Discover a world of alpine wonders with these ten remarkable hikes accessible by public transport from Zermatt. From the iconic Matterhorn views to the record-breaking Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, each trail offers a unique adventure in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek along the Monte Rosa Tour or a family-friendly walk through larch forests, the Zermatt region has something for every hiker.
The hikes are sorted by travel time, making it easy to plan your mountain escape from Zermatt. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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Starting from Zermatt, follow one of the Edelweissweg or Höhbalmen marked trails. The route begins with a demanding ascent through the gorge to Trift. After this point, continue on a slope that gradually becomes gentler as you approach Höhbalmen and look out over the Matterhorn to the other side of the valley. Continue on a fairly smooth single track that runs along the hillside, then go down along the Arbenbach waterfalls before turning in the direction of Zmutt. When going through this small village, take the path overlooking the valley to make your way back to Zermatt. Cross green pastures and meander through larch forests before reaching the village of Zermatt.
20.11 km
1190 m
1190 m
4h 49m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 2746m
Minimum elevation: 1605m
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The edelweiss can be admired at a variety of habitats in the Zermatt mountains. It won’t grow on ground formed of crystalline rock, but it flourishes on calcareous sediments – despite the often harsh conditions. The fleecy hairs help protect the flowers from solar radiation, frost and aridity. The seeds require exposure to frost before they can germinate the following year.Hikers on this trail experience a magical moment on the climb up to Trift as the pinnacle of the Matterhorn emerges unexpectedly from behind a hilltop. Who’ll spot it first? The path then continues to one of Zermatt’s finest viewpoints, at Höhbalmen. The panorama is breathtaking: the north face of the Matterhorn with the Zmuttgrat ridge, the Breithorn, Liskamm and the Monte Rosa massif. Edelweiss: a protected plant Information panels about the plants along the way Between the Gasthaus Edelweiss and the Berggasthaus Trift hotels: edelweiss at eye level (right-hand side) Unusual view of the Monte Rosa massif Possible encounters with Valais Blacknose sheep and Valais Blackneck goats New route: Due to construction work on the Zermatt - Trift route, the Trifthütte is reached via Schweifinen. The hike is extended by around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the signpost to the left towards Höhbalmen at the start of the hike. Please note that neither the Edelweiss nor the Trift mountain hut will be reached.
22.6 km1395 m1395 m8h 50mDifficulty: Hard
Maximum elevation: 2745m
Minimum elevation: 1602m
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Travel between rocky passes and intensely green valleys from Verbier to Zermatt, through larch forests and juniper bushes, across vast expanses and along icy blue glaciers. Be sure to observe the changes in landscape, language, cuisine and culture as you move through the valleys. This high altitude route for trail runners does not follow the most direct line from start to finish, but skirts the buttresses, choosing the most picturesque and practicable paths through the Valais in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Each leg finishes in a charming mountain village or in a hut if the route continues at high altitude.
308.24 km18498 m18537 m69h 15mDifficulty: Hard
Maximum elevation: 3346m
Minimum elevation: 688m
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These breathtakingly stunning views of nature were used as orientation points by those responsible for mapping out the path in the villages of St. Niklaus, Grächen, Randa, Täsch and Zermatt to create the Europaweg in 1997. The first stage from Grächen was redesigned in 2021 and now leads on a varied and spectacular route to the Europa Hut above Randa. From here it goes over the suspension bridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps which traverses the Grabengufer. The bridge is 494 m long and 85 m above the chasm below at its highest point. The path then continues in the direction of Täschalp and finally to Zermatt. Herbriggen: Intermediate stage with hotel accommodation Täschalp: cheese and Ziger soft cheese for sale Current information: Due to falling rocks, a diversion is currently in place at Täschgufer. From Bärgji in Randa, the route leads down into the valley to Täsch and then back up to Täschalp.
39.05 km2550 m1882 m13h 30mDifficulty: Hard
Maximum elevation: 2347m
Minimum elevation: 1310m
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The path leads past the lakes of the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. Each of these mountain lakes is very different in terms of shape, colour, character and size, and has its own special attraction. The Leisee is good for swimming: children love it. The Grünsee looks out over a rather more rugged landscape, where Swiss stone pines nevertheless manage to grow among the scree and sand. The shores of the Grindjisee are home to rare flowers. And so on – each one promises a unique experience. Appropriate for children from age 6 Reflection of Matterhorn in Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee lakes Findeln Glacier moraine Swimming in the Leisee and Grünsee lakes Children’s playground at Leisee, good picnic site
9.76 km165 m454 m2h 30mDifficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 2584m
Minimum elevation: 2130m
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| 2290 (5m) | |
Powerful combination: the Balfrin high-level trail from Sass-Fee to Grächen and the Europaweg trail from Grächen to Zermatt form the «Swiss Tour Monte Rosa». Three-day panoramic hike with stunning views of the icy 4000-m mountains of Saastal and Mattertal.
56 km4000 m4200 m
Landscape: With panoramic views,Onto a mountain peak,Onto an alp
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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The last stage of the Swiss Tour Monte Rosa begins on the second section of the Europaweg trail. The hike runs along challenging paths that are carved into the rock in parts, through tunnels and galleries and over bridges.
20 km1000 m1650 m6h 45mLandscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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This route from Furi down to Zermatt village offers views of the region's stunning scenery, always accompanied by the impressive Matterhorn. The untouched landscape surrounded by a magnificent mountain world is a true feast for the eyes.
5 km20 m260 m1h 10m
Barrier free: Yes
Landscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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The 5-Lakes Trail is an extraordinary hiking path in the mountains of Zermatt. The Matterhorn is reflected in three of the mountain lakes and the view of the towering peaks is awe-inspiring. The trail connects the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee lakes.
11 km380 m660 m3h 15mLandscape: Along the water,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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Are you prone to vertigo? Hopefully not. This loop tour takes you through larch forests and leads to an impressive record-breaking structure: the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps. It measures 494 metres, and at the highest point you find yourself 85 metres above the Grabengufer.
7 km680 m680 m3h 10mLandscape: Over a suspension bridge,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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