Descent back to Zermatt

Day 5

From Schwarzsee we have a leisurely final hike back into Zermatt.  We traverse down a series of switchbacks through wide open fields cleared for skiing.  At this point the signposts indicate we only have a 1 hour 15 minute journey back into Zurich.  However, once again we consume roughly twice the predicted time allotment as we experience several highly-recommended Zermatt attractions:

Rosti - We stop at one of the trail-side cafes where we are strongly encouraged to eat Rosti, a Swiss national dish primarily comprised of grated potatoes - and in the Zermatt hiker version, topped with ham and cheese and egg.

Blatten's Gorner Gorge - Definitely worth the detour for this deep, narrow, rocky gorge.  You walk along an intricate series of wooden bridges crafted over 100 years ago, with whitewater roaring through the channel below you. 

Plus many of the quintessential Switzerland mountain images  - picturesque wooden buildings with overflowing window flower boxes, meadows of purple flowers and marmots, shops selling chocolates and ultra-luxury goods, 
and herds of cattle with huge clanging cow bells (we wonder if herding cattle could possibly make economic sense in a town like Zermatt, or if some national tourist agency flies the cows in during the summer for the great pleasure of us tourists).



Even after this full final hike we are able to catch a mid-afternoon train out of Zermatt.