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 $798.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $798.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
14.0Kg CO2e
