Multi-day hike

The Matterhorn Trek

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.

360° Panorama
Hut trekking in the middle of Zermatt's mountain world
  • Type Multi-day hike
  • Difficulty hard
  • Duration 17,10 h
  • Distance 46,5 km
  • Ascent 3030 m
  • Descent 3030 m
  • Lowest point 1620 m
  • Highest point 3260 m

Description

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.

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.

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

Every current hut warden always has an exciting tale to tell about his everyday life.
  • 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.

Map and arrival

detailed map