The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is one of the easiest and most scenic hikes to do in Zermatt. This point-to-point trail weaves its way between alpine lakes and along the way you get up close views of the Matterhorn. Since it is done one-way and is a mostly downhill hike, this is a great trail for all ages and ability levels.
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail can easily be added onto a visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and you can also add on the hike to Hörnlihütte. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to do this hike and add on these other must-have experiences.
About Our Experience
I hiked the Matterhorn Glacier Trail solo while Tim, Tyler, and Kara climbed Breithorn. We only had a few days in Zermatt and wanted to cover as much as possible, so we split up for a few hours for these two different experiences.
Breithorn is an awesome experience to add to your Zermatt to-do list, especially if you are looking to add a little adventure to your visit. Breithorn is one of the easiest 4,000+ meter summits in the Alps and the view from the top is incredible. To do this, you need special equipment and a guide, but mountaineering experience is not necessary…just a good level of physical fitness. Get the full details in our Guide to Breithorn.
Table of Contents
Matterhorn Glacier Trail Hiking Statistics
Distance: 6.8 km (4.25 miles) point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: 230 meters (750 feet)
Total Descent: 580 meters (1,900 feet)
Starting Elevation (Trockener Steg): 2,910 meters (9,543 feet)
Ending Elevation (Schwarzsee): 2,535 meters (8,318 feet)
Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours
When to Go: June through September
Best Time of Day: Morning, ideally starting by 9 am. The lighting on the Matterhorn is perfect, crowds are still low, and it’s best to finish the hike by 1 pm, when thunderstorm chances increase. Plus, from mid-morning to midday, it’s not uncommon for clouds to begin to form around the Matterhorn so if you want to see it cloud-free, early morning is the best time to do this hike.
Bathrooms: Trockener Steg station and the Schwarzsee station
Matterhorn Glacier Trail Elevation Profile: Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee
Quick Overview of the Matterhorn Glacier Trail
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is Trail #26. On hiking signs, it is labeled “Matterhorn Glacier Trail.”
This hike is done point-to-point. The trail starts at Trockener Steg and ends at the Schwarzsee station. By doing it in this direction, it is an overall downhill hike. You can do it in the opposite direction, but it becomes a moderately difficult trail that will take 3 to 4 hours.
I recommend hiking the Matterhorn Glacier Trail from Trockener Steg, not only because it’s much easier in this direction, but for most of the hike, the Matterhorn is right in front of you, and it is an awesome sight.
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail travels through a barren, rocky wilderness with very little signs of life. Since 1850, the Furgg and Theodul Glaciers have retreated, leaving behind this almost lunar landscape. As you hike the trail, information panels provide information about the glaciers’ retreat.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail Map (the trail is the bright yellow line) | source: www.zermatt.ch
How to Get to Trockener Steg
Trockener Steg is one of the cable car stations on the way to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt. To get here, there are two different routes.
Both routes start in Zermatt at the Zermatt Bergbahnen, which is on the south side of town. From the town center, it is a 10-to-15-minute walk to get here. These times listed below are for the summer (early July through late August). Hours change according to the time of year. Get the full timetable here.
From 6:30 am to 8:00 am
If you are planning to travel to Trockener Steg and/or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise early in the morning, the first gondola leaves Zermatt Bergbahnen at 6:30 am. In Furi, you will take the Furi – Trockener Steg cable car (first ascent at 6:45 am) to Trockener Steg. From Trockener Steg, you can start hiking the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise trail or continue to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
From 8 am to 4:30 pm
If you start later in the morning, the route to Trockener Steg is different.
The Furi – Trockener Steg cable car only runs from 6:45 am to 8:00 am. After 8:00 am, from Furi, take the Furi – Trockener Steg gondola and ride it to Trockener Steg. It passes through two stations, Schwarzsee and Furgg, but you do not have to get off and transfer at these stations. The gondola will take you all the way up to Trockener Steg.
If you only plan on doing the Matterhorn Glacier Trail (and not add on Matterhorn Glacier Paradise), purchasing a Kombi-Ticket is the most economical option. This ticket includes your transportation from Zermatt to Trockener Steg and Schwarzsee to Zermatt. You can purchase your ticket online or at the cable car station in Zermatt. Prices vary but expect to pay about 77 CHF (plus you get a discount with a Swiss Travel Pass). Get updated pricing here.
Adding on Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Once at Trockener Steg, you have traveled most of the way to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it to add Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to this hike.
At 3,883 meters (12,740 feet), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest cable car station in Europe. A visit here takes one to three hours. While here, enjoy 360° views from the viewing platform, visit the Glacier Palace, go skiing, and summit Breithorn (this adds on another 4 hours to the visit).
I recommend visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise first and then hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. From Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, ride the cable car to Trockener Steg and then hike to Schwarzsee.
The view of the Matterhorn from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
How to Hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail
Step-By-Step Trail Guide
Trockener Steg to Hirli
Exit the Trockener Steg station and head towards the Info Cube. If you want to learn more about the design and construction of the Matterhorn Glacier Express cable car, this very small museum only takes a few minutes of your time.
Inside the Info Cube
From the Info Cube, walk downhill in the direction of the gray lake and the Matterhorn. I did not see any trail signs here but once at the lake, you will be able to see the white and red painted lines on the rocks, marking the trail.
The view as you walk from the Info Cube towards the lake.
A view of the lake and the Matterhorn.
The trail loops around the north side of the lake, crosses a small stream, and then briefly heads uphill. Here are a few photos from the first section of the hike.
On the far side of the lake, you will cross this small bridge to continue on the trail.
Follow the red and white trail markers around the lake and then up the small hill in the distance.
The trail leading up the small hill.
The view from the trail.
Once on top of this short climb, the view opens up more in all directions. In front of you is the Matterhorn and a cluster of small glacial lakes. Behind you is Klein Matterhorn (the location of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) and Breithorn.
The view from the top of the hill.
If you turn around you can see Breithorn (the snow-covered peak on the left) and Klein Matterhorn (the gray, rocky peak on the right).
The trail is well marked with signs like this one, as well as red and white poles and rock cairns.
For the next 2 miles, the trail gradually descends. You will pass small lakes and have ever changing views of the mountains around you. You also get closer to Matterhorn.
I started the hike at 9 am (I rode up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to watch as Tim, Tyler, and Kara strapped on crampons and harnesses and began their hike to the summit of Breithorn). By 9:45 am, clouds began forming around Matterhorn. We spent four days in Zermatt in August 2022 and this trend of the Matterhorn clouding up mid-morning happened each day that we were here. Each day, we also had afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
As you hike past the lakes, it’s possible to capture the reflection of the Matterhorn, as long as the winds are calm. I did this on a slightly breezy day, so I was not so lucky.
On a calm day, it is possible to capture the reflection of the Matterhorn in the lakes.
Along the trail, there are signs that explain the history of the trail and the receding glaciers.
The trail before it descends into the gully.
The trail descends to a gully that sits below the Hörnlihütte. From here, you will cross a bridge and then have your biggest ascent of the hike. It takes about 10 minutes to hike to the top of this gravelly slope. Once here, the climbing is over and it is a downhill hike to Schwarzsee.
Cross this bridge and then it is a short hike up to Hirli.
The hill climb.
At the top of the hill, you reach a trail junction. Turn left to hike the Hornliweg to the Hörnlihütte (for hiking details, read our Hörnlihütte Hiking Guide). Take the trail down to Schwarzsee to finish the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.
View from the top of the hill, looking back to the gully and where you came from. You can also see how quickly clouds form around the Matterhorn.
Hirli trail junction
Hirli to Schwarzsee
From the trail junction at Hirli, it is a 30-minute walk to Schwarzsee. This entire section is downhill, and even so, I think it’s the most strenuous part of the hike. At times the trail is very steep, with loose rock and slick rocks, so take your time here. Along the way, you have great views of Zermatt, Gornergrat, Monte Rosa, Breithorn, and Schwarzsee.
Overlooking Schwarzsee
Schwarzsee station
As you approach the Schwarzsee station, you can hike down to Schwarzsee for closer views of the lake and take a photo with the Zermatt sign.
Schwarzsee
Maria zum Schnee (Mary of the Snow Chapel), the small church next to Schwarzsee.
The Zermatt Sign (taken on a different day).
I had an early lunch at Hotel Restaurant Schwarzsee, the Valais strudel and a beer, as I waited for Tim, Tyler, and Kara to finish their Breithorn ascent. The food was good and the 360° views were very nice. I am aware that this restaurant gets bad reviews on Google but I had a very pleasant experience (fast service and friendly staff). However, later in the day, I met up with my family at Restaurant Furri in Furi and I recommend this restaurant more.
Schwarzsee to Zermatt
To return to Zermatt, ride the gondola to the Zermatt Bergbahnen station.
You also have the option to get off in Furi and have lunch at one of the restaurants here. I ended up meeting up with the rest of my family in Furi and we had a great meal (and a second lunch for me…good thing I’m hiking a lot!) at Restaurant Furri. The rosti is great, there was live music, and the ice cream sundaes were a big hit after a morning of hiking and mountain climbing.
In Furi, Aroleid gets great reviews, but they are not open 7 days a week (get hours on Google before you go).
How to Do Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, and Hornlihutte in One Day
Start your day early (ideally at 7 am) to make the most of your time.
Take the series of gondolas and cable cars to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (arriving around 8 am). Plan on spending 1 to 2 hours here.
At 10 am, ride the cable car to Trockener Steg and hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail to Hirli. At Hirli (at roughly 12:00 pm), hike to Hörnlihütte. Have a late lunch at Hörnlihütte (at 2 pm).
At 3 pm, hike from Hörnlihütte to Schwarzsee and ride the gondola to Zermatt. The last descent is at 5 pm (double check this time here or at the cable car station) so keep this in mind when deciding how much time to spend at Hörnlihütte).
Hörnlihütte
What to Bring on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail Hike
Hiking shoes. We recommend wearing hiking shoes for this hike. The trail is rough and uneven in a lot of places and you will occasionally hike on smooth rocks, which can be very slippery. The hiking shoes will give you added traction which will be very helpful on this hike.
Water. Bring at least 1 liters of water per person.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. This hiking trail is completely exposed to the sun. There is no shade along the trail.
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.
A view of the Matterhorn from the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. If you look closely, you can also see the Hörnlihütte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year can you hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail?
The official Zermatt website lists the hiking season from June through September. During this time, the summer cable cars are operating and the trail is free of snow.
Is the Matterhorn Glacier Trail worth it?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it. This hike is relatively short and easy. Since it is done point-to-point, it is a mostly downhill walk and the views are constantly changing. Plus, you get one of the best up-close views of the Matterhorn.
More Information for Your Trip to Zermatt
BEST OF ZERMATT: For more great things to do, read our article Best Things to Do in Zermatt. Learn how to plan your visit with our Zermatt Itinerary, which has suggestions for how to spend your time if you have 1, 2, 3 or more days in Zermatt.
GORNERGRAT: Learn how to visit Gornergrat and hike to Riffelsee and Riffelberg.
MATTERHORN GLACIER PARADISE: Learn how to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is an easy and very scenic hike that runs from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee and can easily be added on to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
SUNNEGGA & ROTHORN: In our Guide to Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn, learn how to visit this area, what there is to do, and how to spend one day visiting the highlights.
HIKES IN ZERMATT: For a full list of hikes, check out our guide Best Hikes in Zermatt. We also have trail guides for the Five Lakes Trail, the Breithorn summit, how to hike to Hörnlihütte, and the hike from Furi to Gorner Gorge to Zermatt.
If you have any questions about how to hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Zermatt & Switzerland
SWITZERLAND ITINERARY: If your visit to Zermatt is part of a bigger trip to Switzerland, check out our Switzerland Itinerary, which has suggestions on what to do if you have 7 days, 14 days, or even longer.
MORE GREAT HIKES IN SWITZERLAND: The Bernese Oberland is one of Switzerland’s top hiking destinations. Hike the short, incredibly scenic trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, walk the Northface Trail from Mürren, or hike from Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First, a longer, more challenging, but awesome hike in this region. We also recommend hiking the Gastlosen Tour near Gruyères.
JUNGFRAU REGION: What exactly is the Jungfrau region? Find out in our Guide to the Jungfrau Region, which includes maps and important travel planning information. We also have articles about the best things to do in the Jungfrau region as well as the top hikes in the Jungfrau region. A visit to Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular experiences in the Jungfrau region, but is it worth it? Riding to cable car to Schilthorn and the Mürren Via Ferrata were two of our favorite experiences in this part of Switzerland.
MORE GREAT HIKES IN EUROPE: From thrilling trails in the Alps to easy walks along the coast, read our article 20 Best Hikes in Europe for some beautiful hiking trails to put on your travel wish list.
We have TONS more information about Switzerland in our Switzerland Travel Guide, including Zürich, Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland, Zermatt, Lugano, and Lausanne.
All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Comments 11
Hi Julie, is it possible to combine the Gornergrat hike to Riffelsee and Riffelberg with the Matterhorn Glacier Trail hike in one day? Thanks–Grace
Author
It’s possible but you will have to move fast. Each hike will take about half of a day. You could ride the train to Gornergrat in the morning, hike to Riffelberg, take the Riffelberg Express to Furi. From Furi, ride the cable cars to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (if you want to visit MGP) or Trockener Steg (to skip MGP and start the Matterhorn Glacier Trail). Then hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and return to Zermatt by cable car. Just check the running times of the Riffelberg Express because it only runs for a few months in the summer. If it isn’t running, from Riffelberg, ride the train to Zermatt, walk to the cable cars, and ride them to MGP/Trockener Steg. Have a great time in Zermatt! Cheers, Julie
Hi, you had recommended the Kombi-ticket for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise hike. Where do I get this ticket? Also, to get from Trockener Steg to the summit (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise), I will have to purchase a separate return ticket from Trockener Steg, right? Would appreciate your advice and guidance. Thanks.
Author
We give a link to purchase the Kombi Ticket in the paragraph we talk about it, under the “From 8 am to 4:30 pm” section (it’s the last sentence). You might also be able to purchase it from the ticket booth at the bottom station in Zermatt for the lifts to Furi and Trockener Steg. This Kombi ticket will cover your transportation from Zermatt to Trockener Steg and then from Schwarzsee to Zermatt (on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail you’ll walk from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee, so you won’t return to Trockener Steg). Cheers, Julie
Hello! Do you think I would be able to do this hike May 30 or 31 ?! Any thoughts on Zermatt in May?
Author
May can be a tricky time to visit Zermatt because for several weeks some of the cable cars and trains shut down for maintenance. There could still be a lot of snow around so you might be able to hiking at that time, either. The hiking season starts in June, so at the end of May this hike could be possible (but it really depends on the weather and snow conditions). I just looked at the timetable and you will be able to get to MGP and Trockener Steg at the end of May. Just keep your fingers crossed for good conditions. Cheers, Julie
Thank you so much!
Hello, I am visiting Zermatt in June 2023 and would love to do the Matterhorn Glacier Trail Hike. I have been before and hiked up until Schwarzsee. We have also been up to the Glacier Paradise. You do recommend hiking from Trockener Steg down to Schwarzsee. Since I enjoy walking up, would you recommend the hike in reverse? What would we have to look out for? We are also interested in hiking to Hornlihut. What would be the plus and minus for this hike, I do not suffer from vertigo or fear of heights, but don’t particularly like too narrow paths. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Author
Hello Carol. If you don’t mind walking uphill, then ride the gondola to Schwarzsee. From Schwarzsee, hike to Hornlihutte. In our guide to Hornlihutte we have lots of photos and hiking stats. On the way back to Schwarzsee from Hornlihutte, at Hirli, take the Matterhorn Glacier Trail to Trockener Steg. You will be hiking away from the Matterhorn so you will occasionally have to turn around to see it. Once in Trockener Steg, ride the gondola back to Zermatt. Have a great hike! Cheers, Julie
Hi, I was planning to stop at Zermatt at March end for the Matterhorn view. I saw you have the when to go is “Jun-Sep”. Does it mean I should just skip the Matterhorn? Thanks.
Author
You can visit Zermatt all year round but the hiking trails don’t typically open until June. You won’t be able to hike this trail in March but you can visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and ride the train to Gornergrat for another great view of the Matterhorn. If you really want to go hiking, save your visit for the summer. But I think Zermatt and the Matterhorn would be lovely in March to see everything snow covered. Cheers, Julie