Aug 9, 2013 - 11:09 AM
I've finished 'The Book' since my last post. I'll quote the part about the hike from St Niklaus to Zermatt: " - this valley walk will still be the preferred choice for those with limited time or as a bad weather alternative. It is something of a tease, for naturally the Matterhorn is what you hope to see, but it remains hidden until the very end. The walk, it must be said, is by no means the most scenic of the HR for it never strays far from the road or railway, and views are necessarily limited by the steep valley walls. However, it is not uninteresting as you might fear, for there are hamlets and villages along the way, as well as hay barns, meadows and forests - and the river. --- Sadly the entry into Zermatt by this route is an anti-climax, as the northern end of town seems to be a permanent construction site."
Hmmm…. He also has some impressions of Zermatt itself which wouldn't draw me there personally. All lines up pretty well with what I recall. Hard to imagine anyone saying, "In my opinion, the last part to St. Niklaus/Zermatt would actually be a highlight.", unless you did the Europaweg. ? Anyway, different strokes for different folks. I'd bypass Chamonix too if the bus from Geneva wasn't so convenient.
It sounds worth the time to go as far as St Niklaus. I will consider the Europaweg up to the point it becomes dangerous if there is any point in it. I expect current conditions will best be sought closer to that point on the trail.
Empty what is full.
Fill what is empty.
Scratch where it itches.