High Trail to the Matterhorn

Brig is situated in southwest Switzerland, in the Valais region. You can fly into Zurich or Geneva airports and take a direct train to Brig. The travel times are approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Zurich, and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Geneva. Be sure to consult the Swiss Rail network for the latest schedule updates. Brig is a small, charming town with many houses with an Italian appearance.

A bus ride of approximately one hour brings you from Brig up to the top of the Simplonpass, where your walk starts.

Begin your day’s walk by descending down to a large, flat area with some historic buildings, as the Simplonpass has been an important Alpine crossing for centuries – and still is. Having reached the bottom, you then start a minor ascent, since you have to get across the Bistinepass (2417m/7,930ft) in order to reach the absolutely wonderful and wild Nanz valley. From the Bistinepass you have two options: you can walk to the inner end of the Nanz valley, always following old irrigation channels, some of which are still in use, others are barely visible anymore. This walk is fairly level and you will reach the Gebidumpass without gaining or losing much altitude, but of course, the walk is longer.

Or you can choose the more direct route as you descend from the Bistnepass down to the bottom of the Nanz valley, only to climb up again on the opposite side. Either way, you reach another pass, named Gebidum, from where the path drops to the small village of Visperterminen, which is surrounded by vineyards, which are the highest in Europe. You may also opt to make the descent easier by taking a cable car, cutting about an hour off the walk.

Shorter Walk: 21km/13.05mi, +1000m/-600m (+3,281ft/-1,969ft)

Longer Walk: 25km/15.5mi, +1200m /-1400m (+3,937ft/-4,593ft)

Starting from Visperterminen, take a cable car up to Ew, then continue your walk. First, arrive at the hamlet of Gspon, followed by a climb to the small settlement of Oberfinilu, where the trail runs close to the bush line. In September or early October, you can see larks with beautiful yellowish plumage. Gradually, you ascend to the highest point, crossing the steep slope of Weissmies, before descending into the Matter Valley and Saas Grund. Here, you can either keep walking or take a bus for the final leg to Saas-Fee, your destination for the night.

Ascent/Descent: +750m/-850m (+2,461ft/-2,789ft)

Longer, more challenging option: 25km/15.5mi, +1225m/-1390m (+4,019ft/-4,560ft)

Spend the day in the picture-perfect, car-free Alpine village of Saas-Fee, nestled beneath the dramatic Mischabel mountain range and at the base of Switzerland’s tallest peak, the Dom. Wander cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden chalets, hike through alpine meadows and forest trails with views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks, or simply unwind and soak in the fresh mountain air.

Your hotel can provide a complimentary Saas-Fee guest pass, giving you free access to local public transportation and most cable cars—perfect for scenic rides, reaching panoramic viewpoints and hike starting points, or even experiencing year-round skiing on the Saas-Fee Glacier. For something truly unique, consider a visit to the world’s highest-altitude revolving restaurant for unforgettable alpine views.

Optional Walk: Chamois Trail (Gemsweg) - 9.6km/4.9mi Ascent/Descent: +149m/-684m (+489ft/-2,244ft)

Today's route takes you high above the Matter Valley, providing stunning panoramic views of magnificent, snow-covered mountains glowing bright in the sun. This popular walk rewards your efforts with beautiful scenery as you ascend gradually to Hanningalp. Along the way, you'll be accompanied by a diverse array of flowers. At Hanningalp, you can either continue walking to Grächen or take the cable car, which glides above the treetops and brings you back to your hotel.

Please note that the cable car fare is payable locally. While this trail is picturesque, exercise caution, as some slopes may be steep and exposed.

Walk: 19km/12mi, +1000m/-1110m (+3,281ft/-3,642ft)

Shorter Walk: 16km/10mi, +1000m/-600m (+3,281ft/-1,969ft)

Today, you begin the ‘Kings Route,’ linking Grachen with Zermatt. This walk's highlight is following the high Europaweg trail, which is challenging yet very popular. Staying at the Europahütte offers a fantastic experience, as it's a newly built mountain hut ideal for walkers. You’ll enjoy stunning views and the excitement of spotting the Matterhorn on the next day's hike.

The "Europaweg" has been closed since 2019 because of the chance of rockfalls in the Grächen and Europahütte areas. A new official route is available.

Ascent/Descent: +1377m/-740m (+4,518ft/-2,428ft)

Today you will finally have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn mountain. It is one of the highest alps in Europe standing tall at 4,478m/14,692ft. From the Europahuette, you have a choice of walks.

A section of the Europaweg between Springelboden and Eggenstadel in the Täschalp area is currently closed due to rockfall damage and a tunnel collapse. As a result, a detour has been established for today's walk, requiring you to leave the main trail and rejoin it at a later point.

Easier option: Descend into Randa and to the banks of the river Mattervispa, whose milky-blue waters you then follow upstream to Zermatt. This is an easy walk, allowing you to fully enjoy the views of the mountains surrounding you.

Challenging option: Continue to follow the Europaweg from the Europahut and cross the worlds longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The track in places leads through short tunnels and through sections where the way has been carved into the rock face. Eventually you reach the Täschalp, a place with a small restaurant and a fantastic view of the impressive Weisshorn. From here you descend to the valley floor and you walk for the last 2km/1.25mi through a lovely forest of larch trees to Zermatt.

Easier Walk: 15km/9.3mi, +250m/-900m (+920ft/-2,953ft)

Challenging Walk: 17km/10.5mi, +850m/-850m (+2,789ft/-2,789ft)

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your unforgettable Alpine adventure.

That said, we highly recommend extending your stay with a few extra nights in this world-famous mountain village of Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s most iconic and scenic destinations. Set beneath the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt boasts an outstanding network of hiking trails—from peaceful valley walks to high-altitude routes offering even more breathtaking views of glaciers and jagged peaks. Or give your feet a well-earned rest with a trip on the Gornergrat Railway (Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel), offering epic views of the Matterhorn and summit experiences.

With its car-free charm, efficient mountain lifts, panoramic viewpoints, and excellent dining and wellness options, extra time here is the perfect way to celebrate your journey – whether by continuing your hikes, indulging in gourmet cuisine and spa treatments, or simply relaxing with a good book in the crisp alpine air.