Zermatt Day Hikes
Zermatt's hiking trails are both stunning and varied. There are nearly 400 kilometres of marked hiking and mountain trails around Zermatt, Täsch and Randa, each offering different degrees of difficulty, elevations and distances for every level of hiker. We we will listen to your needs and make the right choices for you!...
We often get asked which are the “best” but it’s impossible to say because it completely depends on your criteria. However, here is a sample of 5 that are worth an explore and accessible for all abilities, these will change from time-to-time, but are here are some examples so that you know what treats you are in for!
The Gornergrat
Apart from breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, there are countless views of many of the Alps stunning 4000 metre 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.
On this day trek 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. The trail then changes from mountain trail to a beautiful walk through the meadows of the Swiss Alps into Riffelberg with its gorgeous alpine chapel before returning to Zermatt and its wonderful Alpine charms.
The 5 Lakes Trail
We had to include this for those of you that adore mountain lakes and the wonder that they bring to the Alpine trails.
You can either hike up 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 you will be amazed by view after view - each of the 5 lakes you take in along the 5-seenweg route are very different and throughout the day you will be continually stopping to admire the iconic Matterhorn! After taking in Lake Stellisee, 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.
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.
You can choose to start this hike from the valley floor or use the cable car to get to the Schwarzsee. Either way, the hike up is fairly steep, but consistent in grade. Once up on the ridge the trek continues to be a bit of a challenge and we recommend this trail only to those who have a head for heights. There are some dramatic drop-offs and a few ladders as well as a couple of adventures in rocky areas of the trail. (Don’t worry, any time the rocks are difficult there are metal pegs, ropes or chains to guide you.) And it is all worth it because you get to enjoy absolutely fantastic views of the array of 4000-meter peaks than define this valley.
When you reach the Hörnlihutte, take a moment to realise that you are just 2,000 meters below the Matterhorn’s summit! You can rest here watching mountaineers preparing for their next adventure before heading back down the trail for a total of 1,500 meters decline if you walk back to the centre of Zermatt.
Circular Hike to the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge
An exciting circular day trek – but definitely not if you are scared of heights! The trail begins in Randa, where you commence a steady 2 hour ascent through larchwood forests, taking in a stunning vista at the "Hohtschugga" viewing point.
The "Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge" stands 85 metres above the Grabengufer - and with a length of 494 meters, holds the world record as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Infact it takes 10 minutes just to cross it (although you will want to spend much more time there as it affords glorious views of the Weisshorn and its glaciers to the west.).
Once across, you can choose to continue northbound for 30 minutes to the Europahütte for lunch or begin a steep downhill return back to Randa along the north side of the Grabengufer. A thrilling but not difficult trek with around 650 meters (2132 feet) of elevation gain.
Hike from Schwarzsee to Schönbiel Hut and back to Furi
We have chosen this trail as it is almost a “best of the Alps” hiking route. The hike to the beautiful stone Schönbiel Hut, or Schönbielhütte, is not difficult, but is worth the time of even the most experienced hiker due to the wonderful variety of things you will encounter; from alpine meadows to walking in the basin of an ancient glacier, lakes, reservoir and waterfall, even the forest offer variety from Larch woods to Swiss stone pine.
For those who love wildlife as this trail is also renowned for wildlife including Eagles, Marmottes, Ibex and Chamois as well as the local Black-Nose sheep, a mascot of Zermatt
In the Zermatt dialect, Schönbiel means “beautiful small plateau on a mound" and from this plateau 2,694 metres above sea level, the view of the lesser-known north face of the Matterhorn is unforgettable.
