06/08/2026
It’s right by the main modern village. The contrast is lovely to see. Transports you back in time.
There is something deeply charming about wandering through Zermatt’s Hinterdorf. Away from the movement of the modern village, this old quarter holds more than 30 historic buildings that seem to carry the memory of another way of life. Barns, stores, stables, and houses from the 16th to 18th centuries sit closely together, creating a beautiful and surprisingly peaceful little world of dark timber, stone, and narrow lanes.
The details are what make it so special. Many of the old storehouses rest on stone slabs set on stilts, a clever design that helped protect food from mice. The barns were used for hay and had a single door, while the stores, often with four doors, were divided so each family could keep its own supplies, including dried meat. Built from sturdy local larch, rich in resin and naturally resistant to pests, these buildings were made to last. Their heavy stone roofs add weight and strength, and over time the weather has turned the timber beautifully dark.
It is easy to see why photographers love this corner of Zermatt, but even without a camera, it is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and linger.
