Tour of Matterhorn
Tour of Matterhorn: An Epic Alpine Hiking Adventure in Switzerland
Embark on the Tour of Matterhorn, a mesmerizing journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, where towering peaks and serene valleys craft a dramatic backdrop for your adventure. This iconic loop trail encompasses the majestic Matterhorn, one of the world's most recognized mountains, offering unparalleled vistas that captivate the soul of every hiker. As you navigate through the alpine landscape, you'll traverse rocky trails, pristine snowfields, and charming traditional Swiss villages, each offering a glimpse into the region's unique culture and history. Along the way, find solace in cozy mountain huts and lodges, where the warm hospitality and hearty Swiss cuisine rejuvenate weary travelers. Whether you're crossing bridges over turquoise glacial streams or gazing up at the sheer cliffs of the mighty Matterhorn itself, every step on this trail promises an unforgettable encounter with nature's grandeur. Prepare for a challenging yet profoundly rewarding adventure in one of the most breathtaking regions on Earth.
Route Overview
The Tour of the Matterhorn typically starts and finishes in Zermatt, Switzerland, creating a renowned circular trekking route that circumnavigates the iconic Matterhorn peak. Hikers travel through both the Swiss and Italian Alps, passing through a series of alpine villages such as Zinal, St. Niklaus, Arolla, and Breuil-Cervinia. Key stages also include traversing remote valleys like the Val d'Arolla, Val Pelline, and the Mattertal.
This demanding circuit covers approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) and is generally completed in 8 to 11 days, depending on pace, fitness, and route variations. It comprises multiple high mountain passes, notably Col Collon (3,080m), Col de Valcournera (3,073m), and Theodulpass (3,301m), requiring both stamina and sure-footedness.
Trail conditions vary throughout the trek, with well-marked paths, remote mountain tracks, rocky ascents, and potential snowfields—especially at higher passes. Expect steep climbs, long descents, and sections that may be exposed or require basic scrambling skills. Most stages provide access to mountain huts, guesthouses, and refugios, allowing for regular resupply and shelter, but some sections are more isolated and require advance planning for provisions and weather.
Weather in the high Alps can be unpredictable; hikers should be prepared for rapid changes, including snow, rain, and cold temperatures, even during the summer season. Some sections may include crossing glaciers or require basic equipment such as trekking poles and crampons, especially earlier or later in the hiking season. Regular public transport links are available in most valley towns, offering flexibility for staging or early departure from the route if necessary.
A Journey Through Alpine History
The Tour of Matterhorn is not only a journey through awe-inspiring alpine landscapes but also a passage through rich historical narratives. The region surrounding the Matterhorn has been a focal point for explorers and mountaineers alike, with the first successful summit of the Matterhorn famously achieved on July 14, 1865, by Edward Whymper and his team, marking a pivotal moment in the history of alpinism. This daunting ascent, however, ended in tragedy with a fatal descent, casting a long shadow over the mountain's mystique. Beyond its climbing heritage, the area has long been a crossroads for trade routes, with ancient paths traversed by traders and pilgrims weaving stories into the landscape. The traditional villages along the trail, such as Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia, preserve the region's cultural legacy, offering glimpses into the hardy lifestyles and architectural styles that have endured through centuries. The Matterhorn remains a symbol of human perseverance and the enduring attraction of the mountains.
Notable highlights
The Hörnli Hut: Serving as the base camp for summit attempts, the Hörnli Hut is not only a functional refuge but also a historical landmark, sitting at an elevation of 3,260 meters, offering stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Schwarzsee: This picturesque alpine lake provides a serene spot for reflection, literally and figuratively, with the Matterhorn beautifully mirrored in its calm waters. It’s a perfect place to pause and soak in the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Gornergrat: A high-altitude ridge accessible by cogwheel train, Gornergrat offers some of the most dramatic panoramas of the Pennine Alps, including expansive views of Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier—the second largest in the Alps.
Stellisee: Renowned for its breathtaking reflections of the Matterhorn, Stellisee is a popular spot for photographers capturing the iconic silhouette of the mountain juxtaposed against the tranquil lake surface, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Zermatt Village: This charming car-free village is the cultural heart of the region, blending traditional Swiss architecture with a bustling atmosphere. Here, visitors can explore local shops, enjoy traditional cuisine, and visit the Matterhorn Museum to delve deeper into the mountain's history.
Challenges to expect
Hiking the Tour of Matterhorn presents a range of challenges that require careful preparation and experience. The route traverses steep and rocky terrain, often with significant exposure, demanding hikers to maintain vigilance and stability. Sudden and severe weather changes are common in the Alps, with conditions shifting quickly from clear skies to snow or rain, accompanied by strong winds. This can significantly impact trail conditions, turning paths icy or muddy in moments. The high altitude adds an additional layer of difficulty, with some portions of the trail reaching elevations where acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Navigation might pose a challenge, especially in poor visibility, with certain sections requiring careful map reading and route finding skills. Water sources, while generally available, may be difficult to access depending on the season, necessitating the carrying of sufficient supplies. Additionally, while encounters with the local wildlife, like ibex, can be thrilling, it's essential to respect their space and demonstrate caution.
Switzerland - Mountainous
- Alpine
- Rocky
- Snow
- Ice
- Scree
- Hotels
- Lodges
- Guesthouses
- Huts
- Campsites
- No Dogs Allowed
- Restrooms
- Potable Water Sources
- Established Campsites
- Shelters
- Public Transport Access Points
Starting in Zermatt, the trail leads up the Mattertal valley, ascending through forests and open meadows with impressive views of the Matterhorn. Passing small hamlets like Täschalp, hikers continue on well-defined trails, often with hanging bridges and the sounds of alpine streams, before reaching the spectacular Europahütte, perched on a ridge above the valley.
Leaving Europahütte, the path continues high above the Mattertal on the Europaweg, traversing several impressive suspension bridges and contouring the mountainside with frequent dramatic cliffside vistas. The route then gradually descends towards the charming mountain village of Grächen, offering panoramic alpine scenery throughout.
From Grächen, the route follows a higher-level balcony path northward before dropping down to the Saastal valley. The stage involves traversing forested slopes and passing through traditional alpine settlements. After a steady ascent, hikers arrive in the car-free glacier resort town of Saas Fee, nestled amid towering ice-capped peaks.
Departing Saas Fee, the trail ascends toward the high and remote Augstbordpass (2,894m), where expansive views over the Pennine Alps reward the climb. The descent into the scenic Turtmanntal valley leads to the tranquil hamlet of Gruben, surrounded by lush alpine meadows and larch forests.
The day begins with a climb through woods and alpine pastures toward the Meidpass (2,790m), often passing grazing cattle and wildflowers in season. After reaching the pass, the route descends into the picturesque Val d'Anniviers, culminating in the picturesque village of Zinal, surrounded by glacier-clad summits.
Leaving Zinal, hikers head south toward the Col de Torrent (2,916m), enjoying spectacular views across the Swiss Valais and sections of technical alpine terrain. After descending to Lac des Dix, the path follows the valley floor before a final ascent brings the group into the high-altitude village of Arolla.
From Arolla, the stage crosses into Italy via the high-altitude Col Collon (3,080m). The route traverses rugged glacial valleys and may encounter snowfields depending on the season, before descending to the Italian hamlet of Prarayer, and then continuing to the alpine town of Breuil-Cervinia at the foot of the Matterhorn’s Italian face.
The final stage climbs from Cervinia through alpine plateaus and high meadows, reaching the Theodulpass (3,301m), the highest point of the tour. After crossing back into Switzerland, the trail descends past the Theodul Glacier and offers iconic views of the Matterhorn before dropping down to the familiar streets of Zermatt, completing the circuit.