Zermatt Trails
From the leisurely Five Lakes Walk with its Matterhorn reflections to the classic Hörnli Ridge approach used by Matterhorn alpinists, Zermatt's trail network covers every level.
Five Lakes Walk (Fünf-Seen-Wanderung)
The Five Lakes Walk connects five Alpine lakes on the Rotenboden and Riffelberg plateau above Zermatt, each offering a mirror reflection of the Matterhorn on calm mornings. Start at Rotenboden station (2,815m, reachable by Gornergrat railway) and walk south past Riffelsee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee, and Stellisee, finishing at Sunnegga. The walk stays between 2,200 and 2,815m on well-maintained gravel paths with minimal elevation change. The Riffelsee reflection is the classic photography spot: arrive at Rotenboden by 8am for the best light and calm water before the afternoon wind disturbs the surface. Gondola connection back to Zermatt from Sunnegga.
Zermatt to Zinal (Haute Route Section)
The classic walker's Haute Route runs from Chamonix to Zermatt in 14 stages; the single most demanding day is the reverse direction, Zermatt to Zinal across the Forcletta Pass (2,874m). From Zermatt the route climbs via Täsch to the Augstbordpass (2,894m) and descends the glacial valley to Zinal in the Val d'Anniviers. The day crosses one major pass, traverses a long glacial moraine section above 2,600m, and passes through some of the wildest terrain accessible on foot from Zermatt without mountaineering equipment. The views back to the Matterhorn from the pass are outstanding. A taxi or train to Täsch shortens the first section.
Hörnli Hut Approach (3,260m)
The Hörnli Hut at 3,260m is the base camp for Matterhorn summit attempts via the Hörnli Ridge. The approach hike from Schwarzsee (reached by gondola from Zermatt) is a serious high-altitude trail that non-climbers can complete, ending at the hut with the Matterhorn's north face rising directly above. The trail climbs 600m from Schwarzsee across glacially scoured rock and patches of permanent snow, reaching terrain that is part trail, part scramble in the upper section. The views from the Hörnli Hut ridge are genuinely extraordinary: the Monte Rosa massif, the Theodul Glacier, and the sheer scale of the Matterhorn's east face from up close. This is as close as non-technical hikers can get to Matterhorn-scale terrain.
Guided Experiences in Zermatt
Zermatt sits at the base of the Matterhorn (4,478m), one of the most iconic mountain silhouettes in the world. Guided climbing and skiing exist at every level, from beginner ski lessons to full Matterhorn summit expeditions.
Matterhorn summit expedition
Guided 2-day Matterhorn summit attempt via the Hörnli Ridge with an IFMGA/UIAGM certified guide from Zermatt. Overnight at Hörnlihutte (3,260m). Requires prior alpine experience and route-fitness screening.
Book summit attempt →Haute Route ski touring (Chamonix–Zermatt)
Guided 7-day ski touring traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt — one of the world's great ski mountaineering routes. Through 7 high passes, 5 glaciers, and 4 countries. Hut-to-hut with guide.
Book Haute Route →Gornergrat sunrise photography
Guided sunrise photography at Gornergrat (3,089m) overlooking the Gorner Glacier and the Monte Rosa massif. Train access at 6am; shooting window from 7–9am covers the pink Matterhorn alpenglow.
Book photo tour →Links go to GetYourGuide for real-time availability. Check guide certifications and cancellation policy before booking.
Zermatt is the Alpine town that defined what an Alpine resort should look like. No cars have been permitted since 1947 (horse-drawn sleds and electric vehicles only). The Matterhorn was first climbed in 1865, and the golden age of Alpine mountaineering that followed made Zermatt the centre of a sport that attracted the Victorian and Edwardian upper class. The cemetery in the church at the top of the village holds the graves of climbers who died on the surrounding peaks. This history is not decoration; it is still present in the guides' cafes and gear shops and in the early morning processions of alpinists heading for the Hörnli Ridge.
The Matterhorn from below
Most visitors to Zermatt do not climb the Matterhorn. The mountain is technically demanding at every point above the Hörnli Hut and requires prior experience of multi-pitch rock climbing and Alpine guiding. What most walkers do instead is find the perfect position to see it: from the Riffelsee reflection at dawn, from the ridge walk above the Gorner Glacier, from the balcony of the Sunnegga above the village as the sun hits the pyramid from the west. The Matterhorn from these positions is one of the most satisfying images in mountain travel, the more so for not being forced. You do not have to try to climb it to have one of the best mountain experiences in the Alps.
How to get there
Train from Geneva (~2h) or Zurich (~2.5h) to Brig or Visp, then Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt (1.5h). Cars must be left at Täsch (5km below Zermatt); a shuttle train covers the final section every 20 minutes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers nearly all trains to Zermatt.
The Gornergrat Railway, Sunnegga gondola, and Klein Matterhorn cable car (highest cable station in Europe, 3,883m) are expensive individually but the Swiss Travel Pass gives significant discounts on all three. The Gornergrat Railway alone is worth taking for the Matterhorn panorama from the summit station.
No private cars in Zermatt village — taxis are electric, luggage can be sent ahead via the SBB rail luggage service. Nearest international airports are Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH). Both have direct rail connections to the Zermatt line.
When to go
July to September is the hiking season. August is peak (most busy, trails are clear of snow, all mountain huts open). July can have late-season snowfields on high trails. September is ideal: crowds reduce, the larches start turning gold, and weather remains stable. The Five Lakes Walk and Sunnegga area are usually snow-free from late June. The Hörnli Hut approach is best from mid-July to mid-September. Zermatt in winter (December to April) is a ski resort. May and June are transitional: some trails open, but snowfields remain above 2,400m.
Where to sleep
SB Hostel Zermatt · village
The main budget option in Zermatt, with dorms and private rooms in a central location. Busy in summer and winter — book well ahead. The only proper hostel in a village where even mid-range hotels start at €150.
Chalet-style hotel · Zermatt
Several family-run chalet hotels in the village offer comfortable rooms, half-board options, and Matterhorn views from the upper floors. Hotel Bergfreund, Hotel Sonne, and Chalet Schindler are all consistently well-reviewed in this tier.
The Omnia · Zermatt
A cliff-side design hotel above the village with direct Matterhorn views from every room. Reached by private tunnel elevator from the village centre. One of the finest mountain hotels in Switzerland, with a serious spa and minimalist Alpine aesthetic.
Common Questions
Yes. The Hörnli Hut approach trail (no technical climbing required) brings you to 3,260m at the base of the northeast ridge, with the Matterhorn's east face rising 1,200m above your head. The gondola to Schwarzsee (2,583m) plus the trail to the hut gets you significantly closer than any viewpoint reachable without hiking. For an even closer experience, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car goes to 3,883m on the Italian border, from where the summit is only 600m above you and visible at very close range. No climbing required for either; the cable car top station has a year-round glacier ski area.
Switzerland is expensive. Zermatt is among the most expensive destinations in Switzerland. Budget mitigation strategies: the Swiss Travel Pass covers trains and offers 50% discounts on many mountain railways (significant in Zermatt where the Gornergrat railway costs CHF 50+ per person without discount). Self-catering is possible; there is a Coop supermarket in the village. Mountain hut dormitories (around CHF 60 to 80 including dinner and breakfast) are substantially cheaper than valley hotels and put you at altitude for the early morning starts. Cooking your own lunch on a small stove at a high viewpoint costs almost nothing and is often the highlight of the day.
August accommodation books out 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Mountain hut beds (particularly the Hörnli Hut) book out in the first days after they open for reservations in early spring. July and September are easier to book at 4 weeks. If your dates are flexible, late September is a sweet spot: trails clear, larches golden, crowds gone, accommodation sometimes available with 1 to 2 weeks notice. For a specific August week, book 2 months ahead or expect to stay in Täsch (5km below) and commute by shuttle.
