Trek the Matterhorn Circuit
Hike a mini version of the world-famous trek through the beautiful Swiss Alps
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with experienced, English-speaking IML-certified guidesGuesthouse & Mountain hut
1 night in a hostel, 2 nights in remote mountain refugeMeals
Munch on tasty food throughoutTransfers & Permits
Your transfers to and from Geneva Airport, permits and entry fees are includedEquipment
Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for hire.Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe over four unforgettable days
Visit Stellisee Lake and see the Matterhorn reflected on its mirror-like surface
Summit Pfulwe Peak (3400m), traverse the longest suspension bridge in the Alps and sleep in cosy mountain refuges surrounded by glaciers
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to the Swiss Alps
Driving
Hiking
Meet up with your crew in Geneva and drive for about two and a half hours, skirting Lake Geneva, to the Matterhorn Valley. After a quick gear check, start up the steep and rugged Europa Trail. Trek to the famous Europahütte where you’ll spend the night. You'll arrive just before dinner is served and sleep in a cosy dormitory at over 2000m above sea level.
Day 2
Hike the Europaweg
Hiking
Trek deep into the Matterhorn Valley and across the legendary Charles Kuonen suspension bridge. At 500m it’s the longest suspension bridge for pedestrian use in the Alps. Stand in the middle of the crossing and take in the jaw-dropping panoramic mountain scenery. After the bridge, continue on the famous Europaweg, a trail cut into the mountainside (with a few exposed sections), and join the Edelweiss trail to your cosy overnight mountain refuge, the Täschhütte. There will be plenty of time for a sunset beer on the deck overlooking the iconic Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn mountains on the other side of the valley.
Day 3
Summit Pfulwe
Hiking
Rise early and catch the sun hitting the surrounding glaciers and the circle of 4000m peaks - the kaleidoscope of colour is worth setting your alarm for. Follow the rugged, rocky and beautiful Täschalp Path through the Pfulwe Pass. If you want a challenge, climb to the top of Pfulwe itself (3313m) for an amazing panorama of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa (the highest mountain in Switzerland) and endless creaking glaciers. On the descent to Zermatt, you'll trek over the Fluealp, pass by the famous Stellisee Lake and capture the iconic picture of the Matterhorn reflected on the mirror-clear water. Today is a big day with a lot of descent; if your legs are tired you can pay for the cable car down to Zermatt to reduce the distance.
Day 4
Zermatt Edelweiss Trail
Hiking
Driving
Wake up bright and early and indulge in a last traditional Swiss breakfast, complete with local jams, marmalades, honey and cheeses. You’ll have a few hours to hike up the Edelweiss Trail and breathe in the mountain air, before walking down the valley to Täsch, from where you'll continue by road to Geneva Airport.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the refuges. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jam and butter. Depending on the refuge, they may also include orange juice, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, cheese and meats. Dinners are hearty and served in large portions – just what a hungry hiker needs! Typical meals include a soup starter, a main course of meat and veggies with a side of grains or pasta, and a dessert like vanilla pudding or creme brûlée. Picnic lunches will be provided each day, featuring a large main item like a sandwich or wrap, a salad, and a selection of fruit, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.
Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements (including gluten-free) can be catered for with advanced notice. Just let your host know when booking. Whilst dietary needs are sent to each refuge with the group reservations, please consider that the mountain refuges will have a limited range of choice to offer guests due to their remote locations. People with very specific dietary requirements typically choose to also bring some of their own snacks with them to ensure they have sufficient fuel for hiking up and down the beautiful mountain trails.
What is the accommodation like?
The Alps
You’ll be staying at authentic mountain refuges. The accommodation is simple, clean and comfortable. Groups typically sleep in mixed dormitory rooms of up to 20 persons, usually in bunk or single beds. They feature hot showers, running water, pillows and blankets, and a bar serving cold drinks. Most refuges also have outlets for charging your electronics, and some even have WiFi. Some refuges are more modern in style, others have a more traditional heritage, most are busy throughout the hiking season; it's the refuge's location and its remoteness that largely decides what comforts and conveniences are available. It's best to keep your expectations simple and enjoy the time on the trail to unplug from everyday life.
Zermatt
You’ll stay in either the Zermatt Youth Hostel or the Hotel Banhof in mixed dorm rooms with bunk beds.
Upgrades
Unfortunately, upgrades are not available due to the nature of accommodation on this trip.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trip is suitable for experienced hikers in good shape. You'll need to be able to hike 15–20km on mountain trails, with as much as 1000m+ of elevation gain and descent, each day. You will be carrying your own overnight pack between the refuges, so should be confident hiking with a 30-50L pack for multiple days. Doing some practice hikes before the trip with your pack and boots is strongly recommended to help you prepare for this adventure!
Summer in the Swiss Alps is generally warm and fair, but the weather can change very quickly in the high mountains, bringing cold rain and wind. Average temperatures range from 6 to 26 °C. It rains roughly half of the days each month, but storms generally pass through quickly. Even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes above 2000m. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our kit list is intended to guide you on what to pack for this trip.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
Arrive any time before 10:30 on Day 1
Ends
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
18:00 on Day 4
Transfers
You'll need to arrive into Geneva Airport no later than 10:30 on Day 1. Your transfer to the Alps will depart at 11:30 sharp! Your return transfer will arrive at Geneva Airport at around 18:00 on Day 4, so if departing that evening, book any flight that leaves after 19:30.
For those wanting to arrive a day early, extend their trip, or cannot make the included group transfer times, your host can assist with booking pre/post trip accommodation and private transfers for an additional cost. Prices vary across the season with availability, it's best to book early to avoid disappointment.
Travel options
The latest possible joining time for this trip is 11:30 at Geneva Airport, even in the event of a flight delay. If you arrive beyond this time, it will not be possible to catch up with the group. You may wish to arrive a day early and overnight at an airport hotel or in Geneva before your trip gets underway.
There are regular flights across Europe into Geneva Airport (GVA).
For those who wish to avoid flying, there are regular trains connecting London and Geneva. The fastest way is to hop on the Eurostar and change in Paris. The whole journey can take as little as 6 hours if you get a short connection. Your return leg at the end of the trip can begin at Zermatt train station for various onward train travel routes throughout Europe.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's available to hire?
- Trekking poles (see Optional Extras for prices)
What do I need to bring?
You'll be carrying all you need for the four day trip on your back, so don't over pack but also don't skip the essentials. Hiking in the Alps even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, both hot and cold, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes.
KIT
- 30-50L backpack with waist belt (plus a rain cover)
- A Pack Liner or Dry Bag is also good protection in case of rain
- Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk). This is very important as it's a mandatory requirement at the mountain refuges. Pillows and blankets are provided by the refuges.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended due to altitude)
- Hydration/Electrolyte tablets
- Preferred snacks for the trail
- Towel
- 2L water bottle(s)
- Toiletries and personal first aid items
- Swim suit
- Earplugs and Eye Mask (recommended)
- Cash (CHF) for drinks, snacks along the trail, tips etc.
- Plug adaptor and/or battery pack to charge electrical devices (note Switzerland uses a different standard to the rest of Europe)
- Headlamp
CLOTHES
- Waterproof Jacket (with hood) and Trousers
- Primaloft or Down Jacket
- Fleece or merino pullover or sweater
- Synthetic or merino wool base layers
- Warm hat and gloves (really important in mixed weather conditions)
- Sunhat or cap
- Synthetic shirts and trousers (zip-off preferable) for hiking
- Comfortable shirt and trousers for the refuges
- 2+ pairs of hiking socks, wool or synthetic
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes (worn in)
- Comfortable light shoes for around the refuge
Trekking Poles
Payable In Resort
Trekking Poles
…
Our Purpose
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
Book With Confidence
Positive impact adventure travel
