Zermatt 🏔️
"Iconic peaks and world-class trails in the shadow of the Matterhorn."
Zermatt is a car-free mountaineering mecca. You can spend your days hiking the 5-Flakes trail or paragliding, then take advantage of your healthy budget to enjoy luxury spas and fine dining with Matterhorn views.
An action-packed week focusing on high-altitude hiking, adrenaline-pumping suspension bridges, and world-class alpine scenery in the shadow of the Matterhorn.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Alpine Introduction and Gornergrat Views
Morning — Arrival in Zermatt via the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Check into your hotel and pick up a multi-day Peak Pass.
Afternoon — Take the Gornergrat Railway to 3,089m. Hike down to Riffelsee to catch the iconic Matterhorn reflection in the lake.
Evening — Explore the car-free village center and enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue at Saycheese!
💡 Sit on the right side of the train from Visp to Zermatt for the best valley views.
Day 2 · The Famous Five Lakes Hike
Morning — Take the underground funicular to Sunnegga, then the gondola to Blauherd.
Afternoon — Hike the 5-Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg). It passes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee, offering diverse sports terrain.
Evening — Relax your muscles at a local spa or public wellness center like the Silvana Mountain Spa.
💡 Stellisee is the best spot for morning photography of the Matterhorn.
Day 3 · Glaciers and High Altitudes
Morning — Head to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station. If you hike, take the Matterhorn Glacier Trail from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee.
Afternoon — Take Europe's highest cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883m). Explore the Glacier Palace and the viewing platform.
Evening — Visit the Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis) to learn about the tragic first ascent in 1865.
💡 Temperatures are sub-zero at the top even in summer; dress in layers.
Day 4 · Adrenaline on the Suspension Bridge
Morning — Take a short train ride down to Randa (15 mins) for the Circular Hike to the Suspension Bridge.
Afternoon — Cross the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (the world's longest pedestrian bridge of its kind) and return via the mountain forest.
Evening — Casual dinner at Pizzeria Roma, a favorite for local climbers and hikers.
💡 The bridge is high and narrow; skip if you have severe vertigo.
Day 5 · The Epic Höhbalmen Loop
Morning — Early start for a strenuous but rewarding trek toward the Trift mountain guesthouse.
Afternoon — Hike the Edelweiss Path up to Höhbalmen. This is a challenging high-alpine meadows trail with a 'face-to-face' view of the Matterhorn.
Evening — Enjoy a hearty 'Rösti' dish at Restaurant Julen.
💡 The Höhbalmen plateau is one of the best spots to see wild Edelweiss flowers.
Day 6 · Adventure Sports and Narrow Gorges
Morning — Walk through the Gornerschlucht (Gorner Gorge) to see the powerful glacial meltwater and unique rock formations.
Afternoon — Visit the Forest Fun Park to tackle the zip lines and high-ropes courses. Alternatively, rent a mountain bike for the Sunnegga trails.
Evening — Farewell drinks at the North Wall Bar, known for its great views and traveler vibe.
💡 The gorge costs a small fee (cash/card) but is worth it for the wooden walkways.
Day 7 · Farewell to the Matterhorn
Morning — Leisurely breakfast. Walk to the 'Mountaineers' Cemetery' to pay respects to the climbers of the past.
Afternoon — Last-minute souvenir shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse (look for Swiss army knives or local chocolates). Depart via train.
Evening — N/A - Departure.
💡 Buy Swiss chocolate at the local Coop or Migros for better prices than tourist shops.