High Trail to the Matterhorn

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.4 Read 8 reviews

Impressive views across to the Matterhorn
Wild, colourful alpine flowers
Exhilarating high alpine walking
Traditional, local Swiss cuisine at your overnight accommodation
Staying in a traditional mountain hut

The Matterhorn is one of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, its dramatic pyramid peak stands proudly at 4478m. Discover the beauty of this wondrous mountain as you walk along the haute route from Brig down to Zermatt on our self guided walking holiday. Follow the trail along steep mountain passes with striking views of snow capped peaks. Experience the warmth of the locals in traditional Swiss villages and tuck into a cheese fondue at the end of a hard day of walking. Search for wild flowers and marvel at the landscapes on this wonderful walking adventure in the Swiss Alps. Your journey begins in the small, charming city of Brig in south west Switzerland. Very soon you make your way up to the high walking trails overlooking pleasant valleys and along steep mountain passes. Follow ever changing scenery as you head south passing Simplon, Saas Fee and along the King's Route. An experience not to be missed is staying at the remote mountain hut - ‘Europahutte’, situated high in the mountains. Continue south following the trail and eventually you catch the first glimpse of the spectacular Matterhorn in the distance. The walk finishes in Zermatt the popular tourist town and its worth spending a bit of time here to relax after your walking adventure.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

Head to the Swiss Alps for some challenging walking, dramatic landscapes and experience the warmth from the friendly locals. With wonderful high alpine walking, this walking holiday will leave you invigorated and refreshed. Some of the trail is on narrow paths and there is a section over a 0.5 km long suspension bridge, so a head for heights is required! Carefully chosen accommodation with wonderful local dinners make this a walk not to be missed!

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Alpine Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

The walking is graded moderate to strenuous so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle. Most of the paths are easy to follow with your route notes and maps but some paths are steep and strenuous. There is also a crossing of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge involved. This is found on the Europaweg on the final day of walking into Zermatt. The bridge is about 0.5 km in length and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. You will need a head for heights! Days can be long averaging approx 6 - 7 hrs per day. On some days you will be able to shorten the walk by taking a bus or cable car (this is noted in the itinerary where it is possible).

Navigation

The routes on this holiday are way marked some of the time so you will need to follow the route notes with maps that we provide at your first hotel. If you are unsure of a turn then you can always go back to the last note to make sure you are on the right track.

Accommodations

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family run accommodations in a mixture of hotels, guest houses and one mountain hut. The hotels are generally chalet types with wooden interior which are typical of the region. The guest houses and mountain hut will have shared facilities.

Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Switzerland are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. This holiday is not available for solo walkers due to the tough and sometimes remote terrain.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning and an evening meal is included on 5 nights. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail.

Included

Accommodation for 7 Nights in a mix of hotels, guest houses and mountain huts
7 Breakfasts
5 Dinners
Luggage transfers as per itinerary
Detailed route notes and maps on arrival
24-hour assistance by phone

Excluded

Flights and transfers to first / from last accommodation
Travel to and from Switzerland
Any train/bus travel in case of bad weather or for shortcuts.
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
Bus from Brig to Brig-Ried
Cable Car up to Rosswald on Day 2 (approx. CHF20 per person)

Extras

Airport transfers
Additional nights during the walk
Luggage transfers on Day 2

When To Go

The best months for walking are in the summer months between July and September, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and the weather is generally fair. Please keep in mind that the weather can be changeable at high altitudes, and cold fronts can occur even in the summer (snowfall in the Alps at the height of summer is not unheard of.

Getting to the Start

Brig is located in southwest Switzerland (The Valais).

Air - You can fly into both Zurich and Geneva Airports in Switzerland. Many low cost airlines fly here from the UK and Europe.

Train - From both Zurich and Geneva you can take the direct train service to Brig. The journey times take (2hrs 20 mins) and (2hrs 45mins) respectively. Please check the Swiss Rail network for up to date timetables.

Getting from the End

Zermatt is located on the south west corner of Switzerland only 10k from the Italian border. You can reach Zurich in approx. (3hrs 20 mins) by train with one change. Geneva can be reached by train in approx. (2hrs 45mins). Please check the Swiss Rail network for up to date timetables.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. Please note on Day 2* and Day 6 your accommodation is quite remote and luggage transfer will not be provided on this day. You will need to carry a day pack with overnight essentials.

Luggage transfers are available at a supplement for Day 2, however this is quite expensive. Please see the options section below for an idea of price, or contact our team.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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