Must-Do Hikes in Zermatt, Switzerland: Trails with Views of the Matterhorn
🗻 1. The Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg)
Distance: ~9.8 km | Time: 2.5–3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Scenic variety and Matterhorn reflections
This popular loop trail takes you past five beautiful alpine lakes — Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee — each with its own color, character, and view. On clear days, you’ll see the Matterhorn reflected in Stellisee and Grindjisee.
🌟 Tip: Take the Sunnegga and Blauherd lifts to start the trail with minimal climbing. Bring a picnic!
🏔️ 2. Hörnliweg to Hörnlihütte (Matterhorn Base Camp)
Distance: ~8.6 km round trip | Time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Best for: Getting close to the Matterhorn
Starting from Schwarzsee, this trail leads to the Hörnlihütte (3,260 m) — the base camp for climbers attempting to summit the Matterhorn. The views of the east face are absolutely jaw-dropping, and the sense of altitude is exhilarating.
🌟 Tip: Wear good hiking boots — the final section is rocky and steep. The hut serves snacks and drinks.
🥾 3. Gornergrat Panorama Trail
Distance: ~6 km (Gornergrat to Riffelberg) | Time: 1.5–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Big views with little effort
Take the Gornergrat cogwheel train to the top station (3,089 m) for panoramic views of 29+ peaks above 4,000 m, including the Monte Rosa Massif and Gorner Glacier. Then descend along a gentle, scenic path to Riffelberg, with the Matterhorn in view nearly the entire way.
🌟 Tip: Ideal for families, photographers, and casual walkers. Bring layers — it's cold at the top!
🦫 4. Marmot Trail (Murmeltierweg)
Distance: ~3.5 km | Time: 1–1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Kids and animal lovers
This short loop from Blauherd to Sunnegga is perfect for families. Along the way, you'll have a good chance of spotting marmots, the cute and chubby alpine rodents that sunbathe near their burrows.
🌟 Tip: Stop at Leisee lake near Sunnegga — there’s a play area and barbecue spots with Matterhorn views.
🧭 5. Edelweissweg to Trift Hut
Distance: ~10 km round trip | Time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: A peaceful escape from the crowds
This lesser-known trail starts from Zermatt and climbs steadily through larch forests to the Trift Hut, perched above the valley. The hike offers stunning views of the Mischabel range and a quiet, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
🌟 Tip: Try the homemade soup and cake at the hut — it’s well worth the climb.
🏞️ 6. Zmutt Valley Walk
Distance: ~8 km round trip | Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Tradition, charm, and history
Follow a gentle path along the river from Zermatt to the tiny hamlet of Zmutt, known for its rustic wooden chalets and peaceful atmosphere. Great for a low-altitude hike with cultural flair.
🌟 Tip: Combine it with a visit to the glacier garden or walk further toward the Zmutt dam.
🗓️ When to Hike in Zermatt
Best months: Late June to early October
Spring (May–June): Lower trails open; higher trails may still have snow
Summer: Everything is accessible — alpine flowers, green pastures, and crisp blue skies
Autumn (Sept–Oct): Fewer tourists, golden larch trees, and clearer air
🎒 What to Bring
Layered clothing (weather changes fast at altitude)
Hiking shoes or boots
Water and snacks
Sun protection
Camera or phone for stunning photos
Map or GPS (or use local signposts — trails are well marked)
🧡 Conclusion: Zermatt Is More Than the Matterhorn
While the Matterhorn steals the spotlight, Zermatt offers a whole world of scenic trails, peaceful valleys, and mountain magic. Whether you’re chasing reflections, wildlife, or that one perfect photo, there’s a trail here with your name on it.
🥾 Have you hiked in Zermatt? Which trail was your favorite? Share your tips or photos below — and inspire other mountain lovers!
