Matterhorn Trek

From Zermatt, the route follows the botanical nature trail uphill to Trift. While the Matterhorn is still nowhere to be seen, you can marvel at the also beautiful Monte Rosa massif.

From the Trift Mountain Lodge, the next day’s hike takes you to the Schönbiel hut. On the way there, your first ascent will be rewarded with a view of the majestic north face of the Matterhorn. This is followed by a descent to Arben before heading up the lateral moraine of the Zmutt Glacier to the Schönbiel hut.

The next day takes you via Stafel, Schwarzsee, and Hirli to the Hörnli hut, from where you can enjoy the unique mountain panorama. This is the right trek for you if you love mountain views everywhere you look!

The fourth stage leads past the Theodul glacier lake and Trockener Steg to the Gandegg hut. From here, you have an outstanding view of the Breithorn, Klein Matterhorn, and the east face of the Matterhorn.

On the last day, the Säumerweg leads slowly back to civilization in Zermatt. From Trockener Steg, you have the option of taking the Matterhorn Express gondolas down into the valley. This can be a nice option if you want to take in the views without having to watch where you put your feet at the same time. Otherwise, the descent is a great way to ease back into civilization after days away.

Hiking the Matterhorn Trek is from July until September, when there is no snow and accomodations are open. It’s a short window, so there will likely be a lot of other hikers in the huts (they almost always book up fully!). Be prepared to have friendly conversations and enjoy a fantastic meal with people at the end of each day.

Before the hike, gather information about the route (length, altitude, difficulty, current conditions) and assess your skills realistically. Matterhorn Trek is a challenging hike. It requires experience in alpine terrain, surefootedness, and proper equipment.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear with good grip, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitting backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (or the GPX on your mobile), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails.

If you walk by yourself, share your plans with somebody else for your own safety.

For staying overnight in the mountain huts, bring a light sleeping bag, in addition to the provided blankets, and earplugs for a restful night.

The weather in the high mountains can change rapidly. Always check the trail conditions and local weather forecasts, be prepared for all conditions, including rain, sun, or snow and alter your itinerary if needed.

Stay properly hydrated and nourished. Check that you have enough water and snacks to maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you. Especially in remote sections or near livestock grazing areas, it is recommended to use a water filter or purification tablets.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, take all your trash with you, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats (keep your distance, don’t feed them).

Take note of warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.

The Matterhorn Trek is a difficult hiking trail with high-altitude passes and rugged mountain terrain. Therefore, it requires a good level of fitness and experience in alpine conditions.