1829

A Precious Good

Zermatt is a remote village in the mountains, whose citizens live off the land and fight hunger and hardship.

1865

The mountain of mountains

After the incredible Matterhorn ascent with father and son Taugwalder, the mountain village becomes a world famous destination for tourists. 

1874

For a secure future

Local vicar Josef Ruden encourages his fellow citizens not to sell the best plots of land in the village to foreign prospectors.

A family business

The families of Zermatt build the Hotel Zermatt as a community project in order not to inflict huge debt on the local community. Every burgher (citizen) young and old has to contribute to the ambitious construction project.

1876 to 1879

Built on solid ground

The services rendered during construction are converted to share capital for the families, which will render a dividend to the burghers once the hotel becomes profitable.

1891

A steep ascent

Once the Brig-Visp-Zermatt and the Gornergrat railways are built, the rich and titled travel to Zermatt and the golden age of mountaineering begins.

1880

In good society

The Hotel Zermatt is initally leased by Alexander Seiler. As of 1920 the Burgergemeinde (burgher council) runs the hotel itself come rain or shine.

Discreet at the hightest level

Over the years guests from the world of politics, industry, art and showbusiness such as Walt Disney appreciate the absolute discretion the safe haven Zermatterhof offers.

From 1927

The White Miracle

Zermatt welcomes guests for its first winter season. Local boy Martin Julen is a waiter at the Zermatterhof and wins the Swiss Alpine Ski championship in 1951.

Bound to tradition

Every year on Corpus Christi day, the most important religious day of the year, the Zermatterhof prepares a traditional reception with local wine to the community.

With engaged foresight

The world class team of the Zermatterhof puts its heart and soul into caring for its inernational clientele. Its two Lipizzan horses collect the Zermatterhof guests at the train station.

To care and preserve

The Burgergemeinde Zermatt and its burghers pledge to preserve and develop the collective achievement of their ancestors for the future together with the Matterhorn Group.