Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Situated at the foot of the famous Matterhorn and surrounded by thirty-eight 4,000m high mountains, (more than any other village in the Alps) Zermatt, is the ideal base for your walking holiday in Switzerland. With a selection of 400km of trails, walks are as fascinating as they are varied and always benefiting from the most stunning backdrops.
Zermatt is at the head of a valley about an hour from the main Rhone Valley and unless you want to spend a lot of time travelling by public transport, it is best to walk locally. This is fine because there are plenty of routes to choose from for a week's holiday, with outstanding mountain panoramas to be had. The various mountain railways and cable cars are an attraction in their own right and our walk suggestions make good use of these assets, enabling you to enjoy the travel and get to a good height for your walking with minimal effort on your part.
You can walk up to the hut on the slopes of the Matterhorn which is the start point of ascents of the mountain itself. Or walk along a section of the EuropaWeg (one of Switzerland's long-distance walks) along the valley side from Zermatt to Tasch and enjoy stunning views of both settlements. Walk from Zermatt up to Trift and on to Hohbalmen where you will likely see more marmots than people. If you have a head for heights try the walk that takes in the spectacular Gorner Gorge using a walkway fixed to the rocks above a swirling torrent. Take the cable car to Rothorn (3150m) and then walk back to Sunnegga passing three beautiful alpine lakes and unrivalled views across to the imposing Matterhorn.
Arrive in Zermatt, taking some time to explore this beautiful mountain resort. Below are just a selection of the many walks that are available in and around Zermatt.
You stay at Hotel Europe & Spa.
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Located just 700m from the train station and ski lifts, this traditional family run 4* hotel offers a fantastic spa area with jacuzzi, sauna and steam baths. Most rooms have a balcony, the superior rooms have splendid views of the Matterhorn. Buffet breakfast is taken in the wood panelled dining room as is the gourmet dinner in the evening, with many Swiss specialities using local and seasonal ingredients.
This is a great walk to start your Swiss adventure! Enjoy one of the great mountain railways, Gornergrat, complemented by outstanding views all the way to the summit. Your descent begins by a small church and a viewing platform towards the Matterhorn, Gomer Glacier, Monte Rosa, Taschhorn and Weisshorn. Follow the path to Grunsee Lake, another great spot for spectacular Matterhorn views before continuing to Zermatt.
All walkers based in Zermatt will surely want to get as close as possible to the magnificent Matterhorn. As one of the most iconic peaks in the world, it has inspired countless stories, legends, and anecdotes that capture its awe-inspiring presence.
From Schwarzsee you can climb to the Hornlihutte, it was here that the first climbers to conquer the Matterhorn set off for their ascent on 14 July 1865. If you are content to get no closer and don't wish to climb, simply pick up the route description from Schwarzsee following the Matterhorn Trail.
This trail offers a close-up view of this majestic mountain returning by a pleasant valley path. You can find a series of information panels that delve into various aspects of the Matterhorn's rich cultural and natural history.
In the Lake district these would be tarns, or locharns in Scotland, in Valais they are mirrors that reflect the Matterhorn! Zermatt has over 150 lakes and our route leads past the lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee. Each unique and home to a wealth of alpine flora. This route is from Sunnegga to include the Marmot trail, but a cable car ride from there up to Blauherd can save a stiff climb.
Visit the highest viewing platform in Europe, detour to a mountain hut, then descend mountain slopes to a narrow gorge where a steady head is needed. Having reached the top of Klein Matterhorn, you will want to spend a good hour there. Admire the panorama, with nearby Breithorn especially impressive, and Cervinia in Italy far below the summer skiing run. You have the option to walk around the Glacier Grotto, reached through a tunnel.
Every walker dreams of spotting edelweiss in the alpine pastures, and along this trail, that dream comes true. Walkers can even see these beautiful flowers at eye level. The walk leads to one of the finest vantage points in the Zermatt region, offering a stunning 360° panorama.
The edelweiss can be admired in various habitats in the Zermatt mountains. While it won't grow on ground formed of crystalline rock, it flourishes on calcareous sediments despite the often harsh conditions.
Experience a magical moment on the climb up to Trift as the pinnacle of the Matterhorn emerges unexpectedly from behind a hilltop. Who will spot it first? The path then continues to one of Zermatt's finest viewpoints at Hohbalmen. The panorama is breathtaking, featuring the north face of the Matterhorn with the Zmuttgrat ridge, the Breithorn, Liskamm, and the Monte Rosa massif.
Enjoy a leisurely walk up the Zmutt valley with wonderful views of the Matterhorn and back across the valley to the Monte Rosa and Liskamm. You'll head up the right side of the valley with incredible mountain panorama and plenty of path-side flora; you may even see marmots on the rocks by the river!
Say fond farewells to Zermatt as you depart on the train.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £532.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
