A small Swiss town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Everywhere is worth a stop.

A Stopover in Andermatt
Located at the foot of the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland, about a two-hour drive from Zurich Airport, Andermatt boasts luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants but retains little of a "city" atmosphere. It's a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenic beauty. In winter, Andermatt is a paradise for ski enthusiasts, and even those who don't ski will be captivated by the endless, breathtaking snowy mountains.

Mesmerizing Snowy Mountains
Situated at an altitude of 1440 meters at the foot of the Gotthard Pass, Andermatt seems to enjoy a longer winter compared to other regions. Seizing the tail end of winter, a journalist spent four days and three nights in Andermatt at the arrangement of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG in late March.

After a 13-hour flight, we took a taxi to Andermatt, about a two-hour drive from Zurich Airport. Switzerland, known for its picturesque landscapes, did not disappoint along the way. The endless snowy mountains and clear lakes were so mesmerizing that even the fatigue from the journey couldn't keep us from staying awake, lest we miss any part of the scenery.

The Scenic Route to Andermatt
As we approached Andermatt, the taxi began to wind its way through curvy roads. Checking the map on my phone, I saw that we were close to our destination. This road reminded me of the one leading to Genting Highlands in Malaysia, but the scenery here was far superior.

A Quaint Village with Luxurious Hotels
Andermatt is located in the Ursern Valley, at the junction of east-west and north-south mountain ranges. Heading north through Zurich leads to Germany, and heading south through Lugano leads to Italy. To the north is the famous Devil's Bridge (Teufelsbrucke) and the railway junction at Geschinen. To the west lies Hospental, home to an 18th-century chapel and a museum about the Gotthard Pass.

Although Andermatt may not be as well-known as other Swiss towns like Zermatt, it left a deep impression on me. Andermatt felt more like a "kampong" (village) with little of the "city" atmosphere, making it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the scenic beauty. The term "kampong" here refers to the atmosphere rather than the facilities or conditions.

Revival of Andermatt
Originally a strategic fortress in the 19th century, Andermatt became deserted following the Swiss government's military downsizing in the late 20th century. In 2005, Egyptian tycoon Samih Sawiris saw potential in Andermatt and aimed to transform this mountain town into an exclusive, luxurious, all-season resort.

For those with the means and a desire for comfort, there are five-star hotels and unique apartments, each designed differently, often by award-winning designers.

Skiing and Snow Watching
Andermatt is not large; according to the hotel receptionist, a tour of the town takes about two hours. In winter, it attracts many locals and tourists to the nearby mountains for skiing. It is the largest ski area in central Switzerland, with over 120 kilometers of slopes. A cable car ride takes you to the nearly 3000-meter-high Gemsstock ski area. The Gurschenalp, Nätschen, and Winterhorn ski areas offer gentler slopes for beginners.

Warm Drinks and Breathtaking Views
Besides skiing, taking a train to Oberalp Pass and then a cable car to Gemsstock offers stunning, uninterrupted mountain views. While admiring the scenery, remember to check the schedule for the last cable car down, or you might end up spending the night in the cold. If you can't withstand the cold, a hot drink at the restaurant at Oberalp Pass can warm you up.

The main modes of transportation here are cable cars and trains. If you don't want to walk, you can take a public bus. For a more private option, there's no Uber, but you can arrange a ride with "Mybuxi," a green and sustainable electric vehicle service.

Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the local environment and community. To achieve this, Andermatt's hotels and apartments meet low-energy building standards, using renewable energy and natural building materials like wood and stone.

Cheese Fondue and Michelin Dining
When in Switzerland, you must try the cheese fondue. Locals say that Swiss people generally only eat cheese fondue in winter to keep warm, as too much can cause "heatiness." However, tourists often want to try it regardless of the season. Just like how hotpot restaurants have a distinct smell, fondue restaurants also have a strong cheese aroma. Dip cubes of bread or potatoes into the rich cheese with a long-handled fork and pair it with white wine—an absolute must-try for cheese lovers.

Another local specialty to try is Zurich-style veal, a creamy dish with veal and mushrooms. While it might be too salty on its own, it pairs perfectly with potato rösti.

Michelin-Starred Restaurant on the Mountains
For a more upscale dining experience, take a cable car from Andermatt to the Michelin-starred restaurant Gütsch by Markus Neff, located at 2344 meters. If the weather is good, you can enjoy your meal with a stunning mountain view from the outdoor seating. Indoor seating with large windows is also available for those who find the sun too harsh.

For a more budget-friendly option, visit the Cotton Club restaurant in Andermatt. Along the way, you'll encounter many picturesque scenes that will make you want to stop and take photos. Local residents walking their dogs add to the charm. The restaurant features transparent domes outdoors, making for a unique dining experience in the evening.

Shopping for Local Delights
For more economical choices, visit the local supermarket after descending from the mountains. Pick up some yogurt, salad, or try Switzerland's national drink Rivella or beer, and enjoy them back at your accommodation.

Leaving Andermatt
In Switzerland, trains are the main mode of transportation, making it easy to travel between towns. From Andermatt, it takes just over two hours by train to Zurich. Despite the reluctance to leave Andermatt's snowy scenery, I bought a ticket and boarded the train, ending this memorable journey.