Zermatt is a hiker’s paradise nestled in the Swiss Alps, with the iconic Matterhorn towering above and hundreds of kilometers of well-marked trails. From panoramic ridge walks to serene alpine lakes, the region offers hikes for every fitness level. Here’s a curated list of the best hikes in Zermatt, including duration, difficulty, and starting points to help plan your alpine adventure.
🏔️ 1. Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg)
⏱️ Duration: 2.5–3 hours
🧭 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
📍 Starting point: Blauherd (via funicular and gondola from Zermatt)
Description: This classic trail links five pristine alpine lakes, including the mirror-like Stellisee where the Matterhorn often reflects perfectly on the surface. Each lake offers unique vistas and character, and the trail’s minimal elevation changes make it a great option for families, nature photographers, and those seeking a peaceful day hike. Benches along the way offer scenic picnic spots.
🐐 2. Hörnliweg to Hörnli Hut
⏱️ Duration: 4–5 hours (round trip)
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate
📍 Starting point: Schwarzsee
Description: This hike leads to the historic Hörnli Hut, base camp for climbers attempting the Matterhorn summit. Rising above 3,200 meters, the route offers rugged beauty and an immersive alpine experience, complete with panoramic viewpoints and high-altitude wildlife. It’s one of Zermatt’s more demanding routes, but also one of the most rewarding. The hut itself offers light refreshments and dramatic views.
🌲 3. Gornergrat Ridge Trail
⏱️ Duration: 1.5–2 hours
🧭 Difficulty: Easy
📍 Starting point: Gornergrat summit (via cogwheel train from Zermatt)
Description: Ideal for visitors with limited time, this high-altitude ridge walk delivers dramatic views of the Gorner Glacier and the Monte Rosa massif. Flat and well-marked, the trail includes resting spots with panoramic benches—perfect for soaking up some of the finest scenery in Switzerland. It’s especially stunning during sunrise or sunset hours.
🦅 4. Edelweiss Trail
⏱️ Duration: 2 hours (loop)
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate
📍 Starting point: Zermatt village
Description: Departing directly from the center of Zermatt, this loop hike climbs to the cozy Edelweiss hut, set on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views over the valley. The route passes through shaded woodland and crosses small alpine streams, making it an excellent option for a morning excursion or light afternoon adventure. The hut terrace is perfect for a scenic coffee break.
🌄 5. Glacier Trail (Gletschertrek)
⏱️ Duration: 3–4 hours
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
📍 Starting point: Trockener Steg
Description: This trail offers an immersive look at Zermatt’s glacial landscapes. Following a path near the Theodul Glacier, hikers learn about the area’s changing environment via interpretive signs. The terrain is rocky and uneven in places, so proper hiking boots and good fitness are recommended. Views of the Breithorn and ice fields are among the most dramatic in the region.
🐑 6. Zermatt to Zmutt
⏱️ Duration: 1.5–2 hours (one way)
🧭 Difficulty: Easy
📍 Starting point: Zermatt village
Description: An accessible and charming hike leading to the traditional hamlet of Zmutt, where wooden chalets and flower-filled balconies seem untouched by time. The path meanders through alpine meadows with occasional Matterhorn views, offering an authentic taste of Valais mountain culture. It’s especially enjoyable in spring and early summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
🌞 7. Sunnegga to Riffelalp Panorama Trail
⏱️ Duration: 2.5–3 hours
🧭 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
📍 Starting point: Sunnegga funicular station
Description: This panoramic route descends gently through open terrain with constant views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. It’s well-suited to hikers of all ages and includes access to mountain huts serving hearty regional dishes along the way. Ideal for a full afternoon of slow, scenic hiking.
🧳 Tips for Hiking Around Zermatt
🌦️ Weather: Always check local forecasts before heading out. Mountain conditions can shift rapidly, and early starts are recommended to avoid afternoon storms.
🥾 Gear: Sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and sun protection are essential—even in midsummer. Bring a refillable bottle; clean alpine spring water is often available along trails.
🗺️ Navigation: Trail maps and up-to-date route info are available at the Zermatt Tourist Office.
🧗 Guides: For glacier treks or alpine routes, professional guides can be booked through the ZERMATTERS bureau.
🚨 Safety: Let someone know your itinerary, and save local emergency numbers. In Switzerland, dial 112 in case of an emergency.
Whether it’s a leisurely stroll to a mirrored lake or a high-altitude climb beneath glaciers, hiking in Zermatt offers something unforgettable in every step. With each trail unveiling new angles of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps, the journey is as enriching as the destination itself. The mix of modern infrastructure, welcoming mountain huts, and pristine landscapes ensures Zermatt holds a special place in every hiker’s memory.
