My latest book entitled ‘SCHWEIZER ALPEN ‘23’. From my Swiss hiking adventure in the Swiss Alps and surrounds in Summer (Aug) 2023 shot on film.

What was originally planned to be a mountain biking adventure turned out to be a hiking one instead (long story).

From Zurich, to Zermatt (hiking Klein Matterhorn, Gornergrat, Rothorn I think..), Grindelwald (Jungfrau > Monschjochhutte), Chur (Mittenberg), St Moritz (Piz Nair), Davos.

Arrivals Lounge > Zurich

After (almost) being hit by a bus because jet lag. It was time for kaffee (cappuccino) und tart (Portuguese). Nice spot, Zurich. After a quick break and wander, back on the train (I love train travel, especially in Switzerland).
Definitely my most favourite trip overseas (so far).

Zurich > Zermatt

From Zurich > Visp > Zermatt. I can definitely recommend taking the train, buy the Swiss Travel Pass via the SBB.ch app, which can also be used for timetable information. Just remember to have your passport on hand as the ticket inspectors (very consistent) may check (on 99.99% of all trains).

1x Lowe Alpine Cholatse 55 Backpack (checked), 1x 35 Lowe Alpine Hiking Pack (carry on with camera equipment - including Manfrotto Carbon Travel tripod, film), 1x Arc’teryx bumbag (external battery, passport, phone, wallet, keys, etc).

GAIA Maps App, tracking (to make sure I’m going in the right direction and on the correct train (haha). 159km/hr is not the fastest train I’ve been on, but it was a good pace to take in the scenery. Definitely the most scenic train I’ve been on (including all other trips whilst in Switzerland).

Zermatt, Hotel Bella Vista

I would (11/10) recommend staying at Hotel Bella Vista (bellavista-zermatt.ch/en). Friendly, helpful staff, comfortable rooms, pay extra for the mountain view (as below), amazing continental breakfast. It is not a budget option.

Ein zimmer, bitte. Room with a view (of Matterhorn). Perfect weather in Zermatt.

Room with a view (shot on iPhone - Zoomed).

The Breakfast. I wish I could eat like this every day.

Shot on film. Canon A1, Canon 70-210mm lens. I can’t remember the film stock.

Zermatt > Klein Matterhorn > Glacier Paradise

One of the many Cable Cars/ Gondolas on the way up to Klein Matterhorn from Zermatt. Some lifts have a discount (*half pension or half price*) if you the SBB (Swiss Rail) Travel Pass. Be sure to ask when booking the ticket. As the price for these lifts are quite expensive (as are most things in Switzerland).

Klein Matterhorn, from Zermatt. This is from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (ticketed), inside theirs an ice slippery slide, ice sculptures and muskrat... IYKYK.

From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can travel into Italy (the southern side). I went up for the views of the surrounding alpine peaks. All of the information you need can be checked out here (including lifts, tickets, attractions and skiing information). Some parts of the area close during the Winter, check out the website for more information.

Definitely prefer the black and white version. Being above the clouds is an experience.

The camera setup. Manfrotto BeFree Carbon travel tripod, Lowepro Camera bag, 2x Canon A1, cable release. I was probably shooting Ilford PANF 50.

HOYA R25 filter for some extra contrast when shooting black and white film (probably Ilford PANF 50). With a HOYA 9+Stop ND Filter.

Some of the ice sculptures inside Glacier Paradise.

Air Zermatt around the Matterhorn (including surrounds)

On-board with Air Zermatt, flying over the surrounding alps including Matterhorn.

Pilot: “Is this your first time?”
Me: “Yes.”
Pilot: “Mine too.”

Hahaha.

The views, though. Light leaks/ flares from my camera with some reflections from the chopper glass add some character to the photos. Kodak E100, Canon A1, Sigma 28mm f/2.8.

Matterhorn (I think). Kodak E100, Canon A1, Sigma 28mm f/2.8

Gornergat Sunrise (from Zermatt)

Another day, another mountain excursion. Sunrise at the Riffelsee Lake (Gornergrat Sunrise), up early, catch the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt. Operating from early July to end of September. Ticket price around 66CHF ($100AUD approx.). Book here (if you book the half pension with the SBB Travel Pass, be sure to have your passport with you to prove you’re a non-Swiss resident. As they will most likely check).

When you arrive at the kiosk/ terminal, go over to the ticket machine and exchange your digital ticket for a paper one. This is what I had to do (after someone recommended that is what I should do).

The Gornergrat Bahn (Station) is located next to the main Zermatt train station (SBB).

Looking North-East from the station, after a short hike. There are lots of well sign posted trails in Switzerland, although I always carry a Garmin InReach Mini PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), there is mobile coverage in a lot of alpine areas.
I was there in late August 2023. I think in September there was snow in Zermatt that year, so the later you go in the season there’s a great chance of snow at the Gornergrat Station. I think you can go in Winter too, just not the sunrise trip.

Sunegga/ Rothorn Station (from Zermatt)

I was just walking back from my helicopter joy flight and stumbled across the station for Rothorn. So I booked a ticket and went up. First the Sunegga Funicular (underground and through the mountain side) then a gondola to the station at Rothorn.

If you’d like to have a look (at my book), let me know. Or buy a copy (due to short run printing, the cost is high, unfortunately).

SCHWEIZER ALPEN '23, book + Swiss Adventure.