This trail will get you as close to the Matterhorn as you can get without climbing up it directly on it, allowing for some epic selfies with the famous peak. If you only have time for a couple trails while in Zermatt, the Matterhorn Glacier Trail should be at the top of your list.

Stats: Moderate • 2.5 h • 6.4 k one way • 150m up, 500m down • See trail map

Open: July to early October • check status

Location: Matterhorn Express gondola to Trockener Steg

The trail passes by the glacier that carved out this barren rocky landscape, pretty in its own way with colorful stones and lots of little ponds and a river along the way. You’ll also have great views of the Zermatt valley and other glaciers and mountain peaks in all directions.

Step-by-step

1. Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola (Schluhmattstrasse 28, 3920 Zermatt) from Zermatt to Trockener Steg.

2. Follow the yellow trail signs labeled Matterhorn Glacier Trail, direction Schwarzsee.

3. The trail ends at the Schwarzsee station, where you can ride the gondola down to Zermatt.

➡️More info on SwissFamilyFun.com

💡If you want to keep hiking from Schwarzsee, you can follow the "Matterhorn Trail (29)" down to Zermatt.

Tips

At this elevation, you can get extreme weather, even in summer, so come prepared. You also have the chance to see some wildlife; we saw a Steinbock up there, a real treat!

The trail requires some sure footing at times, but it’s not too long, difficult or dangerous, so suitable for kids as young as 5 or 6 that can go the distance.

Tickets

You need a one-way ticket on the cable cars from Zermatt to Trocknersteg. At the end, you need a one-way ticket for the gondola from Scwarzsee to Furi. If you are unsure, explain your plans to the ticket office and they will sell you the right ticket.

Discount with with Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card or GA.

You can purchase tickets on Zermatt.ch or ticket booths on-site. See current prices.