Glacier Hike Zermatt with Your First 4000er

Sporty
3 days
Summit of Zermatt's Breithorn
Glacier hikers take a break on the Gorner Glacier with the Matterhorn in the background.
Explore high mountains
Ascent of the Breithorn (4,164 m above sea level)
Hiking time: Up to 7 hours per day

Season:

June September

Departure Times

10:20

Zermatt Train Station

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
No technical climbing skills required
Sure-footedness
At least 7 hours of hiking with a backpack

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.

Your first time on a 4000er? The Breithorn awaits with breathtaking views and a tour that will surely inspire more summit dreams.

Glacier crossings, a night in the high mountains, and the ascent to the Breithorn (4,164 m above sea level): This tour combines impressive landscapes with a real challenge. Thanks to three days of acclimatization with an overnight stay at the Monte Rosa Hut, you'll confidently stand on your first 4000er by the end.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Monte Rosa Hut
We meet in Zermatt, then take the Gornergrat Railway to Rotenboden. From here, we hike along a wide path to the edge of the Gorner Glacier, which we cross. The path leads over moraines and rock slabs until we reach the most modern mountain hut in the Alps after about 4.5 hours: the Monte Rosa Hut at 2,883 m above sea level. The view of the Matterhorn is spectacular.
Distance
9 km
Ascent
+650 m
Descent
-600 m
Walking time
5 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Glacier Hike Back to Zermatt
After a delicious breakfast, we descend to the Gorner Glacier. During the glacier tour, the mountain guide shares insights about the formation of glaciers, their crevasses, and moraines. Perhaps we'll even discover a "glacier table"? Afterwards, we return to Rotenboden and take the cable cars effortlessly back to Zermatt. Tired but full of new impressions, we end the day in a cozy café. A night in a hotel provides new energy – tomorrow the summit awaits.
Distance
12 km
Ascent
+600 m
Descent
-650 m
Walking time
7 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Ascent of the Breithorn (4,164 m above sea level)
With the first cable car, we head up to the Klein Matterhorn. We rope up and ascend over the wide glacier plateau to the southern flank of the Breithorn. The last steps challenge us – the thin air is noticeable. Once at the top: pure summit bliss! Surrounded by a chain of 4000ers. After a long break, we descend and return to the valley. Our tour ends around 2 PM in Zermatt.
Distance
5.5 km
Ascent
+400 m
Descent
-400 m
Walking time
3-4 hrs

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting points
Activity location

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