laritalovesmakeup]

Steve. These structures always amaze me every time I’ve seen them in Zermatt. I fell as though I’ve stepped back in time. 🥨

[@charlenevieira7663]

Parece um conto medieval! Lindo, quero conhecer um dia.

[@shailendranathgospelguitar]

Wonderful

[@oliveroliver1273]

My grandma and grandpa went to Europe my grandfather also watches your show

[@Aaradhyapoddar]

Love from India

[@DOCSAFETUBE]

Absolutely gorgeous scenery wow wish I was there

[@tarikn.g.dabbous3323]

What a beautiful houses/huts

[@Peter_Box]

Should we expect an updated Rick Steves Switzerland book in the works?

[@amalatariq7348]

GOOD LUCK.!!!

[@ProudJewishQueen1979]

I was hoping for another yodel.

[@Ishisah]

I learned 👍.

[@edisgideon3900]

Luar biasa indahnya pemandangan di negara ini

[@TheBruceGday]

Cool technology to keep mice and rats out of food storage.

[@janetstucki6180]

Please give us more information on how to do this hike? What station do you get off, what trail signs to follow?

[@petrindodona3352]

granite grow here? wow nice :)

[@darkhorsejim]

There are too many nice places to visit in just one lifetime.

[@paloma4389]

👍👍

[@aircrew705]

Steeves is great!

[@waynevaughan3689]

I can't hear!

[@ethanlapaskymusic3996]

Rick notice me

[@TheUnholyPosole]

Hey Ethan, greetings from France!

[@tonyringo6309]

There were tourists, they were called Romans...

[@Lucky1341]

👍👍👍👍