Walk in the Home of the Matterhorn

Arrive in Zermatt, where timber chalets cluster beneath the Matterhorn. If time allows, explore the underground Matterhorn Museum, see the rope from the mountain’s fateful first descent, or wander among the centuries-old granaries of the Hinterdorf. These optional experiences can be enjoyed at any point during your stay, alongside the wide choice of local walking routes. The itinerary below is simply one suggested way to shape your week.

This is a great walk to start your Swiss adventure! Enjoy one of the great mountain railways, Gornergrat, complemented by outstanding views all the way to the summit. Your descent begins by a small church and a viewing platform towards the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, Monte Rosa, Taschhorn and Weisshorn. Follow the path to Grunsee Lake, another great spot for spectacular Matterhorn views before continuing to Zermatt.

All walkers based in Zermatt will surely want to get as close as possible to the magnificent Matterhorn. As one of the most iconic peaks in the world, it has inspired countless stories, legends, and anecdotes that capture its awe-inspiring presence.

From Schwarzsee you can climb to the Hornlihutte, it was here that the first climbers to conquer the Matterhorn set off for their ascent on 14 July 1865. If you are content to get no closer and don’t wish to climb, simply pick up the route description from Schwarzsee following the Matterhorn Trail.

This trail offers a close-up view of this majestic mountain returning by a pleasant valley path. You can find a series of information panels that delve into various aspects of the Matterhorn’s rich cultural and natural history.

In the Lake district these would be tarns, or locharns in Scotland, in Valais they are mirrors that reflect the Matterhorn!
Zermatt has over 150 lakes and our route leads past the lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee. Each unique and home to a wealth of alpine flora.
This route is from Sunnegga to include the Marmot trail, but a cable car ride from there up to Blauherd can save a stiff climb.

Visit the highest viewing platform in Europe, detour to a mountain hut, then descend mountain slopes to a narrow gorge where a steady head is needed. Having reached the top of Klein Matterhorn, you will want to spend a good hour there. Admire the panorama, with nearby Breithorn especially impressive, and Cervinia in Italy far below the summer skiing run. You have the option to walk around the Glacier Grotto, reached through a tunnel.

Every walker dreams of spotting edelweiss in the alpine pastures, and along this trail, that dream comes true. Walkers can even see these beautiful flowers at eye level. The walk leads to one of the finest vantage points in the Zermatt region, offering a stunning 360° panorama.

The edelweiss can be admired in various habitats in the Zermatt mountains. While it won’t grow on ground formed of crystalline rock, it flourishes on calcareous sediments despite the often harsh conditions.

Experience a magical moment on the climb up to Trift as the pinnacle of the Matterhorn emerges unexpectedly from behind a hilltop. Who will spot it first? The path then continues to one of Zermatt’s finest viewpoints at Hohbalmen. The panorama is breathtaking, featuring the north face of the Matterhorn with the Zmuttgrat ridge, the Breithorn, Liskamm, and the Monte Rosa massif.

Enjoy a leisurely walk up the Zmutt valley with wonderful views of the Matterhorn and back across the valley to the Monte Rosa and Liskamm. You’ll head up the right side of the valley with incredible mountain panorama and plenty of path-side flora; you may even see marmots on the rocks by the river!

Say fond farewells to Zermatt as you depart on the train. If you would like to stay longer, we are happy to arrange extra nights.