Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “switzerland”
The Jungfrau region of Switzerland can seem like a confusing place to visit, particularly to first time visitors. With its unique geography, complicated network of trains and cable cars, and long list of hiking trails and small towns to visit, it may seem like an overwhelming task to plan a trip here. But it doesn’t have to be. In this …
How many days do you need in Zermatt? How do you plan the perfect Zermatt itinerary? The answer to these questions depends on several factors. How much time do you have? Do you want to get out and hike the trails or simply ride the cable cars to viewpoints of the Matterhorn? What time of year will you be traveling? …
The Walker’s Haute Route is a 14-stage trek from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. It is a tough yet rewarding experience through the French and Swiss Alps that crosses 10 mountain passes and offers incredible scenery along the way. It is a beast of a trek! It took us 13 days, averaging 16 km (10 miles) with 1,140 meters (3,740 …
Along the Walker’s Haute Route, there are a variety of accommodation types, from mountain huts to 5-star hotels, from dormitories to apartments, and from shared bathrooms to private bathrooms. You will have the opportunity to experience a combination of all of these since you will be staying in a new place at the end of each stage. For some of …
One of the best ways to explore Zermatt is on foot. Hiking trails climb high into the mountains above Zermatt, past Swiss hamlets, through scenic valleys and rocky gorges, and to some of the best viewpoints of the Matterhorn. The network of cable cars and trains takes you up into the mountains, so for the most part, you don’t have …
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. …
Walking from Furi to Zermatt is a nice, easy hike to do while in Zermatt. This mostly downhill walk takes you through several Swiss hamlets, through the Gorner Gorge, and into Zermatt. In this guide, we cover how to hike from Furi to Zermatt and add on the Gorner Gorge along the way. Furi to Zermatt Hiking Stats The stats …
The Walker’s Haute Route is one of the most rewarding and memorable multi-day walks in Europe. On this journey, hikers will cross 10 of the highest mountain passes in the Alps, while walking from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. It’s an extraordinary journey but not without its challenges. With 14 stages, multiple variations to the route, and a narrow window …
The Walker’s Haute Route is a multi-day trek from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. On this walk, hikers will cross 10 mountain passes, walk through small towns and through rugged, remote landscapes, and get to experience a less touristy side of the Swiss Alps. There are several routes that take hikers from Chamonix to Zermatt. The “classic route” typically takes …
From bridges, caves, hamlets, and impressive views of the finish line, the final stage of the Walker’s Haute Route has it all. Every step brings you closer to the end goal of Zermatt, a beautiful town that’s renowned for its skiing and hiking. Enjoy the views along the way, as they only get better the further you go. The Haute …
As you enter one of the final stages of the Walker’s Haute Route, you will most likely be sore, a bit fatigued, and growing tired of massive mountain ascents and descents. Plus, the anticipation of seeing Zermatt and the Matterhorn grows. The good news is that Stage 13 of the Haute Route features the final climb of the trek. There …
Today’s stage marks the beginning of the end of the Walker’s Haute Route. With only three stages to go, things once again ramp up in both alpine views and physical challenge in terms of the trail. Opening up to Mattertal valley and passing through a large hamlet, Stage 12 has little shortage in excellent views. However, with its long ascent …
Stage 11 of the Walker’s Haute Route is another challenging mountain climb and descent. Yet, it is a great and rewarding hike with beautiful views over the Turtmanntal valley, the glacier-capped mountains of Weisshorn and Bishorn to the south, and the Rhone Valley and Bernese Alps to the north. This is one of the most beautiful days on the Haute …
Climbing to the summit of Breithorn is one of Zermatt’s most adventurous experiences. Standing at a height of 4,164 meters (13,660 feet), Breithorn is one of the highest peaks in the area and it is one of the easiest 4,000+ meter peaks to summit in the Alps. Thousands of hikers come to Zermatt to summit Breithorn every year. Hiking across …
Having completed a segment of Stage 10 on yesterday’s hike, we found ourselves with another short day today. However, that did not make it easy. Today’s hike finds you crossing over another mountain pass as you hike from Lac de Moiry to Zinal. As is the same for other days of the Walker’s Haute Route, today once again offers incredible …
Stage 9 of the Walker’s Haute Route starts in Les Haudères or La Sage and from these two villages, it is a challenging hike up to Col du Tsaté. From Col du Tsaté, it is an easier and scenic downhill walk to Lac de Moiry. There are beautiful views as you look out over high snowy peaks and the valley …
Stage 8 is both the easiest and shortest of the 14 stages that make up the Walker’s Haute Route and it is a great chance to catch your breath and rest your legs before heading into the final stretches of the Haute Route. Beginning in Arolla, you will hike up and over hillsides, passing through several quaint hamlets and around …
Stage 7 is one of our favorite stages of the Walker’s Haute Route. This is a beautiful walk from start to finish. Today’s trail covers a wide variety of landscapes, from glacier-covered mountains, a lovely milky-blue lake, forested hills, and wide open grasslands. In terms of difficulty, today’s stage is relatively easy. You will have one long climb, but for …
The Hörnlihütte (Hörnli Hut) is a lodge built at the base of the Matterhorn. For thrill seeking rock-climbers, the Hörnlihütte marks the start of the ascent up to the peak of the Matterhorn. Even if you do not wish to stand on top of the Matterhorn, simply hiking to and from the Hörnlihütte makes for an unforgettable day hike. The …
On very tired legs we started Stage 6 of the Walker’s Haute Route. Today’s hike is a quintessential day on the Haute Route. In about 7 hours, you will cross several cols, hike past glacial lakes, and enjoy views of spectacular alpine scenery. In fact, Stage 6 is the most scenic day yet. This is another challenging day but we …