Top Matterhorn Hikes in Zermatt & Cervinia: From Easy to Expert Treks

Over 150 years ago, the British climber Edward Whymper and his rope team were the first to reach the 14,692-foot (4478-meter) summit of the Matterhorn. These days, climbing this majestic pyramid-shaped peak is much easier than it was back in 1865, thanks to lighter, more advanced equipment, but it’s still no simple task. 

Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert climber to experience the magic of the Matterhorn. From leisurely lakeside walks and panoramic ridge hikes to demanding alpine treks, the trails surrounding Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia offer unforgettable views of one of the world's most recognizable mountains. But with hundreds of miles of hiking routes to explore, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. To help you make the most of your visit, our Mountain Travel Experts have rounded up the best Matterhorn hikes for all skill levels.

Best Matterhorn hikes from Zermatt, Switzerland

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Hörnlihütte Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 5.25 miles (8.5 km) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 2,221 feet (677 m)

Time: 3-4 hours

Best Time to Go: July-September

The Hörnlihütte Trail is by far one of the most sought-after and strenuous trails near the Matterhorn. It's possible to start the hike from Zermatt, but most take the gondola up to the Schwarzsee station. The hike begins at the alpine lake of Schwarzsee, Switzerland, and follows the ridge to the famous Hörnli Hut, where those aiming to summit spend the night before their early morning ascent to the top of the Matterhorn.

The Hörnli Hut trek demands serious fitness and a steady nerve. Expect strenuous elevation gain paired with sheer vertical exposure and some narrow metal walkways bolted directly into the cliffside. Several sections require using fixed ropes and steep ladders. This one is best left to experienced hikers not afraid of heights, but if that's not you, no worries! The area has plenty of stunning trails to choose from.

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Five Lakes Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6-7 miles (9.8-11 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,490 feet (454 m)

Time: 3-4 hours

Best Time to Go: June-September

The Five Lakes Trail lives up to its name, winding around (you guessed it) five alpine lakes –– Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee –– three of which display a mirror-still reflection of the Matterhorn. It's a moderately challenging hike through meadows bursting with wildflowers and alpine flora, and if you’re lucky, you may spot one of the region's famously charming Valais Blacknosed sheep along the way. 

Two of the lakes, Leisee and Grünsee, welcome swimmers, making a mid-hike dip a well-earned treat. And there's no need to pack snacks — the trail winds past two different mountain hut restaurants where you can settle onto a sun-warmed terrace and treat yourself to local dishes and fondue with the Matterhorn looming magnificently in the distance. To begin the hike, take the funicular from Zermatt up to Sunnegga for the fuller 7-mile route, or ride one stop further to Blauherd and set off on the slightly shorter 6-mile version.

Matterhorn Glacier Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4 miles (6.6 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,191 feet (363 m)

Time: 2 hours

Best Time to Go: June-September (it’s possible to go during December-April with a qualified mountain guide –– ask our Mountain Travel Experts to help you book)

Few trails bring you this close to the raw power of the Matterhorn Glacier, and the panoramic views of the Matterhorn itself are simply unrivaled. The route runs at high altitude through dramatic alpine terrain, tracing a path from Schwarzsee to Trockener Steg — a journey defined by rugged rock and surprising pockets of flora and fauna. Depending on the season, you may encounter patches of ice or mud, so sturdy, grippy footwear is a must. To reach the trailhead, hop aboard the Matterhorn Express cable car.

Riffelsee Lake Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)

Elevation Gain: 72 feet (22 m)

Time: 1-1.5 hours

Best Time to Go: July-September (early morning or late evening)

If you're looking for a leisurely stroll in the mountains with epic views, this is it. Reached via the Rotenboden station on the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway, Riffelsee Lake is renowned for its stunning mirror reflection of the Matterhorn in its high-alpine waters. To capture that perfect shot, aim for the early morning or late evening, when the risk of afternoon storm clouds is at its lowest. Along the way, expect carpets of wildflowers and good chances of spotting Alpine ibex and Valais Blacknose sheep.

Best Matterhorn hikes from Cervinia, Italy

Goillet Dam Lake via Cervinia

Difficulty: Hard (Moderate cable car option)

Length: 6.6 miles (10.6 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,116 feet (645 m)

Time: 3-4 hours

Best Time to Go: Mid-June to early October

Beginning in the charming ski resort village of Breuil-Cervinia, with a summer landscape of wildflowers, grazing cows and the commanding presence of the Matterhorn, this beautiful hike follows well-maintained paths from the Vieille locality up to the Plan Maison cable car's middle station. The route then winds along the western shore of Goillet Lake, with its striking crystal-blue waters and impressive dam architecture, before looping back to the starting point. The surrounding Alps provide a dramatic backdrop throughout. For a shorter outing, take the gondola up to Plan Maison and begin the trail from there.

Lago Blue

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Length: 5.9 miles (9.5 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,325 ft (404 m)

Time: 3-3.5 hours

Best Time to Go: June-September

This easy-to-moderate route begins in Breuil-Cervinia and winds through the gorgeous Valtournenche in the Aosta Valley, following a stream through alpine forests and open pastures to the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Lago Blu. Along the way, the Matterhorn frames itself beautifully between the trees, culminating in a stunning reflection across the glassy surface of the lake. The peaceful, relatively flat terrain makes this one of the more accessible hikes in the area, ideal for those looking for a more relaxed day in the mountains. Pack a lunch and linger at the water's edge — you won’t want to leave. 

Bec Pio Merlo Trail

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Length: 5 miles (8 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,027 ft (618 m)

Time: 3-3.5 hours

Best Time to Go: Late June-Early September

Celebrated for uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn from start to finish, this hike begins at Alpe Layet, a high-altitude mountain pasture and popular hiking hub in the Aosta Valley, just outside the village of Valtournenche near Cervinia. The trail initially follows the ski slopes before opening into sweeping meadows of wildflowers, with frequent wildlife sightings along the way. Some sections involve rocky scrambles, so sturdy footwear and hiking poles are recommended. But it’s well worth the effort! The views here never disappoint.

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The Swiss Alps have just as much to offer in summer as they do in winter. Our Mountain Travel Experts know this region inside and out, from the best hiking trails for every ability level to the hidden mountain huts perfect for a well-earned post-hike meal. Bundle your flights, lodging and transportation for the best value, and let us handle the details. Start planning your summer Alpine escape today.