Hiking trails

360° Loop Gornergrat (Nr. 16)

Hiking trail | easy

The Gornergrat is one of Switzerland’s top excursions with good reason. This short circular route lets visitors experience the magic of the Gornergrat and the impressive scenic panorama.

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5 Lakes Walk (Nr. 11)

Theme trail | medium

The 5 Lakes Walk  is in a class of its own among hikes in the Zermatt mountains. The views of the mountain lakes are superb (with the Matterhorn reflected in three of them), and the trail is full of variety.

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Adventure Trail (Nr. 1)

Mountain trail | hard

This steep trail rewards hikers with magnificent views on both sides: of the Alpine panorama with dramatic 4,000-metre peaks, and way down to Zermatt and into a small, secluded side valley.

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Alpine Garden (Nr. 21b)

Theme trail | easy

Something unique has emerged on the Gornergrat. Europe’s highest alpine garden opened in late summer 2023. It is somewhere to delight in the spectacular alpine flora and to learn more about the alpine flowers in the Valais Alps. 

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Arigscheis (Nr. 41)

Mountain trail | hard

This hike through the forests above Täsch is certainly steep, but also offers a good chance of spotting wild animals. Perhaps even an eagle…

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Botanical Trail (Nr. 31)

Theme trail | medium

Edelweiss, gentian, different orchids: numerous rare alpine flowers grow along this botanical path. Depending on the course of the weather, the blossoms along this trail can change quickly, to the delight of nature lovers.

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Breithorn Ascent

Alpine tour | medium

The Breithorn (4,164 m), with its many summits, is a strong, glaciered mountain crest. The normal climb is considered as one of the easiest routes for climbing a four-thousand metre mountain.

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Chamois Trail (Nr. 5)

Mountain trail | medium

The Chamois Trail offers walkers a good chance of spotting these beautiful wild animals.

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Circular Hike to the Suspension Bridge in Randa (Nr. 69)

Mountain trail | medium

The circular hike to the Randa Suspension Bridge goes through larchwood forests and leads to an imposing record construction: the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.

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Cross (Nr. 65)

Hiking trail | medium

This varied walk leading past the hamlet of Wildi reveals measures local people have taken to protect themselves from nature, which can often show her wilder side.

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Crystal Trail (Nr. 7)

Mountain trail | medium

This path leads to many of the highlights of the Zermatt mountains. Delightful sights include the reflection of the Matterhorn in the surface of the Stellisee lake.

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Culture Trail (Nr. 36)

Theme trail | medium

History fans can follow the traces of rural life in Zermatt on this hike. There are various stations along the themed trail that detail exciting stories from the past. 

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Direttissima (Nr. 4)

Hiking trail | medium

Yes, this path leads straight down to the village – as the name suggests.

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Dom Ascent

Alpine tour | hard

The Dom, at 4,545 m, is the highest mountain located completely within Switzerland. This majestic mountain is part of the Mischabel group. The starting point of this tour is the Dom Hut at 2,940 m.

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Drover Trail (Nr. 25)

Mountain trail | hard

This hike of some eight kilometres is tough, either way round. As a descent, it puts quite a strain on the knees; anyone hiking it uphill, starting from Furi, is sure to sleep soundly that night. Walked in either direction, the trail promises fabulous views and a wonderful experience.

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Edelweiss Trail (Höhbalmen) (Nr. 30)

Mountain trail | hard

Every mountain hiker dreams of spotting edelweiss in the alpine pastures. Here that dream comes true. Along this trail, walkers even spot these beautiful flowers at eye level. The walk leads to one of the finest vantage points in the Zermatt region.

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Europa Trail

Multi-day hike | hard

The Europa Trail between Grächen and Zermatt is considered by many to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps. The views along this mountain panorama including the Matterhorn are famous around the world.

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Flower Trail (Nr. 3)

Theme trail | medium

This walk is a real treat for anyone who loves flowers. Depending on the season, walkers may see blossoming edelweiss and gentian as well as many other alpine flowers.

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Furi Suspension Bridge Trail (Nr. 17a)

Theme trail | easy

The suspension footbridge soars 90 vertical metres above the Gornerschlucht gorge. The view down to the foaming water of the Gornera river reveals the tremendous natural forces at work.

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Furi Trail (Nr. 35)

Hiking trail | easy

A quiet road leads from Furi down to Zermatt. A stroll in the pleasant shade of the larch trees can lead to some delightful surprises!

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Glacier Garden Trail (Nr. 17)

Theme trail | hard

The Gorner Glacier sculpted this landscape over many millennia. Today, hikers marvel at the polished rocks and boulders, the ice of the glacier that still remains in the valley floor, and the larch trees that are inexorably reconquering the landscape.

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Glacier trek to the Monte Rosa Hut (Nr. 21a)

Alpine trail | hard

Glacier trekking to the Monte Rosa hut is a unique experience. Instead of a standard hiking trail, the route leads you over glaciers and moraines.

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Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon

Trail running | hard

The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is one of the finest running events in the Alps. Start in St. Niklaus, finish in Zermatt – with the option of racing all the way to the top of the Gornergrat.

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Gourmet Trail (Nr. 6)

Hiking trail | medium

Anyone visiting Zermatt for the first time will marvel at the Gourmetweg (Gourmet Path), which leads past numerous mountain restaurants with a global reputation.

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Gross Kastel (Nr. 63)

Mountain trail | hard

The hike leads up a lesser-known mountain, the Gross Kastel (2,830 m). Beautiful view of the Bis Glacier and its crevasses.

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High-Altitude Trail

Multi-day hike | hard

The Höhenweg (high-altitude trail) brings hikers to the most beautiful locations in the mountains around Zermatt. Highlights include Höhbalmen and Gornergrat, where the Alpine views seem to go on for ever.

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Hike to the Dom Hut (Nr. 62)

Alpine trail | hard

The Dom Hut (2,940 m) is a mountain refuge run by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and equipped with ultra-modern facilities. Its strategic location makes it a popular choice for ascents of seven of the highest mountains in the Alps.

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Hike to the Kin Hut - via Randa (Nr. 67)

Mountain trail | medium

In this region above Randa, names of geographical features such as Wildkin and Wildibach hint at the wild nature of the landscape. It’s no surprise that this walk up to the Kin Hut is also wild and beautiful.

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Hike to the Kin Hut - via Täschalp (Nr. 49)

Mountain trail | medium

This hike requires quite an effort, given total climbs of 1,000 m – but rewards walkers with some delightful discoveries.

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Hike to the Rothorn Hut (Nr. 34)

Alpine trail | hard

The Rothorn Hut attracts a colourful variety of mountaineers seeking high-altitude challenges. Regular mountain hikers, too, enjoy the climb up to the Eseltschuggen.

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Hike to the Schönbiel Hut (Nr. 29b)

Mountain trail | hard

The trail to the Schönbiel Hut is full of variety; the view from the hut of the north face of the Matterhorn is breathtaking.

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Hike to the Täsch Hut (Nr. 45)

Mountain trail | hard

This varied walk offers a fascinating experience of different aspects of the alpine world: views of towering mountains, a surprising variety of alpine flora and a glimpse behind the scenes of a mountaineers’ hut.

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Hike to the Weisshorn Hut (Nr. 61)

Alpine trail | hard

This tough trail is suitable for experienced mountain hikers in good physical shape. The route entails an ascent of 1,774 vertical metres – but the climb is well worth the effort.

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Hörnli Trail (Nr. 27)

Alpine trail | hard

This trail leads to what is probably the key location in Zermatt, the Hörnli Hut at the foot of the Matterhorn. Historically this has been the heart of all the action, and remains so today.

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Larch Trail (Nr. 28)

Theme trail | medium

The Larch Trail leads across alpine pastures, along sparse forest that is home to numerous gnarled and ancient Swiss stone pine trees and tall larches. The theme trail is devoted to the nutcracker, an emblematic local bird species.

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Mark Twain Trail (Nr. 18)

Hiking trail | medium

On the trail of the American writer Mark Twain: a pleasant walk on the Riffelberg with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. In his satirical account "Climbing the Riffelberg", Mark Twain poked fun at the expeditions of the 19th century into the alpine world around Zermatt.

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Marmot Trail (Nr. 8)

Theme trail | medium

This walk is a must for families, offering a chance to watch marmots close-up.

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Matterhorn Glacier Trail (Nr. 26)

Theme trail | medium

This route offers a fascinating glimpse of a world between rock and ice. Walkers approach the glacier on a safe path, close enough to see the meltwater running out: a memorable moment on a special hiking adventure.

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Matterhorn Tour

Multi-day hike | hard

This is the ultimate hike around the world’s most beautiful mountain, the Matterhorn. The tour begins in Randa and leads anticlockwise around the pyramid-shaped peak, revealing the iconic mountain’s many different facets.

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Matterhorn Trail (Nr. 29)

Theme trail | medium

The Matterhorn, the ultimate mountain… This trail explores its many facets: its physical origins, its stories and legends, its very essence.

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Matterhorn Ultraks Trail "Active"

Trail running | easy

This course makes a good introduction to mountain running: 19 km long, with 1,150 vertical metres of ascent and descent. The route leads through the mountains west of Zermatt, over the slopes of the Sunnegga and Gornergrat.

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Matterhorn Ultraks Trail "Mountain"

Trail running | medium

This course demands a great deal of effort, even though endurance athletes regard it as “medium” distance. Runners cover a total of 32 km, with ascents and descents of 2,000 vertical metres.

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Matterhorn Ultraks Trail "Sky"

Trail running | hard

This race pushes the fittest and toughest endurance athletes to the limit: 49 km long, 3,600 vertical metres of ascent and descent, and plenty of challenging terrain. A contest without mercy for diehard runners.

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Matterhorn Ultraks Trail "Vertical"

Trail running | hard

This course represents a thrilling challenge for super-fit runners: 2.3 km long, 655 vertical metres and some tricky terrain. A race for hardened athletes who nonetheless prefer to take care of their joints.

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Matterhorn View Trail (Nr. 15b)

Theme trail | medium

This themed trail offers lots of exciting information about the Gornergrat. There are also 11 different stations from the Gornergrat to Riffelberg. 

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Monte Rosa Trek

Multi-day hike | hard

The ultimate hike including glacier crossing in the Matter valley – home to the highest peaks in the Alps and surrounded by imposing glaciers. 

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Nature Trail (Nr. 19)

Hiking trail | medium

The Nature Trail is a treat for body and soul. At first it leads through a forest with ancient Swiss stone pine trees, before entering the bare landscape left by the retreating Findel Glacier. Here, the sweeping views extend all the way to the Matterhorn.

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Path of Silence (Nr. 24)

Mountain trail | hard

The Path of Silence is a treat for all seeking tranquillity. The trail leads from the Gornergrat down into a still, forgotten valley that offers a good chance of spotting wildlife.

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Path to Freedom (Nr. 13)

Theme trail | hard

It’s not every day that walkers have the chance to tackle the highest hiking trail in Zermatt (3,415 m). The view of 38 mountains above 4,000 metres is dramatic and inspiring. Along the way, sculptures invite hikers to engage in philosophical contemplation of the mountains all around.

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Peak-Collection Rothorn (Nr. 10)

Theme trail | easy

The Peak Collection is a permanent art exhibition at the summit of the Rothorn. It shows the creative reponse of the Zermatt mountain guides to their iconic peak.

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Pensioners' Trail (Unterer Höhenweg) (Nr. 4a)

Hiking trail | easy

This path offers glimpses of three parallel worlds: the village, mountain forest and the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway. The trail climbs gently to a level where the views alternate between lush woodland and the rooftops of Zermatt.

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Platthorn / Mettelhorn (Nr. 33)

Alpine trail | hard

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.

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Randa Fitness Trail

Jogging | easy

The fitness trail leads through the forest area along the Wildibach river between Täsch and Randa. The route is shady.

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Randa Forest Trail (Nr. 66)

Hiking trail | medium

This walk through the protective forest above Randa, suitable for children, often has surprises in store: ibex may even put in an appearance.

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Riffelalp Trail (Nr. 20)

Hiking trail | medium

This pleasant walk leads through the forests of Zermatt with their larches and Swiss stones pines: an adventure for all the senses.

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Riffelsee Lake Trail (Nr. 21)

Mountain trail | easy

This path leads to a photographic site in a class of its own: the Riffelsee with reflection of the Matterhorn, a small rock in the little lake, pristine nature all around. The ultimate idyll!

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Scenic Trail (Nr. 15)

Mountain trail | medium

The views are truly heavenly: Matterhorn, Breithorn, Klein Matterhorn, Weisshorn... A scene that seems to belong in a dream.

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Schaliberg (Nr. 64)

Hiking trail | medium

Highlights of this medium-difficulty walk from Randa include Alp Rötiboden (1,970 m), which offers breathtaking views over the valley and of the surrounding mountain peaks.

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Sun Trail (Nr. 22)

Mountain trail | medium

Here, the spirit finds space, freedom and relaxation. The view of the distant horizons, with the panorama of peaks including the Matterhorn, is sure to linger long in the memory.

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Swiss Stone Pine Trail (Nr. 14)

Hiking trail | easy

This path through the shady forest of Swiss stone pine and larch is wonderfully relaxing. It’s peaceful; depending on time of day there’s hardly anyone around. There’s even the chance of spotting roe deer.

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Swiss Topwalk (Nr. 23)

Mountain trail | hard

Keen runners use the Swiss Topwalk as a training course. Regular hikers, too, enjoy the trail, which begins gently in the forest before leading along the "Aussichtsweg" path up to the Gornergrat.

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The Gornergletscher over the Course of Time (Nr. 17b)

Theme trail | medium

This hike leads to the dramatic rugged terrain of the lower Gorner glacier. During the last 150 years, it has retreated by over 3,000 m. Anyone interested in climate change can witness the process of a major glacier melting every step of the way.

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The Matterhorn Trek

Multi-day hike | hard

Hut trekking in the mountain paradise surrounding Zermatt leads over Alpine meadows and up into the high Alpine landscape. In 4 to 6-hour stages, the route over 5 days is from hut to hut through the Zermatt mountain world.

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Tour Monte Rosa - Matterhorn

Multi-day hike | hard

This tour around the Monte Rosa massif is one of the finest long-distance hikes in the Alps. Requirements: fitness and stamina.

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Täsch Circular Trail (Nr. 42)

Hiking trail | easy

This round walk is perfect for anyone wishing to acclimatise to the altitude or simply relax. It’s also ideal for families with children.

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Täsch Panorama Trail (Nr. 43)

Hiking trail | easy

The panorama reflects the topography: the valley floor is deep, the mountains all around extremely high. The views of the Breithorn and Klein Matterhorn are enchanting. A good opportunity to observe the mountain forest close up.

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Täsch-Zermatt Railway Trail (Nr. 50)

Hiking trail | easy

The Railway Trail makes an ideal family walk, offering close-up views of trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. The area along the path is also home to marmots and many alpine flowers including some very rare species.

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Täschalp Run

Trail running | medium

This open running race has long been popular in Täsch. Combining sport and pleasure, it features a traditional Älplerfest (alpine celebration) on the high pastures at Täschalp.

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Täschalp-Fluhalp (Pfulwe) (Nr. 46)

Alpine trail | hard

The hike over the Pfulwe (Fluh Pass) reveals the magnificent wild hinterland to the east of Täsch and Zermatt. The steep valley of the Mellichbach river enchants hikers with its arid beauty.

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Täschalp-Tufteren (Nr. 48)

Mountain trail | medium

This generally level walk follows the famous Europaweg trail. Leading along the treeline, it offers glorious views of numerous 4,000-metre peaks as well as Täsch and Zermatt.

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Täschalp-Weingartensee (Nr. 47)

Alpine trail | hard

The name is misleading. The Weingartensee has dried up today and there are no vineyards far and wide. Instead, the simple barrenness of the mountain landscape, formed after the retreat of glaciers, and a dreamlike view.

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Village Forest Trail (Nr. 60)

Hiking trail | easy

The Village Forest Trail offers new arrivals a perfect opportunity to get acclimatised, and is also ideal for walks with children.

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Wisshorn Trail (Nr. 32)

Mountain trail | hard

In Zermatt, many of the great attractions are on the doorstep – including this very attractive walk. Highlight: the view of the south-east face of the pyramid-shaped Weisshorn.

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Wolli and the Climate Detectives

Theme trail | easy

This playful exploration of climate phenomena is fun for the whole family. The Zermatt children’s mascot, Wolli, lends a hand. The trip starts off with a ride up the Gornergrat, followed by plenty of surprises!

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Zermatt Fitness Trail

Jogging | easy

The fitness trail near Zermatt extends along either side of the Zmuttbach river. It leads along footpaths through woods, over bridges and to pretty, secluded spots.

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Zermatt Forest Trail (Nr. 12)

Hiking trail | medium

The path traces a leisurely zig-zag through the mixed larch forest. The trees provide shade but also offer frequent views to the horizon. Around Ried, the vista opens up dramatically to reveal the resplendent Matterhorn.

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Zermatt Panorama Trail (Nr. 9)

Theme trail | medium

The views between the Ritzengrat ridge and Blauherd are magnificent, making this a true panoramic trail. Crowning the scene is the Matterhorn, revealing its north and east flanks and the Hörnligrat ridge.

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Zermatt-Täsch Railway Trail (Nr. 50)

Hiking trail | easy

The Railway Trail makes an ideal family walk, offering close-up views of trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. The area along the path is also home to marmots and many alpine flowers, including some very rare species.

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