Holidays in Zermatt

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Zermatt

With nearly 400 kilometres of marked walking trails in the area that cater to all abilities there is so much to explore. You can take a leisurely stroll to gourmet mountain huts, walk to bucket-list viewpoints, enjoy memorable family adventures or take on an athletic challenge in nature. 

Without doubt, our favourite thing about walking in Zermatt is the spectacular scenery. It's got the dramatic mountains you'd expect from a Swiss holiday, including the iconic Matterhorn right on your doorstep. At 4,400 metres you'll struggle to escape its view - not that you'll want to! Enjoy picturesque mountain lakes and rustic huts, there's somewhere new to explore each day.

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of other guests. Pre-booking is essential - scroll down for more information.

Zermatt has a fantastic network of lifts and mountain railways that make getting around the area really easy.

Mountain railways

The Gornergrat (normally open beginning May - end Sep) is a mountain railway that goes from the centre of Zermatt (opposite the train station) to the summit of the Gornergrat mountain at an altitude of 3,089 metres. There are stops you can get on or off along the route.

Lifts

There are two main lift networks in Zermatt in the summer time. The lifts on the Rothorn mountain, and the lifts that take you up towards the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The lift connections open up lots of walking possibilities, fun activities and stunning viewpoints.

On the Rothorn:

• Zermatt - Sunnegga (normally open end May - end Oct)
• Sunnegga - Blauherd (normally open end May - beginning Oct)
• Blauherd - Rothorn (normally open beginning Jul - beginning Oct)

Towards the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

• Zermatt - Furi (normally open mid May - end Sep)
• Furi - Schwarzsee (normally open end Jun - mid Oct)
• Furi - Riffelberg (normally open beginning Jul - mid Aug)
• Furi - Trockener Steg (normally open beginning May - end Oct)
• Schwarzee - Trockener Steg (normally open end May - end Sep)
• Trockener Steg - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (normally open beginning May - end Oct)
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Testa Grigia in Italy (normally open beginning May - end Oct)

Download the Summer Panorama map from Zermatt Tourism to see a map of the lifts and mountain railway.

Public Transport

The Swiss transport system make getting around an absolute pleasure, and in addition to the mountain railways and lifts, there's also a network of local buses and trains.

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn runs down the valley from Zermatt, through neighbouring villages of Täsch and Randa, before continuing down to Visp and beyond, for connections further afield. You'll get your Swiss Half Fare Card included in the price of your holiday so will get discount on trains and other modes of transport, and if you choose to purchase the Zermatt Peak Pass, travel on the train between Zermatt, Täsch and Randa is included, opening up further walking opportunities.

Inghams Guided Walks are included on your holiday to Zermatt

We’ve included one full-day and one half-day walk per week in Zermatt, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

Walks are available from 4 Jun - 19 Sep. A full day walk will run on a Monday or Tuesday and a half day walk will run every Thursday - there's different walks from one week to the next - please see specific dates by each walk description. You can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Täschalp - Sunnegga

Start the day with a scenic taxi to the remote area of Täschalp. From mid-June - end August, the local cheese maker will be up on the mountain pastures with his herd of dairy cows and you can try some mountain cheese. The walking route follows a gently undulating path from Täschalp, via Tuftern and through larch forest to Sunnegga where we take the funicular back to Zermatt. Along the way, enjoy views of the Matterhorn and the chance to spot wildflowers,  mountain goats or marmots.

• Grade: moderate
• Distance: 8.5km
• Walking time: 3-4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 290m
• Terrain: mainly forest path or single trail (may be uneven and rocky/rooty in places)

This walk will run on: 4 Jun, 17 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 13 Aug, 27 Aug, 10 Sep

Gorner Gorge

The walk up to Furi is a rewarding one, passing traiditional rustic farm buildings and villages all with spectacular views. The highlight is the section through the Gorner Gorge which has been carved by powerful waters over thousands of years.

• Grade: easy - moderate
• Distance: 8km
• Ascent/descent: 300m
• Walking time: 3 hours
• Terrain: mainly easier trails through the forest and meadows (may be a little uneven in places) with a section through the gorge path

This walk will run on: 6 Jun, 20 Jun, 4 Jul, 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 15 Aug, 29 Aug, 12 Sep

Zermatt Three-Lakes Tour

Starting at Blauherd at 2571 metres altitude, the chance to spot the altitude-loving Edelweiss flower is quite high. The route goes gently downhill, with impressive Matterhorn views the whole way. The first lake we pass is the Stellisee, famous for the mirror reflection of the famous peak which is the perfect Zermatt photo opportunity.

• Grade: moderate
• Distance: 6.5km
• Walking time: 3.5 hours
• Ascent/Descent: 400m descent and 100m ascent
• Terrain: mainly gentle walking path (can be a bit rocky and uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 11 Jun, 25 Jun, 8 Jul, 23 Jul, 6 Aug, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 17 Sep

Furi - Zmutt

The cable car to Furi takes the leg work out of the uphill and the trail starts from the top. Follow a beautiful, shaded trail to the hamlet of Zmutt which is made up of traditional barns and farmhouses - the people who live here still have a traditional way of life. On the way back to Zermatt, we try to see the famous black-nosed sheep.

• Grade: easy - moderate
• Distance: 5.5km
• Ascent/descent: 120m ascent and 340m descent
• Walking time: 3 hours
• Terrain: mainly easier trails through the forest and meadows (may be a little uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 13 Jun, 27 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 8 Aug, 22 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sunglasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack, cash for mountain huts/transport and your Peak Pass if you have one. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

The walking in Zermatt is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Botanical Trail

• Moderate walk
• 4km (one way)
• 732 metres of height gain

Look out for the elusive wild Edelweiss, colourful blue gentians and varieties of orchid on this trail that nature lovers will enjoy just as much as the butterflies that call these meadows home. This route starts in Zermatt and heads uphill to Trift following the Botanischer Lerhpfad signs - expect to take just over four hours for the full route (there and back).

Walk the Gorner Gorge

• Easy walk on wooden walkways
• Open end of May to mid-October

This spectacular journey through the deep Gorner Gorge is only around a 15-minute walk from Zermatt and is an exciting adventure for the whole family. See how the glacial water has carved deeper and deeper through the 220 million year old rock to form deep chasms and waterfalls. (Entry fee of around CHF5.00 for adults and CHF2.50 for children).

Five Lakes Walk

• Moderate hike
• 9.8km
• 165 metres of height gain and 454 metres of height loss

This hike is a Zermatt classic. Discover five uniquely beautiful mountain lakes on this varied and exciting trail. See the reflection of the Matterhorn in the lakes, take a refreshing swim and look out for rare wild flowers. This hike starts at the Blauherd mountain station and follows the 5-Seenweg signs all the way to Sunnegga - expect to take around two and a half to three hours.

Hike to the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps

• Moderate to challenging hike
• Various starting points:
  • from Randa - two to two and a half hours walk
  • from Grächen - six to seven hours walk
  • from Zermatt - six to seven hours walk
• Requires a good head for heights
• Open May to October
• Do not cross in a storm

The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is exciting bridge that's almost 500 metres long and at the highest point, is 85 metres above the valley floor. Most easily accessed from Randa, to form part of a rewarding day hike with stunning views of towering mountains and glaciers.

More great walking route inspiration

You can view lots more recommended routes and download tour maps and pocket-sized printouts from Zermatt Tourism, you can also see the opening status of the routes here, too.

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Zermatt. There's plenty of places to buy walking equipment and you can rent poles from the Intersport (Dorsaz Sport) in Zermatt centre.

Walking maps and apps

For Zermatt we recommend picking up a walking map from the tourist office. Maps will have a key to help you understand the nature of the walk before you begin. You can also download the Matterhorn App from the app store or play store for live lift information and weather conditions.

You can view lots more recommended routes and download tour maps and pocket-sized printouts from Zermatt Tourism you can also see the opening status of the routes here, too.

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Swiss Emergency Services: 144
  • Zermatt cable cars: (+41)27 966 01 01
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Flights to Geneva or Zurich airports are available from eight UK airports.

Flights to Zurich:

We offer holidays by train to Zermatt, which depart on Saturdays for seven or 14 days. The journey takes around 15 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.

The provisional outbound timings are:

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

In addition to the Swiss Half Fare Card you may wish to purchase other travel passes depending on your holiday plans, such as the Peak Pass - you can add this to your holiday at the time of booking.

Peak Pass

The ideal pass for sightseers, walkers and nature lovers, the Peak Pass gives you unlimited trips on the local cable-cars, gondolas and mountains of Zermatt, including:

• Gornergrat (normally open beginning May - end Sep)
• Furi (normally open mid May - end Sep)
• Schwarzsee (normally open end Jun - mid Oct)
• Riffelberg (normally open end Jun - mid Aug)
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (normally open mid Jun - end Sep)
• Entrance to the Glacier Palace
• Travel on the Matterhorn Gotthardbahn between the villages of Randa, Täsch and Zermatt
• Travel on the local bus

Available for 3 or 6 consecutive days. Other durations are available locally, children 8 and younger travel for free. Applies to walkers’ lifts only (ski lifts are extra). Lift opening times subject to change. 

Please note: the Peak Pass doesn't include the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing to Cervinia.

Subject to change.

An authentic mountain village

Wander the quaint village streets and discover boutique shops, mouth-watering pastries, and Swiss-made chocolate. Get a taste of the local culture with various folklore evenings and concerts throughout the summer, or visit some of the churches and chapels in the town. The Matterhorn Museum in the village centre gives an interesting insight into Zermatt's history.

August is a bustling month for the village, with the 1st of August being Swiss National Day - expect traditional music and fireworks to celebrate. The largest cultural event of the summer is undoubtedly the Folklore Festival (normally around 12-13 August) where the weekend is taken over with tradition, dancing and music, colourful costumes, and tasty traditional food. 

Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Enjoy unrivaled views from the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 metres above sea level. You'll need plenty of time to explore up here as the air is quite thin, but the views will certainly keep you entertained for a long while. You can also visit the Glacier Palace which is a network of tunnels and caves 15 metres below the surface of the ice, with sculptures and an ice toboggan run. 

Why not take a trip to Italy while you're there, too? The new 3S cable car link completes the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing which enables cable car travel over into Italy on a stunning panoramic journey.

Exciting active adventures

From mountain biking and paragliding, mountain carting to dirt scooting, Zermatt is an adrenaline lover's dream. Try a bit of summer skiing on the 21 kilometres of pistes open all year round, or hop on a bike and explore some of the steady flow trails or more technical alpine routes, all with stunning mountain views. Teenagers and adventurous adults will love the Forest Fun high ropes course or perhaps try some via Ferrata, which is climbing a network of iron pegs in the mountainside, and taking mountain hiking to another level.

Meet the sheep

Traditional, black-nosed sheep spend their summer grazing the pastures of the Gornergrat, and thanks to the shepherdess, you can meet them. They’re tracked with GPS so are easy to find as they laze in the sun and graze in the meadows - Shepherdess Nathalie is happy to share interesting information about her woolly companions.

Wolli Wonderland

Enjoy family time outdoors and solve puzzles as you go at Wolli Wonderland – an exciting family trail that has 17 stops with puzzle exhibits and play areas. Learn about the wild animals of Zermatt, help Wolli find Mitza the cat, and have lots of fun along the way.

There’s also Wolli’s Adventure Park at Sunnegga, where there’s an adventure playground, mini beach, and barbeque areas by the Leisee Lake. The lake is also a popular place for a cooling afternoon dip.

Furi Adventure World

A day trip to the mountain hamlet of Furi gives lots of options for exploration, from the Furi Suspension Bridge to the Gorner Gorge. There’s a charming playground at the Dossen glacier garden, the Ricola herb garden and spots to barbeque too.

Swim and relax at Schalisee Lake

The Schalisee lake is the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon, with lake swims and games on the grass. It’s easy to get to, on the walking trail that links Täsch and Randa, and there are plenty of trees for shade and picnic tables. For the children, there’s a playground and beach volleyball area, plus the Bike Zone Schali with pump track and skills loop and a small cable wake park too.

Adrenaline activities for adventurous teens

There’s plenty going on in Zermatt to get the adrenaline pumping – feel the wind in your hair on a kick-bike at Sunnegga, or dirt scooters at Schwarzsee. Ride a mountain cart 1.6 kilometres down the mountain from Blauherd to Sunnegga or test your head for heights on the Forest Fun Park following courses of zip lines and obstacles high above the ground – there’s a course for younger kids too.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Gornergrat Rack Railway from £34, daily

Enjoy a scenic train transfer up the Gornergrat on the famous Gornergrat Rack Railway – the highest open-track railway in Europe. At the top, incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains await, including the most amazing views of the Matterhorn.

Book Locally

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from CHF50, daily

The highest cable-car station in Switzerland - on a clear day views stretch as far as the Jungfrau and Mont Blanc. Go up for lunch at the summit/ restaurant, or visit the famous Glacier Ice Palace! (Ice Palace entrance is extra)

Many more options are available locally through your Representative.

Prices shown include a Travel Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.