recommended route
Tour Monte Rosa - Matterhorn
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The view into the different valleys in Switzerland and Italy is unforgettable.Photo: Zermatt Tourismus, Pascal Gertschen
The view into the different valleys in Switzerland and Italy is unforgettable. Hikers see not only the highest and most beautiful mountains in the Alps, but also mountain villages with different cultures and of incomparable character. The stage destinations are well-known: Zermatt, over the Theodul Pass to Cervinia, Alagna, Macugnaga, and back into Switzerland via the Monte Moro Pass, to Saas-Fee and Grächen.
The route leads anticlockwise around the Monte Rosa massif, an endlessly fascinating world of rock and ice. Hikers also make a complete circuit of the Mischabel peaks and the 4,000-metre summits of the Nadelgrat ridge. A thrilling adventure that is simply unforgettable!
- Tour card with certificate and annual competition
- High above the Matter valley: glorious views of the Matterhorn
Author’s recommendation
Reserve mountain huts and accommodation in mountain villages in advance.
The mountain landscape along the Tour Matterhorn is known for its breathtaking panoramas, attractive mountain villages and wealth of fauna and flora.
Track types
Rest stops
Zum SeeFarmerhaus
Furri
Aroleid Restaurant
Les Marmottes
3030 Gandegghütte
Europahütte
Täschalp Restaurant & Lodge
Buffet Bar Sunnegga
Chez Vrony
Enzian
Findlerhof
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.
Important! This is a demanding alpine trek; stages may include glacier traverses. We therefore recommend the services of a mountain guide with local knowledge.
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
www.tmr-matterhorn.ch/Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Stages:
1. Zermatt – Theodul Pass (5h 25)
2. Theodul Pass - St-Jacques (5h 30)
3. St-Jacques - Gressoney (4h 15)
4. Gressoney - Gabiet - Alagna (6h 20)
5. Alagna - Macugnaga (8h)
6. Macugnaga / Staffa - Saas-Fee (8h 55)
7. Saas-Fee - Grächen (6h 25)
8. Grächen – Europa Hut (7h 20)
9. Europa Hut - Zermatt (6h 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
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good, sturdy footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Food and water
Additional equipment for glacier crossings: crampons, climbing harness, 1 rope per group of 4, suitable clothing
Statistics
- 31 Waypoints
- 31 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others