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The first thing you will notice as you leave the train upon arrival in Zermatt is the breathtaking mountain that calls this perfect alpine village home. The presence of the Matterhorn can be felt throughout the city, but it is even more stunning from the various vistas surrounding the valley. Some of our favorite views of this majestic mountain can only be taken in with an easily accessible Alps hiking adventure, or in some cases, a short ride on one of the many trams, trains, and funiculars that connect the valley.
Length: 4 miles | Duration: 3-5 hours First on our list is the Gornergrat. The views of the Matterhorn as well as Monte Rosa, Liskamm, Castor, Pollux, and the Breithorn, just to name a few of the many 4000-meter peaks surrounding you, are stunning. You can also see the Gorner Glacier, the glacier that formed part of the valley where Zermatt is located. Take in these views while sipping a hot cup of coffee or cocoa on the terrace of the highest hotel in Europe, situated at 3100 meters above sea level. On your way down, don’t miss the chance to catch the perfect reflections of the iconic Matterhorn in the waters of Riffelsee, and continue for a walk through the meadows to Riffelberg where you can visit a small alpine chapel before returning to town.
Length: 3 miles | Duration: 2 hours Next on the agenda is a special cultural and intellectual walk through one of the oldest villages in the area and the original settlement of the city of Zermatt. As we descend from Furi, we can pass through the small village of Blatten and see the architecture of period buildings dating back hundreds of years. These buildings are still in use to this day. As you continue on you will pass through a Ricola garden where you can familiarize yourself with the many varieties of herbs used in Switzerland’s famous Ricola herb drops. Finally, as you descend closer to the city, you can take a short but exciting detour through the G
ornerschlucht gorge. Here you can see the fantastic power of the glaciers that carved the valley in which you stand.
Length: 4-6 miles | Duration: 3-5 hours If you are a fan of beautiful lakes and the scenery they afford, this next option is sure to attract your attention. Take the Sunnegga funicular to its first stop at the Sunnegga station and begin your hike with an uphill walk to the first of 5 scenic lakes on this trail (Stellisee). For a shorter hike, you can also take a cable car from Sunnegga to Blauherd to walk directly to Stellisee. From here, continue walking down to the remaining 4 lakes along the 5-seenweg which are some of the most beautiful in the area. The views of the Matterhorn are plentiful as you turn corner after corner to discover beautiful new vistas. After reaching the final lake, Leisee, you can return to the Sunngegga funicular for your journey back to Zermatt.
Length: 2 miles (7 miles) | Duration: 1.5 hours (4.5 hours) The Edelweisshutte is a special place. As a functioning provider of both food and lodging only accessible by foot or by helicopter, reaching this landmark over the city of Zermatt is a treat. The trail is short but steep, but not to fear. Upon reaching the top you can enjoy a refreshing beverage or a slice of their delectable carrot cake made with real cream cheese frosting. If you need to work off those additional calories, you can continue to the Trifthutte for another 45 minutes past the Edelweisshutte. The views from both destinations give you a great perspective of the city of Zermatt and the surrounding valleys.
er Trail Length: 4.1 miles | Duration: 2.5 hours (Trockener Steg – Hirli – Schwarzee)
You can take the cable car up to Trockener Steg. Note that this is the same cable car to go up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise which is located at the top of town. Purchase a one-way ticket to Trockener Steg. Once you get off at Trockener Steg, you will walk out to the Theodulgletschersee where you can enjoy the reflection of the Matterhorn on a clear day. Since the Little Ice Age around 1850, the Furgg and Theodul Glaciers have retreated by more than three kilometers. Along this trail, you will find 23 information panels at various key points that tell a fascinating story. From the Theodul Glacier Lake, you can continue following the signs to Hirli and Schwarzee, passing several small lakes along the way. The trail is rock, and scree sculpted by the former glacier. Once at Schwarzee, you can take the cable car back down to Zermatt. This hike should take about 2-2.5 hours.
Length: 11 miles | Duration: 5-7 hours A nice variation of the Edelweisshutte hike is the Höhbalmen Höhenweg. You can start this trip from the northern or southern terminus of the trail and gain the same amount of elevation and cover the same mileage. Walking from south to north and watching as the Matterhorn grows in size directly in front of you is a definite sight to see. This view is particularly special because it puts you on the west side of this monstrous peak, a view of the mountain that is seldom seen by the majority of visitors. Plan for a full day of spectacular views if you choose this option. Because it is a longer hike, be sure to pay attention to the weather. See our tips and hints here.
You can experience these hikes and other classic hikes and excursions around Zermatt on one of our guided or self-guided tours including the Haute Route and Best of the Swiss Alps, both of which can be offered on a guided and self-guided basis
