Matterhorn Trek
Admire the iconic Matterhorn from different angles
Stay in comfortable mountain huts and hotels in panoramic locations
Enjoy delicious cuisine coupled with great views
Create lasting memories and experience sunrises and sunsets in the Swiss Alps
Itinerary
Get settled in Zermatt, one of the most important mountaineering centers in the Alps, located at the foot of Matterhorn. If you have time, explore the town and experience its lively outdoorsy atmosphere.
The Matterhorn Trek starts off with a hike to Berggasthaus Trift, a mountain hotel located around 2300 meters of elevation. The trail will take you past the Edelweiss Hut and on the side of a river gorge to the mountainous world above Zermatt. You won’t see Matterhorn yet, but the panorama is arguably even more impressive, accompanied by some great food at the hotel.
3.5 km; 730 m of elevation gain and 10 m of elevation loss
The second day is majestic! Start it off with a climb away from the hotel to the plateau where Matterhorn will finally come into view. The landscape will become more epic by the minute, with a view of the valley below, where the pyramidal peak looks completely different. After traversing the flank of the mountain, you’ll slowly descend into the valley and hike past glacial streams toward the Schönbiel Hut, your final destination for the day.
12 km; 790 m of elevation gain and 430 m of elevation loss
When the first light hits Matterhorn, be sure to be there to witness this sight. It looks completely different from the hut you’ll stay at. The trail retraces its way back to a junction where you turn towards the Schwarzsee lakes. You’ll hike past pastures and maybe meet some cows before reaching the Hotel Schwarzsee, where you can relax for the day, and enjoy the sunset.
9 km; 440 m of elevation gain and 550 m of elevation loss
On day 5, the landscape will turn to a moon-like plateau, interspersed with white streams of snowmelt water. You will hike across this plateau following the Glacier Trail on the east side of Matterhorn, towards the Gandegg Hut. On your left, you will enjoy the views of Monte Rosa and Breithorn, and the glacier of Matterhorn.
7 km; 620 m of elevation gain and 180 m of elevation loss
The last day of hiking will see you drop down to Zermatt. The landscape becomes greener the more you drop down, slowly changing back into the green Swiss pastures everyone loves. If you want to save your knees, you can also take the cable car from Trockener Steg.
10 km; 60 m of elevation gain and 1460 m of elevation loss
Everything great must come to an end, and so does this walking holiday in Zermatt. Explore the town some more before heading for the train or bus towards your next destination. Or if you want, extend the trip with some more Switzerland walking holidays?
Pricing
Included in price
4 x accommodation with breakfast in the mountains
2 x accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
Tour design and organization
A booklet with a detailed itinerary
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
24/7 service and support during your holidays
Description
The Matterhorn Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty of one of the most iconic mountains in the world. This 7-day walking holiday in Zermatt takes you on a journey of the landscape around this world-famous mountaineering epicenter, with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn from different angles.
The itinerary is designed to showcase the best of the region, with a mix of mountain huts and hotels in idyllic locations offering great cuisine, and accommodation options ranging from dormitories to private rooms (for which you must book enough in advance).
As you trek from the green valleys to the barren rocky landscapes, you will be amazed by the panoramic views of the surrounding 4000m peaks, glaciers, and white streams of snowmelt water. Along the way, you will hike past pastures, meet some cows, and at the end of each day, relax in a mountain hotel or a hut, from which you can witness some unforgettable sunsets (and sunrises, if you wake up early enough).
We want to ensure your Matterhorn Trek experience is memorable, stress-free, and enjoyable! That’s why we take care of all the logistics for you. From providing a detailed itinerary booklet and GPS routes to booking all the accommodations, our aim is to make your trip as smooth as possible. Let us handle the planning so you can simply relax and soak in the stunning scenery.
Don’t miss out on this chance to explore the Swiss Alps and witness the grandeur of the Matterhorn. Inquire today and start planning your walking holiday in Zermatt!
Map
Start planning today!
Things to know
Hiking in light rain can be done comfortably with the right clothing, but it’s important to understand that hiking during a storm can pose serious risks. To avoid the threat of thunderstorms, it’s advisable to plan your hikes for early in the day during the summer. If the weather forecast predicts extreme conditions, it’s recommended to either change the hike date or seek alternative tour options, which we’d be happy to help you with.
Most of the accommodations offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. You also will not have any trouble finding such menus at restaurants. When you eat at mountain huts, though, they might not serve vegan meals. In such cases, it is best to bring your own food. Either way, tell us in advance and we’ll find a solution together.
Yes, children are welcome to participate in our walking tours, provided they are physically fit and have good footing. To guarantee the safety and enjoyment of young participants, we suggest a minimum age of eight years old to join the tours.
Having the right footwear is crucial for hiking in Switzerland. We highly recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all of our tours. The terrain in the Swiss Alps can be uneven, rocky, and slippery, so it’s important to avoid wearing sneakers, which could increase the risk of injury, especially if you are not experienced in hiking on such terrain.
Having a car can be a convenient way to get around, but it’s definitely not necessary. The public transportation system in Switzerland and the entire Alps is really well-organized and makes it easy to travel from place to place, even across different countries.
Plus, using public transportation is a great way to support sustainable tourism and help preserve the beautiful environment of Switzerland. So don’t stress too much about having a car – the options for getting around are plenty.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Swiss Alps are a highly sought-after tourist destination year-round, and accommodations can fill up quickly. Booking early is essential to secure the housing of your choice, but we will always do our utmost to find the best possible lodging for you based on your preferences.
Getting to Switzerland is relatively easy, as the country is well-connected to the rest of Europe by air, train, and road. The two main international airports in Switzerland are Zurich and Geneva, which serve as hubs for several major airlines and connect to cities across the world. Trains are another popular mode of transportation, with several international trains arriving daily in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. Driving to Switzerland is also an option, with several well-maintained highways connecting the country to neighboring countries. Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, getting to Switzerland is convenient and hassle-free.
Our tours are well-organized and in an easily navigable country, so a guide may not be necessary. Our detailed handout along with the GPS routes will equip you with all the necessary information to enjoy your stay in Switzerland. However, if you prefer the comfort of having a guide, contact us, and we will arrange it for you.