Meeting point
Zermatt train station
Bahnhofplatz, 3920 Zermatt
Gorner Glacier Hike
2 days
2 days of high alpine experience
Magnificent view of the Matterhorn
Up to 6 hours of hiking per day
Season:
June September
Departure Times
09:15
Zermatt Train Station
Key info
Experienced mountain hiker
No technical climbing skills required
At least 5 hours of hiking with a backpack
Surefootedness
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.
The glacier beneath your feet, the Matterhorn in view: Two days of icy landscapes, mountain scenery, and fresh alpine air await you.
The hike across the Gorner Glacier combines alpine adventure with stunning natural beauty. For two days, we follow ancient glacier paths, cross ice bridges and moraines, and spend a night at the Monte Rosa Hut. Sometimes mighty, sometimes fragile: the world of ice reveals its most impressive side.
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Across the Gorner Glacier to Monte Rosa Hut
Distance
9 km
Ascent
+650 m
Descent
-600 m
Walking time
5 hrs
Arrival
We meet in Zermatt. Taking the Gornergrat Railway, we reach Rotenboden, where the view of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks opens up.
Glacier Hike
From here, we descend a narrow path to the Gorner Glacier. After a short break, we strap on crampons and cross the endless ice field, passing deep crevasses and turquoise glacier streams. The ascent to the Monte Rosa Hut leads over rocky passages and moraines.
Monte Rosa Hut
Upon arrival, we enjoy the view of the eternal ice and end the day in the cozy hut.
Day2
Day 2: Descent along the Glacier Stream
Distance
12 km
Ascent
+600 m
Descent
-650 m
Walking time
7 hrs
Glacier Circuit
After a hearty breakfast, we head back onto the glacier ice. The scenery constantly changes: crevasse zones, undulating ice masses, rushing meltwater streams. During the glacier circuit, the mountain guide shares insights about the glacier's formation, its crevasses, and moraines. We might even spot a 'glacier table'.
Return
Afterwards, we return to Rotenboden and take the mountain railways back to Zermatt without any effort. Tired but filled with new impressions, we end the day in a nice café with a view of the mountains.
Whats included
Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Hut reservation
Not included
Technical equipment
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
Hiking boots or mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Basics
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
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