Possible long-form travel guide for Glis Klosmatten:
Nestled in the heart of the Valais Alps, Glis Klosmatten is a small but charming village that offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in pure mountain air, stunning scenery, and authentic Swiss culture, Glis Klosmatten is definitely worth a visit. To help you plan your trip, here’s some useful information on how to get there and what to expect.
Transportation:
The most common way to reach Glis Klosmatten is by train, as the village has a railway station that connects it to major Swiss cities and regional hubs. The Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) operate regular trains from Bern, Geneva, Zurich, Basel, and other stations to Glis Klosmatten, with varying frequency and duration depending on the route and the time of day. You can check the schedules and fares on the CFF website or app, and book your tickets online or at the station. Alternatively, you can use third-party platforms like Omio or Rail Europe to compare prices, routes, and providers, and book your entire trip with a reseller that suits your budget and preferences. Keep in mind that booking with a reseller may be more convenient but also more expensive, as they usually charge a booking fee or a markup of 5-15% on top of the original fare.
If you are a resident of an EU country other than Switzerland, you can also travel to and from Glis Klosmatten with the Interrail pass, which grants you unlimited train travel in Switzerland and other participating countries for a fixed period. The Interrail pass is available in different categories (e.g., youth, adult, senior) and valid for different durations (e.g., 3, 5, 7, 10 days, or continuous), and can be purchased online or from authorized resellers. Before you use your Interrail pass, you need to activate it at a train station or on the Interrail app, and present it together with your passport or ID card to the train conductor upon request.
Accommodation:
Glis Klosmatten has a few options for accommodation, ranging from basic hostels to cozy guesthouses and luxury hotels. Some of the most popular places to stay in Glis Klosmatten are:
– Hotel Schwarzhorn: This 4-star hotel offers modern rooms and suites with panoramic views of the mountains, a wellness center with a sauna, a hot tub, and a steam bath, a restaurant that serves traditional Swiss cuisine, and an outdoor terrace. Room rates start from CHF 120 per night.
– Guesthouse Heimelig: This rustic guesthouse features wooden interiors, spacious rooms with private bathrooms, a shared lounge with a fireplace and a library, and a garden with a barbecue area. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and you can also order dinner if you book in advance. Room rates start from CHF 80 per night.
– Youth Hostel Klocke: This budget-friendly hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a self-catering kitchen, a dining room, and a terrace. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and you can also buy snacks and drinks from the vending machines. Room rates start from CHF 35 per night.
Activities:
Glis Klosmatten is an ideal destination for outdoor activities, as it is surrounded by the Alps and the Rhone Valley, which offer a plethora of hiking, biking, skiing, and alpine sports opportunities. Depending on the season and the weather, you can explore the following activities:
– Hiking: Glis Klosmatten has plenty of hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, depending on your fitness level and interest. Some of the most scenic routes are the Gamsa Trail, which leads to a waterfall and a mountain lake, the Klosmattankette Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Valais Alps, and the Aletsch Panoramaweg, which follows the longest glacier in the Alps. You can get maps and information on the trails at the tourist office in Glis Klosmatten or online.
– Skiing: Glis Klosmatten has several ski resorts that cater to both beginners and experts, such as the Belalp Ski Area, which has 60 km of slopes and 13 lifts, the Rosswald Ski Area, which has 25 km of slopes and 9 lifts, and the Aletsch Arena, which has 104 km of slopes and 35 lifts. You can rent equipment and book lessons at the ski schools and rental shops in Glis Klosmatten or online.
– Biking: Glis Klosmatten has some bike trails that suit different levels and styles, such as the Rhone Cycle Route, which traces the river from Andermatt to Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alpine Bike Route, which crosses the Alps from St. Margrethen to Chiasso, and the Lötschberg Trail, which connects the Rhone and the Aare valleys. You can rent bikes and helmets at the rental shops in Glis Klosmatten or online.
Other things to see and do in Glis Klosmatten include visiting the local churches and museums, sampling the Swiss cuisine and drinks, such as rösti, fondue, raclette, and Valais wine, attending the cultural events and festivals, such as the Folklore Festival and the Winegrower’s Festival, and simply enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of the place.
Conclusion:
Glis Klosmatten is a hidden gem in the Swiss Alps that offers a unique blend of tradition, nature, and adventure. Whether you come for a day trip or a longer stay, you are sure to find something that suits your interests and budget. Remember to check the transportation options, the accommodation choices, and the activity possibilities before you go, and to pack accordingly for the weather and the season. Bon voyage!
