Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
14.0Kg CO2e
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; that's exactly what this walk is all about! Take the Matterhorn cable car up to Schwarzsee at 2,570m where you can get even closer to this imposing mountain along a suspended metal walkway. Having admired the views and breathed the fresh air, return to Schwarzsee the way you came to embark on the rest of your walk down to the lake and the tiny church of Maria zum Schnee. Continue all the way back to Zermatt.
Starting with a train to Sunegga, you'll ascend along the Marmot Trail where you'll wander past a series of wooden sculptures about these animals alongside several small lakes. It's well worth taking a break at Lake Stellisee for a clear reflection of the Matterhorn shimmering in the water. Return to Zermatt via train from Sunegga.
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. At no extra cost, walk around the Glacier Grotto, reached through a tunnel.
No transport assistance here! A long climb leads to an unspoiled open landscape with the best mountain panoramas in the Zermatt area. The return is along an attractive valley. Best saved perhaps for later in your holiday when you can overlook where you have been earlier in the week - we're sure with fond memories.
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 only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £532.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £532.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights and onward rail
Out: British Airways London Heathrow to Zurich, then rail Zurich Airport to Zermatt via Bern & Visp and free shuttle to hotel (2min drive: 08.00-19.00).
Return: Free shuttle from hotel to train station (2min drive), then rail Zermatt to Zurich Airport via Visp & Bern. British Airways Zurich to London Heathrow.
Flight inclusive package includes rail tickets between Zurich airport and Zermatt, plus a Swiss Half Fare Card (50% off all public transportation in Switzerland, including most mountain railroads; valid for one month).
Extra legroom seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Eurostar
We can also book connecting daily Eurostar services for customers preferring not to fly, from London and Ashford in Kent. Please call for details and prices.
Self drive
We can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
14.0Kg CO2e
