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Matterhorn Weekend : Alpine Hiking in the Swiss Alps

A perfect blend of challenge and scenery, this holiday lets you experience Zermatt’s iconic landscapes up close. You hike to the Hörnlihütte beneath the Matterhorn, traverse the stunning Gornergrat ridge, and explore serene alpine lakes—three unforgettable days of high‑alpine adventure, panoramic views, and authentic mountain atmosphere.

  • Switzerland

  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Landscape

    Mountains

    Wildlife & Nature

  • Jun

    Aug

  • Average group size: 10-12

What does this mean?

Challenging

What does this mean?

3 Nights

From

£1,199
Without flights
View Dates & Book Now Group Booking of 8+
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Walking grade

Grade 7

These holidays are typically in mountainous areas where stamina is important to be able to enjoy longer days. There is plenty of ascent and descent on some rough and steep paths that require good footwear, a steady foot, and a good head for heights. Some days may be shorter in distance or ascent/descent, but the overall effort levels required are of a higher nature.  

Usual daily walks - Distance: 10 miles; Ascent/Descent 950m; Terrain: varied with rough, rocky and steep sections; Walking Time: 8hrs+ / Long Days. 

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary".

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Classic Collection

Thoughtfully designed, meticulously planned, carefully graded, and expertly guided walking tours and hiking holidays along well-loved and off-the-beaten-track footpaths.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Walk the stunning Sunnegga–Stellisee trail where the Matterhorn reflects perfectly
  • Challenge yourself on the iconic Hörnlihütte hike, climbing to the legendary Matterhorn base camp
  • Soar to the summit of Gornergrat and step into a world of breathtaking panoramas
  • Traverse the Gornergrat ridge through peaceful meadows and traditional alpine huts

You arrive in Zermatt and immediately feel the pull of the mountains around you. If time allows on Friday afternoon, you lace up your boots and take the funicular to Sunnegga for the optional Lakes Walk. As you follow the loop toward Stellisee, the Matterhorn reflects perfectly in the still alpine water—a quiet, almost unreal welcome to your adventure. The trail is gentle, the air is crisp, and you start to settle into the rhythm of mountain life.

Day two begins early with a hearty hotel breakfast and a packed lunch tucked into your rucksack. Today is the big one: the high‑alpine journey to the Hörnlihütte. You take the gondola up to Schwarzsee, already surrounded by dramatic rock faces, and begin the steep climb on the Hörnliweg. The trail rises quickly, pulling you higher into rugged terrain where climbers have stood for generations. As you reach the Hörnlihütte, perched at the base of the Matterhorn’s North Face, you feel a mix of awe and accomplishment. You eat your lunch with one of the most iconic mountain walls towering above you. The descent back to Schwarzsee is no less impressive, and the gondola carries you comfortably back to the village.

On day three, you set out for another classic: the Gornergrat Ridge Traverse. After breakfast, you ride the cog railway to the summit, stepping out into 360‑degree views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the vast glacial world below. The descent along the ridge takes you past Rotenboden, Riffelberg, and Sunnegga, each viewpoint more spectacular than the last. You wander through alpine meadows, past quiet huts, and perhaps detour briefly to the Leisee lakes before continuing down to Zermatt.

By the time you return to the village, you feel it clearly: this has been an adventure you’ll carry with you for a long time.



  • En suite three-star hotel accommodation.
  • All breakfasts at the hotel.
  • Packed lunches on walking days.
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private coach or public transport.
  • All entrances as noted in the itinerary.
  • All tips & local taxes.
  • Services of a Classic Tour Leader.
  • Return flights.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Lunches on arrival and departure days.
  • All dinners.
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified).
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill).
  • Discretionary tips.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Travel Insurance.

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

19380

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Zermatt

Meals

None

Accommodation

You arrive independently at Hotel Derby in Zermatt, right on the vibrant Bahnhofstrasse, where the car‑free village atmosphere and the dramatic mountain skyline immediately set the tone for your stay. With check‑in available from 3pm, you have time to settle into your room or step outside to explore the charming streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and traditional wooden chalets.

If your arrival time allows, you can join an optional Lakes Walk (Sunnegga–Stellisee Loop)—an easy, scenic warm‑up hike ideal for your first afternoon. You take the funicular up to Sunnegga and follow a gentle trail that leads to some of Zermatt’s most photogenic alpine lakes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning reflections of the Matterhorn in the still waters of Stellisee, creating a perfect, relaxed introduction to the landscapes you’ll experience over the coming days.

If not, no problem—at 6pm, you meet your Classic Tour Leader in the hotel reception. Here you’ll get a friendly overview of the days ahead, meet your fellow travellers, and have the chance to ask any final questions.

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    4 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    250m

Day 2

Close‑Up with the Matterhorn

Meals

Breakfast & Packed Lunch

Accommodation

  • Time

    6 hours

  • Distance

    10 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    700m

You start your day by taking the gondola up to Schwarzsee, stepping out into crisp mountain air with the Matterhorn looming dramatically above you. From here, you follow the steep Hörnliweg trail, a classic high‑alpine route that winds steadily upward toward the Hörnlihütte. As you climb, the path opens up to reveal an extraordinary, close‑up view of the Matterhorn’s North Face—an angle few visitors ever experience so directly. The terrain feels rugged and authentic, and along the way you keep an eye out for bursts of alpine flowers and the possibility of spotting wildlife moving across the rocks and meadows.

Reaching the Hörnlihütte feels like arriving at the threshold of mountaineering history, the base for generations of climbers preparing to tackle the Matterhorn. After taking in the atmosphere and the unbeatable views, you retrace your steps back down to Schwarzsee and catch the gondola to Zermatt, completing a memorable high‑alpine journey.

Day 3

High Alpine Panoramas

Meals

Breakfast & Packed Lunch

Accommodation

  • Time

    6.5 hours

  • Distance

    9.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    300/1500m

After breakfast at the hotel, you pack your lunch and make your way to the station, ready for one of Zermatt’s great panoramic days. You board the cog railway to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089m, stepping out into an astonishing world of glaciers and towering peaks. From the viewpoint, you take a moment to absorb the sweeping vistas of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the surrounding ice fields before beginning your descent.

The trail leads you first toward Rotenboden, then along the broad ridge toward Riffelberg, where alpine meadows, quiet huts, and wide‑open views accompany you at every step. The Matterhorn stays in sight almost the entire way, shifting shape as you traverse the landscape. Continuing toward Sunnegga, you enjoy an easy, scenic descent, with the option to detour to the peaceful Leisee Lakes before returning to the village.

It’s a classic high‑alpine hike—beautiful, varied, and consistently breathtaking.

Day 4

Final day

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Independent departure from the hotel after breakfast. Check out is by 11:30am.

From (GBP)£1,199 Without flights

Departure dates for your selected tour

11th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026 (3 Nights)

28th Aug 2026 - 31st Aug 2026 (3 Nights)

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

The Hotel Derby

When you stay at Hotel Derby, you find yourself right in the heart of Zermatt, perfectly placed on the lively Bahnhofstrasse and just a minute’s walk from both the train station and the Gornergrat railway—making your arrival and daily adventures wonderfully easy. You step into a hotel that blends tradition with modern comfort: the newly built rooms use calming Swiss stone pine and cosy box‑spring beds to help you unwind after days spent in the mountains.

Outside, you’re immersed in Zermatt’s unique character. The village is car‑free, vibrant, and atmospheric, with cafés, boutiques, and historic wooden buildings lining the main street. As you wander the quiet lanes of the old village or pause to admire the mountain views, you experience the perfect blend of lively alpine energy and peaceful charm.

In your room at Hotel Derby, you enjoy thoughtful facilities including a balcony or French balcony, a flat‑screen satellite TV, minibar, soundproof windows, seating area, and an en‑suite bathroom.

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

These holidays are typically in mountainous areas where stamina is important to be able to enjoy longer days. There is plenty of ascent and descent on some rough and steep paths that require good footwear, a steady foot, and a good head for heights. Some days may be shorter in distance or ascent/descent, but the overall effort levels required are of a higher nature.  

Usual daily walks - Distance: 10 miles; Ascent/Descent 950m; Terrain: varied with rough, rocky and steep sections; Walking Time: 8hrs+ / Long Days. 

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary".

Walks & Excursions

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Optional Excursions

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Currency in Switzerland

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc.
The euro is widely accepted in Switzerland, however occasionally change may be given in Swiss Francs. ATMs are widely available in most towns and villages throughout Switzerland.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Tour Leaders & Local Guides

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leader's Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Your Travel Details

The most convenient airports for travel to Zermatt from the UK are Zurich or Geneva. Zurich is generally the quickest option, with a smooth rail journey of around 3½ hours to reach Zermatt. Geneva is also a popular choice, offering regular train connections that take approximately 3¾ to 4 hours. Public transport in Switzerland is extremely reliable, and websites such as Rome2Rio can help you check the latest routes, timings and prices.

If you would like to discuss flights and transfers being arranged for you, please contact our Sales Team, who will be happy to assist.

During your stay in Zermatt, you will make good use of the excellent local public transport network. Frequent trains, electric buses and mountain lifts make it easy to reach the start and finish points of your walks throughout the Matterhorn and surrounding alpine regions.

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

Before finalising any flight or transfer arrangements, especially if you're doing so more than 12 weeks before your break, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday at the hotel, kindly inform us of your travel plans least 12 weeks before departure.

Unless you have arranged private transfers with us, it is understood that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.


Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passports and Visas

European Passport Advice

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.

Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.

Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.

Meals

What can you expect to eat?

For breakfast, you'll find a selection of fruits, fruit juices, tea, coffee, yogurt, toast, eggs, ham, cheese, bread, croissants, and jams.

Since you'll likely be out on the trails at midday, a packed lunch is provided.

For dinner there are a number of local restaurants to suit all budgets in central Zermatt. Your leader will be able to make suggestions.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Good quality waterproof walking boots with a moulded sole with a deep tread and good ankle support are essential for holidays at grade 7 and above.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat
  • Head torch
  • Survival bag - What is a survival bag? Click here!

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details' pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Electricity in Switzerland

Electricity in Switzerland is supplied at 230 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a two prong round pin continental pug adapter which will fit into any three prong receptacle. More information can be found at www.power-plus-sockets.com

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally, we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Weather

You may wish to look at the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination; BBC weather or MyWeather2. 

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for Switzerland

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Switzerland.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

If you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you are unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

EHIC & GHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Staying In Touch

Mobile Phones

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilise this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en-route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or try to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimise the use of mobile devices. Your co-operation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.

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Useful Information

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Switzerland

  • Capital

    Berne

  • Currency

    Swiss Franc

  • Language

    German; French; Italian

  • Time Difference

    UTC +01:00

  • Flight duration

    2.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    -3°C

    Avg. Rain: 80mm

  • February

    -2°C

    Avg. Rain: 75mm

  • March

    1°C

    Avg. Rain: 83mm

  • April

    5°C

    Avg. Rain: 94mm

  • May

    9°C

    Avg. Rain: 114mm

  • June

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 121mm

  • July

    15°C

    Avg. Rain: 115mm

  • August

    14°C

    Avg. Rain: 125mm

  • September

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 99mm

  • October

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 93mm

  • November

    2°C

    Avg. Rain: 97mm

  • December

    -2°C

    Avg. Rain: 86mm

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