Zermatt Guided Day Hiking Tour Highlights
Breath Taking Views of Matterhorn
- Experience amazing views of the Matterhorn and the Alps in a combination of cogwheel train ride and easy to moderate day hike
- Ride Europe’s second highest railway and the highest open-air railway of the continent – the Gornergrat cog wheel train – up to the 10,134 ft / 3089 meter Gornergrat with incredible views of the Matterhorn accompanying you most of the way.
- Walk up to the 360 degree platform area where you see over 29 of the 79 alpine peaks higher than 4000 meters/13,123 ft, including the massive Matterhorn.
- Enjoy a 1-2 hour guided hike along signposted trails through an alpine nature reserve with stunning Matterhorn views mirrored in pristine alpine lakes.
- Learn about the origins of Zermatt and the people of the canton of Valais (French name) or Wallis (German name)
- Local English speaking Guide throughout.
- This is a quiet, private, tour where you can learn about the region and Switzerland – while enjoying great Alpine views
The Hike
Actual walking & hiking time and distance:1 to 2 hours, 2 to 4 miles
Hiking elevation change: 670 ft / 223 m down
Hiking terrain: moderately descending, natural dirt & stone path, public sign posted trails
Season
June through September
Rates
Rates
Adult Standard: US $495 per person, based on 2 or more
Adult Standard: US $705 for one person
Adult with Half-Tax Card Swiss: Standard Rate less US $89 per person
Child (Standard ages 6 to 15): US $150 per child
Child with Half-Tax Card Swiss: Standard Child Rate less US $42.50 per child
Children 0-5 years: $50 per child
5 or more contact ECHO Trails
Includes
Includes
All transportation mentioned in the itinerary.
English speaking hiking guide
Not Included
Not Included
- Lunch
- Items of personal nature.
Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation policy
The tour departs rain or shine.
Full refund up to 24 hours prior to the tour departure.
50% refund if cancelled by 6.00 p.m. the day before departure.
No refund on the day of departure.
Changes?
Calling outside of Switzerland: 41-79-813-36-10.
When in Switzerland, just dial 079-813-36-10 to reach our office.
Or e-mail: office@echo-trails.com
What to Wear / Bring
What to wear and bring
- Plenty of water as the altitude can make you thirsty
- Sunscreen and sunhat
- Warm layered windproof clothing – it can get chilly up top
- Footwear with sturdy soles that grip the ground; ankle-high boots are recommended (but not essential)
- Hiking poles are recommended (but not essential)
- Headache medication, candy/sweets and a bottle of Coke are recommended in case of problems with altitude.
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Guided Day Hiking Tour from Zermatt – Details
Classic Views of the Matterhorn
Meet your guide at the Gornergrat train station at 08:00 am.
Begin the 33 minute ride up to the Gornergrat summit station. The cogwheel train is legendary and takes you up a steep climb, over bridges, through tunnels, past thundering waterfalls. Suddenly you see the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s iconic mountain peak, and it stays with you for the rest of the train journey.
The Gornergrat Cogwheel Train
The Gornergrat is a starting point for many hikes since it is surrounded by 29 Alpine peaks rising above 4,000 m (13,123 ft).
Take a slow climb up to an open air 360-degree viewing platform where you see many of the highest peaks in the Alps including the Monte Rosa peaks and glaciers, the highest place in Switzerland.
Once you have taken in all the magnificent Alpine scenery and as many memorable photos as you want, stop for refreshments and relaxation on the outdoor sun terrace of the Kulm Hotel, the highest hotel in Europe, or browse in the special Gornergrat souvenir shops.
The tour continues with a short descent on the Gornergrat cogwheel train to the next station down. Here you can enjoy a fabulous panorama of the Matterhorn. Begin your hike on signposted paths and trails through a nature reserve area.
Views Along the Way
Along the way, notice the geology of the area and the amazing variety of tiny Alpine wild flowers. Stop at a beautiful small lake where you can take iconic photos of the Matterhorn reflected in the still waters, or amazing selfies with the Matterhorn in the background.
You might also see people climbing up or down on the nearby Riffelhorn mountain (2927 m / 10,000 ft) which is where the local Zermatt mountain guides take their clients on a check-hike first before allowing them on the Matterhorn itself.
Hike the Matterhorn - return to Zermatt
Continue your hike staring directly at the Matterhorn and the imposing peaks surrounding it (but remember also to watch where you are going!). Stop for refreshments on the sun terrace of the historic Restaurant Riffelberg where Mark Twain stayed on his travels to Zermatt, and enjoy more spectacular Matterhorn views.
Now, depending on your hiking enthusiasm and energy level, you and your guide can determine how much more hiking you want to do before eventually re-joining the Gornergrat train for the final return to Zermatt village and the end of the tour but with one of your most memorable Swiss experiences.
