SWITZERLAND - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 557

middle of the Alps at 1,620 meters (about 5,300 feet) above sea level, Zermatt can
be visited very easily during your stay in Bern. Board the 0731 Cisalpino or the
0907 InterCity Express from Bern to Brig. In Brig you can connect with the Glacier
Express private railroad (reservations required) to Zermatt. A separate ticket must
be purchased for the Glacier Express portion from Brig to Zermatt unless you have
a Swiss Pass.
Taking the 0707 departure from Bern will have you in Zermatt at 0913; the later
one at 0907 will still get you there in time for that luncheon at 1113. In fact, you
could stay in Zermatt for an early dinner, too. There are more than 38 restaur-
ants to choose from, offering specialty Swiss, Italian, French, and Asian cuisine.
By leaving Zermatt at 1913 and changing trains in Brig, you could still be back in
Bern at 2123—all in the same day!
Famous for its perfect snow conditions, Zermatt has the longest skiing season
in the Alps. Summers offer exquisite scenery for hiking, walking, and golfing. If vis-
iting between the end of June to the middle of August, you'll see the most famous
goats in the world as they travel in and out of town along the main street. And Zer-
matt is car-free—only electric cars and horse-drawn conveyances are allowed.
Check with Bern Tourismus for information. The rail information office is across
the hallway. Advance Glacier Express reservations can be made through rail-
pass.com ( Tel: 877-RAILPASS; Fax: [phone]). Don't miss “God's perfect little
place” at the foot of the Matterhorn.