Trek in Brief
GRADES 1 to 4: See trek grading for further information
3* Hotel in Central Zermatt (upgrades available)
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Zermatt - the perfect base for hiking in the stunning Swiss Alps. Get up close to towering peaks, tumbling glaciers and stunning alpine flora and fauna, the valleys and peaks of this stunning area of the Alps will surely please. In conjunction with your requirements, we will put together the very best mountain hikes that ensure you get everything you have dreamed of from trekking in the mountains. Enjoy the freedom of self guiding, during a hassle free walking holiday in Zermatt.
Your walking holiday, your way
This is your chance to explore the wonderful Matter Valley your way. On the type of walks that you want, in accommodation that fit your needs on a holiday that we design for you. Talk to us about what you'd like from this holiday - from the difficulty of the walks, your main interests on route, food preference, length of stay and accommodation requirments. We will then tailor a walking holiday to suit these needs.
Itinerary
This is completely based around you. The length of stay, grade of walk, food preferences, accommodation type etc. Therefore costs will vary according to your requirements.
We have based the example itinerary below on 3 star B&B accommodation in central Zermatt for a one week holiday, trekking 5 days.
suggested intinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVAL:
Arrival in Zermatt
Accommodation 3 Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B
DAY 2: THE GORNERGRAT
Starting in Riffelalp you ascend steep slopes to the plateau with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn towering above you. Countless views of many of the Alps stunning 4000 meter peaks on this fabulous day hike, including the Monte Rosa, Liskamm and the Breithorn. As you continue your walk you will also enjoy great views of the glacier that formed part of the Matter Valley, the wonderful Gorner Glacier. You have the option of stopping for lunch at the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps located 3048 meters above sea level. On your return you are treated to the wonderful reflections of the Matterhorn in the waters of Riffelsee before returning via through the meadows of Riffelberg to Zermatt.
Daily stats: Distance: 12km | Height gain: +1000m | Descent: -1000m
Accommodation 3* Hotel in central Zermatt
DAY 3: HÖRNLIHUTTE FROM SCHWARZSEE
The Hornlihutte (Hornli Hut) is the base camp for the Matterhorn climb via the Hörnligrat, and a thrilling trek in its own right. Starting from Matterhorn Plateau at Schwarzsee by taking the Matterhorn Paradise / Schwarzsee. Working your way up on steep ground you reach the ridge where the trek continues on exposed ground with in-situe ladders, handrails & chains to aid protection. When you reach the Hörnlihutte enjoy refreshments 2,000 metres below the Matterhorn’s summit! You can rest here watching mountaineers preparing for their next adventure before heading back down the trail retracing your steps back to Schwarzsee & on to Zermatt.
Daily stats: Distance: 10km | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -750m
Accommodation 3* Hotel in central Zermatt
DAY 4: FREE DAY IN ZERMATT
A free day to explore the Zermatt and take advantage of the excursions on offer.
Accommodation 3* Hotel in central Zermatt
DAY 5: HIKE TO THE WORLD'S LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Take the short journey by train to Randa from Zermatt, from here you can decide on a circular walk via the suspension bridge back to Randa or hike back to Zermatt via the Europaweg. The trail climbs steeply at time through larch woodland before reaching the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge which stands 85 metres above the Grabengufer - and with a length of 494 metres, holds the world record as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Stunning views of the Wiesshorn as you make your 10 minute journey across the bridge. Make your descent back to Randa on the opposite side of the gully or continue on the Europaweg to Zermatt.
Daily stats: Circular trek from & to Randa:
Distance: 10km | Height gain: +800m | Descent: -800m
Europaweg from Randa to Zermatt:
Distance: 21.5km | Height gain: +1175m | Descent: -850m
Accommodation 3* Hotel in central Zermatt
DAY 6: THE 5 LAKES TRAIL
Options today to hike up from Zermatt or take the Sunnegga tram to its first stop, where the hiking trail gently descends to the first jaw-dropping lake of this trek. Having feasted your eyes, you now start a steady, gentle climb heading away from Zermatt. As you twist and turn along the route with amazing views from each of the 5 lakes, Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee and Leisee along the 5-seenweg route with the iconic Matterhorn at the backdrop! You can choose to continue to the Blauherd tram and descend to Sunnegga, or continue to enjoy this fabulous trek all the way to the valley floor.
Daily stats: Day hike from & returning to Zermatt:
Distance: 12km | Height gain: +450m | Descent: -450m
Accommodation 3* Hotel in central Zermatt
DAY 7: SCHWARZSEE TO SCHÖNBIEL HUT AND BACK TO FURI
Although a long route this beautiful trail is not particularly difficult as it navigates though a variety of mountain landscapes. Start your walk by taking the cable car to Schwarzee traverse the rocky terrain of the Zmutt Glacier, moraine lakes, ascend via the lateral moraine to the Schönbiel Hut is located at the foot of the south ridge of Pointe de Zinal. Descend via the beautiful hamlet of Zmutt and beautiful alpine pastures back to Furi.
Daily stats: Distance: 19 km | Height gain: +550m | Descent: -1200m
Accommodation 3* Hotel in central Zermatt
DAY 8 Departure:
Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.
