Climbing tourHard

Hörnli Trail (Nr. 27)

This trail leads to what is probably the key location in Zermatt, the Hörnli Hut at the foot of the Matterhorn. Historically this has been the heart of all the action, and remains so today.

Details

Type
Climbing tour
Difficulty
Hard
Duration
2 h 15 min
Distance
4.3 km
Ascent
693 m
Descent
13 m
Lowest point
2570 m
Highest point
3260 m

This trail leads to what is probably the key location in Zermatt, the Hörnli Hut at the foot of the Matterhorn. Historically this has been the heart of all the action, and remains so today.

Details

Type
Climbing tour
Difficulty
Hard
Duration
2 h 15 min
Distance
4.3 km
Ascent
693 m
Descent
13 m
Lowest point
2570 m
Highest point
3260 m

Description

Anyone visiting Zermatt should take this path at least once. It was here that the first climbers to conquer the Matterhorn set off for their ascent on 14 July 1865. Of the seven mountaineers, only three returned to the village of Zermatt, including the British climber Edward Whymper.

At the Hörnli Hut, visitors can really feel, touch and experience the Matterhorn, which towers majestically above the building. The climbing route leads from here via the Hörnligrat ridge up to the summit. From the hut’s terrace, visitors can watch the mountaineers (binoculars required) beginning their ascent before dawn, equipped with head torches. It’s fascinating to watch. Is it a smooth climb? Have they reached the Solvay hut (4,003 m) yet? Are they managing to scale the “shoulder”? How quickly will they reach the summit?

  • Trail leads past the idyllic Schwarzsee lake with chapel
  • Accommodation in the Hörnli Hut Matterhorn (reservations required)
  • Best time of year for spotting mountaineers scaling the Hörnligrat: August–September
  • Photographic subject: the Matterhorn, close up

Best season

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Route

Start point
Schwarzsee (2,583 m)
End point
Hörnli Hut Matterhorn (3,260 m)

Rating

Condition
Technique
Experience
Landscape

Map

You can reach more detailed information for tour specifics by ©Outdooractive from the link placed below the map.

Properties

  • Refreshment options
  • Route tour
  • Nice views
  • Geological highlights
  • Botanical highlights
  • Cultural highlights
  • Faunistic highlights

Download