recommended route
Platthorn / Mettelhorn (Nr. 33)
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View from the Mettelhorn with the Platthorn in the foregroundPhoto: Zermatt Tourismus, Agnieszka Wajs
Both mountains, the Mettelhorn and the Platthorn, reveal totally unexpected views to the west: the summit of the Wellenkuppe with its wave of snow, and the Ober Gabelhorn with its dramatic rocky ridges.
This demanding trail into tranquil nature rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the village and the many 4,000-metre peaks around. The glacier on the Platthorn and Mettelhorn has retreated considerably; here, caution is required.
Towering over the upper part of the Triftchumme, below the Furgghorn (3,392 m), are the Böse Tschuggen, which means “evil cliffs” in the local dialect. Geographical features acquire their names for good reason.
- Information at the Bergasthaus Trift hotel: find out about current risk situation!
- Nearby: eagle’s eyrie
- Abundant wildlife including chamois
Author’s recommendation
Please contact the Trift Berggasthaus for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions.
It is worthwhile taking a couple of souvenir photographs, because the view from the Mettelhorn is beautiful: Under one is the village of Zermatt and under the other is the Mattertal. Almost within reach are also the two four thousand-metre Zinalrothorn (4,221 m) and the Weisshorn (4,506 m).
Track types
Rest stops
EdelweissTrift Berggasthaus
Safety information
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
- Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
Note: Pay careful attention to weather and tour length. Take special care on wet paths and wet terrain.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Zermatt (station) - Alterhaupt (Edelweiss) - Trift - Furgji - Platthorn / Mettelhorn
(Hiking time for the walk back: approx. 3h 10)
Note
Public transport
By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).
Getting there
Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.
Parking
Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Depending on the conditions crampons
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
Important! A good head for heights, a sure foot and mountain experience are needed
Statistics
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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Rating
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