Meeting point
Hörnli hut
Hörnlihütte, 3920 Zermatt
Matterhorn
1.5 days
Challenging tour
Unique view
Historic summit
Season:
July September
Departure Times
17:30
Dinner at Hörnli Hut
Key info
Extensive high-altitude climbing experience required
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who trades comfort for the view.
A peak that has made history - a challenge then and now.
The Matterhorn is more than a mountain, it's a legend. The ascent via the Hörnli Ridge requires skill, endurance, and full concentration. The classic tour to this iconic peak and the summit moment will remain unforgettable.
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Hörnli Hut
The journey to Hörnli Hut begins in Zermatt. The cable car takes you to Schwarzsee, from where the ascent starts. The path winds through rocky passages and wide scree fields until the impressive silhouette of the hut at 3,260 m above sea level comes into view. Up here, not only a breathtaking view of the valley awaits, but also our base camp for the night. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for a briefing – then it's time to gather strength for the big day.
Distance
3 km
Ascent
+700 m
Walking time
2-3 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Summit Tour to the Matterhorn via Hörnli Ridge
The adventure begins before sunrise. Headlamp on, climbing harness and helmet in place, crampons at the ready. The first meters on the rock are steep, soon leading to airy climbing. At the Solvay Hut at 4,003 m above sea level, there's a short break. The air gets thinner, the view wider: Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc, countless other Alpine peaks. The final meters to the summit demand full concentration once more. Then it's achieved: we stand on the iconic Matterhorn. A brief moment of awe before the descent – full concentration is needed again before a refreshing drink awaits at Schwarzsee.
Distance
3.5 km
Ascent
+1250 m
Descent
-1250 m
Walking time
8-9 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
Summit Certificate
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
Backpack
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Wind jacket or GTX jacket
Shell pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Helmet
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
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