Intermediate Matterhorn Trek

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike below the north face of the Matterhorn
> Spend the night in scenic mountain huts with glacier views
> All accommodations are pre-booked for you

The first time you see the north face of the Matterhorn up close, it’s not a view — it’s a moment. Towering above you like a stone pyramid torn from the sky, this legendary mountain sets the stage for five days of world-class trekking. But this trek isn’t just about iconic peaks. It’s also about those quiet morning moments at Trift, the glacier creaking in the valley below. Or sipping a hot drink at Gandegghütte while watching the light fade over Monte Rosa.

The Intermediate Matterhorn Trek is designed for experienced hikers who want the full alpine experience without technical climbing. You'll start at the historic Berggasthaus Trift and pass through high trails to Schönbielhütte, Hörnlihütte and Gandegghütte before finishing in Zermatt. With roughly 10 to 14 kilometers of hiking per day, you’ll earn every view — and every bite of hut-made rösti.

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 - Hörnlihütte

Duration: 04:37 h
Distance: 10.3 km
Ascent: 1040 m
Descent: 480 m
From Schönbielhütte, the trail starts gently but soon ramps up in both scenery and altitude. You’ll hike along the rugged flank of the Matterhorn, with glaciers and moraine fields stretching out below. It’s a dramatic route — rocky, wild, and full of that proper mountain feel. After a steady climb, you reach the Hörnli ridge and the legendary Hörnlihütte at 3,260 meters. This is basecamp for Matterhorn summit attempts, and just being here feels like a privilege. The hut clings to the mountain with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Grab a hot drink, soak it in. You earned this one.

Hörnlihütte

Info
Hörnlihütte
Hörnlihütte
Day
4

Hörnlihütte - Gandegghütte

Duration: 03:55 h
Distance: 8.78 km
Ascent: 390 m
Descent: 600 m
Leaving the legendary Hörnlihütte behind, you begin your descent with the north face of the Matterhorn towering above. The trail cuts across high alpine slopes with constant glacier views and that crisp, thin mountain air. It’s a quieter path, with fewer hikers and plenty of space to take it all in. After a scenic traverse and a gradual descent, you reach the Gandegghütte — a cozy hut perched with front-row seats to the Theodul Glacier. Time to rest your legs, refuel, and enjoy one of the most underrated corners of this 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