Matterhorn Trek

Day 1: Zermatt – Trift

The charming and historic mountain guesthouse Trift is run by the great-granddaughter of the builder together with her husband, a fifth-generation mountain guide, and partly with the help of their children.

Route description

Ascent from Zermatt (1,620 m) to the mountain guesthouse Trift.
Altitude difference: + 745 m
Distance: 4.1 km

Day 2: Trift – Schönbiel Hut

"Dr Scheen Biel", the old name of the sunny terrace at the end of the Mutt Valley, is where the Schönbiel Hut stands, starting point of breathtaking snow and climbing routes, easily reachable through impressive hikes.

Route description

Ascent to the viewpoints Höhbalmen and Hohliecht (2,675 m), further over the lateral moraine of the Zmutt Glacier to the Schönbiel Hut (2,694 m).

Altitude difference: +780 m, -430 m

Distance: 11.3 km

Day 3: Schönbiel Hut – Hörnli Hut Matterhorn

Under the Matterhorn north face to the Hörnli Hut Matterhorn (3,260 m). From here, climbers set off along the Hörnli Ridge to the Matterhorn summit. Those who get up early can watch the headlamp parade of the alpinists.

Route description

Altitude difference: +1105 m, -540 m

Distance: 13.2 km

Day 4: Hörnli Hut Matterhorn – Gandegg Hut

Rustically clad in Swiss stone pine wood, the Gandegg Hut offers not only more than 135 years of history but also a unique view of the Breithorn and the Theodul Glacier.

Route description

Along the foot of the Matterhorn via the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and under the Matterhorn east face to the Gandegg Hut (3,030 m). Impressive views of the Gorner Glacier, Monte Rosa, and Breithorn.

Altitude difference: +430 m, -660 m

Distance: 9 km

Day 5: Gandegg Hut – Zermatt

Descent to Zermatt (1,620 m).

Route description

Altitude difference: -1,415 m

Distance: 8.9 km

The indicated distances and altitude differences serve only as a guide. Actual times and distances may vary depending on the chosen route.

• Good footwear
• Possibly hiking poles
• Weather-appropriate clothing (always bring: rain protection)
• Silk/microfibre sleeping bag or liner is mandatory in all huts
• Binoculars
• Camera, possibly with telephoto lens

Important! Recommended: a good head for heights and surefootedness.

• Carefully plan every mountain tour and adapt to your own conditions as well as the weather and season.
• The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Therefore, bring suitable clothing, enough provisions, and water. Turn back in time if the weather is uncertain.
• Inform others about the tour and, if possible, never go alone.
• Do not leave marked trails and do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
• Be considerate of other hikers as well as plants and animals.
• Observe warning signs indicating constant danger in riverbeds and along the banks of waterways below dams and reservoirs.