From Zermatt’s Alpine meadows to the highest peaks

Hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing in Zermatt

Beautiful walks among babbling mountain streams, flowering meadows and dense pine and larch forests, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop: hiking in Zermatt is an experience to rouse all your senses and stir your emotions. There are 400 km of trails and paths in all, each with their own unmistakable and unique character. With leisurely family walks, challenging high-altitude mountain tours or dizzying Alpine passages – the mountains around Zermatt have everything you could wish for. And the Matterhorn will always strike the perfect pose for a photo, whichever angle you look at it from.

hiking tickets

Hilfreiche Infos

Best mountains to visit

Zermatt nestles in the very heart of the Alps, surrounded by 38 four-thousanders. The Zermatt mountains offer moments of adventure and wonder, teach humility and provide a little freedom and tranquillity. From dawn as the first rays of sun illuminate the mountain tops, to dusk, the mystique of the Alps holds all in its sway.

wind and weather

Das Wetter am Fusse des Matterhorns im Überblick

Facilities

Anlagen und Pisten

Panoramic map

Hiking in the Matterhorn Summer Paradise

All about hiking

You’ll be amazed by what you can see on the hiking trails around Zermatt – from rugged mountain landscapes close to the Matterhorn to rare flowers by the side of the path and wildlife in their natural environment. Perfect backgrounds for photos are guaranteed in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Nature in Zermatt’s Alpine world is full of surprises. Hiking in Zermatt is something everyone can enjoy: walkers eager to learn, inquisitive families, and day trippers in search of new experiences should all prepare to be enthralled. The Matterhorn Summer Paradise offers a wide variety of hiking trails and there is an extensive network of routes in the Zermatt area. Many starting points can be easily accessed by lift. Zermatt Bergbahnen makes it possible to reach altitudes above 3000 metres in comfort.

Four-thousanders

400km

Hiking trails

62%

Amount of sunshine per year

Mountain restaurants

For pleasure-seekers, adventurers and fans of Zermatt

Our top themed hiking trails

Flower Trail

Anyone with a passion for flowers will adore it. Many rare plant species can be seen along the Flower Trail, some of which can only be found in Zermatt. And you get fantastic views of the Matterhorn here too.

To the Flower Trail

Five Lakes Trail

Beautiful mountain scenery, the Matterhorn, fresh mountain air, delightful Alpine flowers, and of course, the five lakes. No two lakes are alike and each one holds visitors in its sway with its own individual character.

To the Five Lakes Trail

Marmot Trail

Walk through a flower-filled Alpine meadow and listen out for the whistling of the marmots. With a little luck they might let you take a quick photo or two.

Discover the marmots

Path to Freedom

Look out over the mountains and feel the boundless freedom. Go up the highest hiking trail in Europe to Oberrothorn. There you will encounter and explore the themes of nature and the universe, with topics ranging from the world of minerals to your spiritual being.

to the path

Peak Collection

An outdoor exhibition with 18 sculptures on the Rothorn – at 2350 metres above sea-level. A unique setting in a perfect location, with expansive views of countless four-thousanders around the Matterhorn.

To the Collection

Matterhorn Glacier Trail

The smell of snow, ice, rock, water and the purest mountain air, as you stand closer to the glacier than ever before. Hike along the glacier and spot traces of the fascinating history of a mighty natural wonder – the Furg Glacier.

To the description

Family hikes

The Matterhorn Summer Paradise is a place to forge family memories which will stay with you long after you return home. This hike is almost over before it's begun, as the children become completely absorbed in the many opportunities for play and discovery. The grown-ups will also be captivated by the amazing surroundings. Zermatt is a hiking paradise for the whole family.

More information

Hiking highlights and tips

Zermatt has so much to offer. Enjoy magical moments in the midst of Zermatt’s Alpine landscape or combine activities from the huge choice available. Take a walking holiday in Zermatt and open up an almost endless variety of unforgettable experiences. Here is a list of some of the highlights and tips from Zermatt Bergbahnen.

Our recommendations

Mountaineering and rock climbing

If you want the thrill of exploring the high-Alpine world above Zermatt and you’re not a professional mountaineer, you’ll need someone by your side you can rely on. You need look no further than ZERMATTERS (formerly Alpin Center Zermatt) – your local partner for hiring mountain guides. What does ZERMATTERS offer?

A warm welcome since 1988
Insider tips and local knowledge going back over generations
Real Zermatt experiences as seen by local people
Love of their Zermatt home
Focus on adventure
Specialists in all areas

Zermatters

More highlights for hikers in the Matterhorn Summer Paradise

Matterhorn Alpine Crossing

When a vision becomes reality: the year-round connection between Zermatt and Italy is now complete. Surrounded by a breathtaking Alpine panorama around the Matterhorn, the new route offers thrills, luxury and the highest levels of comfort.

Hörnlihütte Trail

Award-winning mountain huts with sun-drenched terraces await, exquisite delicacies on the menu. Take in the idyllic hamlets, wonderful Alpine meadows and the most beautiful mountain of them all – the Matterhorn.

Furi suspension bridge path

The suspension bridge over the Gorner Gorge, a shaded mountain forest and the Dossen glacier garden – this walk takes you within touching distance of history and the natural wonders of the Alps. There is also a playground with fire pits for barbecuing when it's time for a rest. An experience for the whole family.