Multi-Day Routes from Zermatt

October 20, 2026

Zermatt has few packaged multi-day trips. What exists is a set of long-distance walking routes that start or end here, a famous full-day rail journey, and guided ski-touring weeks. Most visitors base themselves in the village for several nights and make day outings instead, which suits the lifts, the weather windows and the cost. Prices are in Swiss francs (CHF), and every distance below varies by guidebook, so treat the figures as a guide.

Walker’s Haute Route

The classic trek runs from Chamonix in France to Zermatt and usually takes 12 to 14 days. Sources give anywhere from about 180 to 215 km and roughly 12,000 to 14,500 m of climbing in total. The last stage follows the Europaweg, where rockfall can close sections, so check for closures before you set off. Book huts and hotels early. The walk is a serious mountain trek in high terrain, and the weather can turn quickly even in summer.

Tour of the Matterhorn

The Tour du Cervin loops around the mountain through Switzerland and Italy. Sources quote about 140 to 160 km over 7 to 10 days. Passes include the Théodul (about 3,300 m) and the Collon. Parts of the route cross glaciers, and those sections need alpine experience, a guide and the right equipment. Do not cross a glacier without a certified guide.

The official Matterhorn Trek

Zermatt Tourism lists a self-guided Matterhorn Trek in five stages from the village, about 46 km with around 3,000 m of climbing. It does not cross the Théodul pass, which makes it a gentler choice than the full Tour du Cervin. It is still high mountain walking, so allow for altitude and weather.

Glacier Express to St. Moritz

The Glacier Express takes about 8 hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz, and it is the best-known multi-day rail option when combined with a night at either end. A ticket costs CHF 166 in second class and CHF 284 in first class. Every passenger also pays a compulsory CHF 54 seat reservation, and passes do not cover that charge. The train does not run from mid-October to early December, so it is not an option for the late-autumn gap. See the Glacier Express price page and the timetable .

Ski-touring weeks

Guided ski-touring weeks around the Breithorn (4,164 m) and the Monte Rosa hut run with mountain guides. A guide is essential, so there are no self-guided routes to list here. Winter conditions bring avalanche risk, and a guide reads the snow report and the terrain for you.

Climbing the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn itself is a serious alpine climb. The Hörnli ridge is climbed with a certified mountain guide and takes alpine experience, ropes and crampons. It is not a casual trek or a booked excursion, so do not treat it as an add-on to a Zermatt holiday.

Staying several nights

For a base, look at hotels in Zermatt, or in Täsch and Randa one and two stops down the valley, which often cost less. A booking search is available on Booking.com . Safety advice for mountain visitors is on the UK government travel page .