Beginner Matterhorn Trek

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike a gentle route beneath the Matterhorn
> Stay in cozy mountain huts and comfortable lodges
> We'll arrange all your overnights and route details

You wake up, unzip your sleeping bag, and peek out the window of Berggasthaus Trift. Boom. There it is. The Matterhorn, in all its glory. No crowds, no pressure—just you and the mountain. Five days of stress-free hiking, through the best of Zermatt’s mountain scenery, with charming Swiss huts waiting for you at the end of every stage. No climbing skills needed, just some spirit and good walking shoes. And yes, you’ll make it back to Zermatt with a grin and a full camera roll.

This beginner-friendly version of the Matterhorn Trek is designed for those who want the mountain experience without the technical drama. You hike from hut to hut—including Schönbielhütte and Gandegghütte—on good trails, averaging 10 kilometers a day. Each evening ends with a hot meal and panoramic views. It’s hiking made easy, but never boring.

Itinerary

Day
1

Zermatt – Berggasthaus Trift

Duration: 02:15 h
Distance: 3.97 km
Ascent: 710 m
The trek kicks off in Zermatt with a steady uphill walk to Berggasthaus Trift. The trail winds through larch forests and along alpine meadows, offering first glimpses of the Matterhorn. It's a short stage but with a solid ascent, perfect to ease into the trek and warm up your legs.

Berggasthaus Trift

Info
Berggasthaus Trift
Berggasthaus Trift
Day
2

Berggasthaus Trift – Schönbielhütte

Duration: 03:50 h
Distance: 10.8 km
Ascent: 720 m
Descent: 400 m
Today’s trail leads into wilder alpine terrain as you follow the valley toward the Schönbielhütte. You’ll cross rocky paths and see glaciers in the distance, with the Matterhorn now dominating the skyline. This is a scenic, moderately demanding day with a solid mix of up and down.

Schönbielhütte

Info
Schönbielhütte
Schönbielhütte
Day
3

Schönbielhütte - Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee

Duration: 03:15 h
Distance: 8.92 km
Ascent: 400 m
Descent: 490 m
From the peaceful Schönbielhütte, the trail leads you gently downhill through wide alpine meadows with constant views of the Matterhorn’s rugged west face. It’s a relaxed stage with no technical sections — just steady hiking, open landscapes, and the occasional curious marmot. As you approach Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee, the terrain softens even more, and the comfort level rises. A warm meal, a soft bed, and a Matterhorn sunset await — a well-earned reward after another beautiful day on the trail.

Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee

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Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee
Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee
Day
4

Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee - Gandegghütte

Duration: 02:40 h
Distance: 5.64 km
Ascent: 570 m
Descent: 120 m
From Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee, the trail climbs steadily into true alpine territory. As you gain height, the landscape opens up to reveal rocky outcrops, distant glaciers, and a front-row seat to the drama of the high Alps. It’s a manageable ascent, perfect for beginner trekkers ready for a bit more elevation. After a couple of hours on the trail, you arrive at the Gandegghütte — perched above the Theodul Glacier and offering one of the most stunning panoramas of the trek.

Gandegghütte

Info
 Gandegghütte
Gandegghütte
Day
5

Gandegghütte – Zermatt

Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 9.88 km
Ascent: 10 m
Descent: 1400 m
The final stage takes you all the way back down to Zermatt. The descent is long and steady, offering panoramic views over the valley and the mountains you’ve crossed. It’s a rewarding finish to a trek full of big peaks, cozy huts, and classic Swiss alpine atmosphere.

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Zermatt Matterhorn Experience. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Zermatt Matterhorn Experience, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

  • Half board (where possible)

    Accommodation in the huts includes dinner and breakfast, unless otherwise indicated in the exclusive list. This allows you to travel lighter and not have to worry about an extra meal. Please note, however, that lunch is not included, but can be purchased at the huts.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • How to Get to the Starting Point of the Matterhorn Trek

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Zermatt Matterhorn Experience

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras