Switzerland | August and September
Tour of the Matterhorn North
For the ambitious: Hiking the northern section of the Haute Route
Looking for something truly iconic? Another amazing adventure option covers an 80km stretch of the world-famous Haute Route—the northern section of the Tour of the Matterhorn. It’s a journey through some of the most spectacular alpine landscapes Europe has to offer.
Starting in the charming village of Zinal, the route winds through flower-filled meadows, climbs to panoramic ridgelines, and crosses the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge—with the Matterhorn gradually coming into view. It’s a physically rewarding adventure, best suited to members with a solid level of fitness and a love of the mountains.
Like all our trips, this is just one adaptation of a classic route, redesigned specifically for the a particular group of members to balance challenge, comfort, and unforgettable scenery.
KEY INFORMATION
WHEN & WHERE
Depart: On demand in August and September
6 days, 6 nights
Location: Begin Zinal, End Zermatt
WHAT'S INCLUDED & NOT
Shared accommodation & meals
Excluded: Flights to Switzerland (circa £180 from London), transfer to the valley, drinks, lifts, kit and insurance
HOW DEMANDING
Rated 4 out of 5 - this is a tough route, suitable for those who can walk 20km a day over rough and steep terrain with a small backpack (up to10kg) with a max daily vertical height gain of circa1200m
80km with 6000m of height gain
We will help you prepare!
Minimum 6 and Maximum 16 people
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Adventure begins on foot from Zinal, Anniviers Valley
Acclimatisation hike to Hotel Weisshorn
10km. 750m height gain
DAY 2
Head east up and over the spectacular Meidpass and down into the Turtmann valley
Sleep in hotel in Gruben in the Turtmann valley
9km. 600m height gain
DAY 3
Continue east up and over the steep Augstbordpass
Descend to hotel in St Niklaus in the valley of Mattertal
16km. 1100m height gain.
DAY 4
A relatively easy day of hiking north east steeply up to the town of Gasenreid in a hotel
Recuperate ahead of the final push!
4km. 550m height gain
DAY 5
Begin the famous Europaweg on what will be a tough and long day
Begin the long traverse south towards Zermatt, sleeping at the Europahutte
14km. 1050m height gain
DAY 6
Continue the traverse south up above the valley along challenging terrain
After what will feel like a long journey, descend on foot to Zermatt
It is possible to take a lift down to Zermatt
18km. 350m height gain.
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
Accommodation while up high on the mountain will be mostly in hotels, with the exception of the Europahutte, which is a mountain refuge. Accommodation is on a shared basis, whether twin rooms or in the case of the Europahutte, dormitory.
The quality of the food at all hotels and huts is very good, as are the wines and local beers. Food tends to be hearty, owing to the nature of the mountain physical activity and the cheese orientated culture of the alpine regions. Vegetarian and vegan options, or options that reflect allergies, can be requested in advance.
ROUTE FLYBY
INSURANCE
You must have valid travel insurance to join the trip, covering overseas medical treatment, evacuation, and the activities in this itinerary (e.g. 3000m mountains). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage or personal items insurance also recommended.
HAZARDOUS
Adventurous activities inherently involve risk. In mountainous areas, hazards can lead to injury or, in extreme cases, death. By participating in such activities, individuals must acknowledge these risks and take responsibility for their own involvement.
WEATHER ETC
Weather or other unforeseen circumstances may lead to changes in itinerary. Such alterations are beyond our control. We will do our best to adapt plans accordingly, but participants must understand that flexibility is required & accept that some aspects of trip may be altered.