recommended route
The Matterhorn Trek
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Hut trekking in the middle of Zermatt's mountain worldPhoto: Zermatt Tourismus, ZERMATTERS
The trekking begins and ends in Zermatt. Along the entire route, one hikes far from civilisation from hut to hut. Along the path on either side are rare flowers and into the distance at eye level stretch the mountain giants including the Matterhorn with its awesome and terrifying north wall.
After each stage, a comfortable mountain hut awaits where the in-resident host welcomes the guests. These people know the mountain world around Zermatt exceptionally well and most certainly will have tales to tell.
The trekking offers different facets and five days of fascination in Zermatt’s mountain paradise.
- Do not forget a camera
- Gaze in wonder at many unknown sides to the Matterhorn up close and personal
- New Hörnli Hut opened in July 2015 in occasion of the 150 Years First Ascent of the Matterhorn
- As a long tour lasting several days in an Alpine environment, the Matterhorn Trek requires careful preparation.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Rest stops
BlattenEdelweiss
Farmerhaus
Furri
Les Marmottes
Schönbielhütte
Trift Berggasthaus
Hörnlihütte | Matterhorn
Stafelalp 2200m
Aroleid Restaurant
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.
Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.
Tips and hints
Book the package now onlineStart
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Stages:
Day 1 > Zermatt - Trift Mountain Lodge
Elevation: + 730 m
Distance: 3.7 km
Day 2 > Trift Mountain Lodge - Schönbiel Hut
Elevation: +780 m, - 430 m
Distance: 11.3 km
Day 3 > Schönbiel Hut - Hörnli Hut Matterhorn
Elevation: + 1105 m, - 540 m
Distance: 13.2 km
Day 4 > Hörnli Hut Matterhorn - Gandegg Hut
Elevation: + 430 m, - 660 m
Distance: 9 km
Day 5 > Gandegg Hut – Zermatt
Elevation: - 1415 m
Distance: 8.9 km
The distances and altitudes given are intended as guidance only. Actual times and distances may vary depending on the route chosen.
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).
By road
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
Eine Wanderkarte im Massstab 1:25000 ist im Gäste-Informationscenter von Zermatt Tourismus erhältlich. Ebenso Broschüren mit Tipps und Empfehlungen.
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Depending on the hut a silk sleeping bag is required
- Binoculars
- Camera / Telephoto
Important! A good head for heights, a sure foot are needed
Statistics
- 21 Waypoints
- 21 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others