St Niklaus

St Niklaus is a village in the Valais canton, located in the Mattertal valley between Stalden and Täsch, along the road and railway line leading to Zermatt. Nestled on the mountainside beside the Mattervispa river, it retains a strong alpine character, with traditional wooden Valais houses, raised granaries on stilts, and a parish church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The village serves as the starting point for a cable car up to Gspon, a small family-friendly resort offering summer hiking trails and winter ski slopes, with open views over the surrounding peaks. St Niklaus is also known as the birthplace of several Valais mountain guides, reflecting the region's long-standing tradition of alpinism and high-mountain guiding. The atmosphere remains quiet and authentic, well away from the tourist bustle of nearby Zermatt. The surrounding area is well suited to walking and hiking, valley strolls, and exploring neighbouring villages, set within a typically alpine landscape of larch forests and rocky cliffs.