Zermatt Walking Holidays
With Heidi
Find it cheaper, we’ll match the price
Check out our Price Match Guarantee
Price Match Guarantee
Welcome to walking in Zermatt
- 400km of trails in the shadow of the Matterhorn
- Home of the legendary Five Lakes Trail
- One of the greatest walking destinations on Earth
Zermatt hiking holidays put the Matterhorn - that impossible, pyramid-shaped Swiss peak - at the centre of everything. You'll see it on every trail, reflected in lakes, framed by ridgelines, and even looming over the village.
When it comes to walks in Zermatt, the Five Lakes Trail is the classic - a high-level alpine route connecting five 2,000m high glacial lakes. The Gornergrat Railway takes you to 3,089m for panoramic views of four-thousand-metre peaks and the Gorner Glacier. And experienced walkers can push higher still - to the 3,260m Hörnlihütte directly beneath the Matterhorn's Hörnli Ridge.
As for the village itself? Peaceful and car-free, with a majesty that only comes from being surrounded by 38 four-thousand-metre peaks.
Search Zermatt
How to get around Zermatt
How our self-guided Zermatt walking holidays work:
Our self-guided trips let you set your own pace, from the length of your stay, to how far you walk each day. But if you’re used to group or guided holidays, you might be wondering how you’ll get around? Well, it’s easy…
Getting to and around town:
Your airport transfer is included with your trip. Once there, you'll find Zermatt a compact, car-free village where everything is within easy walking distance. Some trails even start right from the village - no transport needed.
Getting to your walks and hikes:
Four distinct mountain areas - Sunnegga-Rothorn, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat, and Schwarzsee - each open up completely different trail networks, connected by an excellent network of cable cars, gondolas, and the historic Gornergrat cogwheel railway (running since 1898).
Search Zermatt
Why book a mountain holiday with Heidi?
FAQs about Zermatt hiking holidays
Your questions answered by our Zermatt walking holiday expert
Can I still access Zermatt's lift and gondolas in the summer?
Yes, you can. Zermatt's lifts and gondolas still operate throughout the summer months, provided conditions are safe and favourable, and many of the mountain huts are still operational, so you can grab a bite to eat while savouring those epic mountain views.
When do Zermatt's lifts and gondolas run during summer?
Sunnegga–Blauherd–Rothorn (Funicular & Gondola)
- Operating times: 08:30 – 17:00
- Opens: 13th June 2026
- Closes: 11th October 2026
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn)
- Operating times: 08:30 – 16:00
- Opens: 22nd June 2026
- Closes: 31st October 2026
- Note: Year-round glacier skiing area - summer ski season runs start of May to start of September
Gornergrat Bahn (Cogwheel Railway)
- Operating times: First train 07:00, last train down 19:00 (varies by season)
- Opens: Year-round
- Note: Check gornergratbahn.ch for full 2026 summer timetable
Schwarzsee Gondola
- Operating times: 08:30 – 17:00
- Opens: 24th June 2026
- Closes: 31st October 2026
A quick "Mountain Rule of Thumb": Last ascent is usually 15–30 minutes before the official closing time, and Last descent is the very last cabin down. If you miss it, it’s a long walk back!
Can I hire a mountain guide on my Zermatt walking holiday?
Yes, you can. Though these are not currently bookable via the Heidi website, you can enquire and book with the local tourist office, or visit their website. We recommend enquiring early to ensure availability.
What does the Zermatt summer card give me?
Zermatt's Zermatt Peak Pass (available for free with selected accommodation) give you unlimited, free travel across major public transit networks:
- Mountain transport: Unlimited rides on the Gornergrat rack railway, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable cars, and the Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn network.
- Local transport: Unlimited rides on the Zermatt local e-bus network.
- Regional transport: Unlimited use of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn on the route between Randa, Täsch, and Zermatt.
It also offers free admission to the Klein Matterhorn Glacier Palace and "ZOOOM the Matterhorn" immersive exhibition at the Gornergrat.
See our reviews
