Larches & Light: Matterhorn

In mid-October, the larches above Findeln glow in full gold, the peaks wear their first snow, and with the summer lift operations coming to an end, the trails to the mountain lakes are wonderfully quiet. This is precisely when this photography hike takes place: ascending through Winkelmatten and the larch forest to Findeln, then continuing along the panoramic trail to Grindjisee, where the Matterhorn reflects between the larches in the still water. We stay there for as long as the light demands. The return route via Findeln falls into the most beautiful hour of the day, while the descent back to Zermatt takes place during the blue hour.

Along the way, the focus is on photographic composition rather than camera technology: learning to read the light, use foreground elements, and create reflections. Whether you bring a smartphone, mirrorless camera, or DSLR, all are equally welcome, and no prior experience is required. The group is limited to six participants. After the hike, each participant will receive five to eight professionally edited photographs of themselves with the Matterhorn as a backdrop.

The hike is led by Falko Burghausen, apprentice mountain hiking guide, Swiss Athletics Trail Running Instructor, and an internationally award-winning landscape photographer.