The best hikes for jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn

A little more than 150 years ago, the British climber Edward Whymper and his rope team reached the 14,692-foot (4478-meter) summit of the Matterhorn. These days, climbing the Matterhorn is much easier than it was in 1865 thanks to lighter, more advanced equipment, but it’s still no simple task. Commemorate this incredible human feat by experiencing the stunning Matterhorn in person, and hike along one the adjacent ridges or peaks. Boasting more than 375 miles of trails and routes, the hiking between and around Zermatt, Switzerland and Cervinia, Italy—the two mountain towns that abut the famous peak—is extensive. To help you experience the best of the best, we compiled a list of the top hikes for taking in views of the Matterhorn (Monte Cervino in Italian).

Best hikes around the Matterhorn from Zermatt, Switzerland

The first summit of the Matterhorn was along the peak’s eastern-facing precipice.

On July 14, 1865, English climber Edward Whymper and his team were the first to summit the Matterhorn.

Hikers and sightseers clamor to Riffelsee Lake to enjoy the serene reflection of the Matterhorn in the high-Alpine waters. | Photo: Zermatt

1. Riffelsee Lake | easy

   Accessed from the Rotenboden station of the Gornergat Bahn cog railway, Riffelsee Lake is famous for producing an enchanting reflection of the Matterhorn in its high-Alpine waters. This gorgeous vista is an easy 10-minute trek from the Rotenboden station.

2. Aussichtswegg Trail | moderate

   In addition to the stunning Matterhorn, hikers on the Aussichtswegg trail are treated to views of the Breithorn and Weisshorn, 27 other mountains and a spectacular array of wild flowers and plants. Also located atop the Gornergrat railway, the Aussichswegg trail can be connected with the Riffelseeweg Trail and Riffelsee Lake for a longer excursion.

3. Schwarzsee to Hörnli Hut | difficult

   If you’re up for a full-day hike and the opportunity to experience a piece of first-summit history, add the Schwarzsee hike to your list. Rising to the start of Whymper’s route, the hiking trail provides access to the Hörnli Hut—where the group spent the night before their first ascent. It’s possible to start the hike from Zermatt, but most take the gondola up to the Schwarzee station. From there, hikers can expect a four- to five-hour roundtrip.

Best hikes around the Matterhorn from Cervinia, Italy

Lac de Goillet provides a stunning foreground to the magnificent Matterhorn. | Photo: Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche

Hike from Cervinia, Italy to Zermatt, Switzerland if you’re looking to experience 180-degree views of the Matterhorn and both cultures in one trip. | Photo: Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche

Just days after the first summit in 1865, a group successfully ascended the Matterhorn from the Italian, southwest-facing side.

1. Cervinia to Lac de Goillet | easy

   Beginning from town, this lovely trek winds through lush woods and then up a road to the beautiful Lac de Goillet. Be sure to have your camera in tow. The Matterhorn rises steeply above crystal-blue waters, providing an unrivaled photo opportunity. This route is about 6.5 miles long and features a moderate vertical rise of 1,751 feet (534 meters).

2. Cervinia to Rifugio Jumeaux | moderate

   Starting just south of downtown Cervinia on Highway 403, this route ascends to a beautiful mountain hut, Rifugio Jumeaux. The path to the hut is a short distance of about 3.5 miles, but includes more than 2,500 vertical feet of climbing. Looking out towards the Matterhorn from the hut’s platform makes it well worth the effort.

3. Cervinia to Zermatt | difficult

   If you’d like to stay in Zermatt for a night or vice versa, the challenging connector route from Cervinia to Zermatt is an excellent choice. Providing exceptional views of the Matterhorn throughout the journey, the route ascends steeply up Teodoluspass and then meanders entirely downhill to Zermatt. The hike is about 11.5 miles one way and features about 3,600-plus vertical feet (1,103 meters) of gain. A full day should be dedicated to this spectacular hike, which joins two unique towns and cultures formed around the base of the Alps’ most stunning peak.

If you’re ready to experience the Matterhorn’s splendor in person, book your trip to Zermatt or Cervinia today. To get started, build a customized quote here or if you have additional questions our Mountain Vacations are standing by at 800-610-8911.