Best Hikes In Zermatt (Families, Beginners & Experienced)
The Alps is the highest mountain range in Europe, and it has to be one of the most famed alpine areas in the entire world. Not only is the Alps home to the mighty Matterhorn, a prize-worthy pyramid-shaped peak nesting between the borders of Switzerland and Italy, but there are enough glaciers, gorges, and lakes to keep you entertained for days.
Zermatt is a small municipality that has long drawn in visitors from around the world thanks to its proximity to some of the finest scenery the Swiss Alps has to offer. Zermatt town is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, which makes a particularly impressive addition to the backdrop of many walks in the area, and the local flora is spectacular too, especially during the spring and summer months.
If you’re looking for a base from which to explore some of the Alps’ most impressive hiking trails, then Zermatt is the holiday destination for you. Here, we brought you a varied selection of the best hikes around Zermatt – with various lengths, difficulties, and landscapes, there really should be a hiking trail for everyone!
Image courtesy of WikiMedia
Tips For Hiking In Zermatt
Okay, so, just before we dive into things, there are a few things you should bear in mind when preparing for a hiking holiday in Zermatt. Firstly, Zermatt itself is actually a car-free zone, so don’t expect to hire a car a the airport and rock up on four wheels! Fortunately, it’s very well served by public transport, and there are trains running to Zermatt from all of the nearest airports (Geneva, Sion, Zurich, and even Milan over in Italy) – plus the ride itself will take you through some fabulous countryside.
Alternatively, depending on where you’re staying, your accommodation may provide airport shuttles. Once you’re in Zermatt, be prepared to hop on further trains, funiculars, and even gondolas to reach the start of your hike (or to return).
Secondly, as much as Zermatt is an awesome place to visit, it’s not so awesome on the wallet… it’s notoriously expensive, and this includes public transport as well as accommodation and dining out. You can cut costs by hiking further and avoiding some of the additional travel fares, but in some cases, they will be unavoidable – it’s not so expensive that it should put you off, just make sure you’ve saved up in advance and won’t get caught out unawares!
Thirdly, we definitely recommend visiting Zermatt in the summer months (June to September). During this time, the weather is perfect for hiking – at 12-25 degrees celsius it’s not too hot or too cold. It is possible to hike in the colder months, but some routes may be closed to make sure you do your research first.
Finally, if maps aren’t your thing and you’re after a stress-free hiking experience, don’t forget that there are tonnes of