from Zermatt to the fabulous Trift Valley

from Zermatt to the fabulous Trift Valley

Difficulty: T2 / ✶✶✶
Distance: approx. 11 km
Duration: approx. 5 h 17
Ascent: 1’114 m
Descent: 1’114 m
Highest point: 2’668 m
Stations: Zermatt (station) – Alterhaupt Edelweiss – Trift – Höhbalmen – Zermatt (station)
Best time to hike: June – October

There’s nothing like heading straight for the trail early in the morning, without driving for hours and changing trains. That morning atmosphere in the mountains is unmistakable. Besides, being close to nature gives you a lot of energy and motivation from the morning.

The trail I propose leads from Zermatt to the Trift mountain inn, located at 2’337 m. It is a beautiful route amidst greenery, with fantastic views of the four-thousand-metre peaks and glaciers.

The first section leads through the centre of Zermatt. Further on, the trail climbs steeply over green meadows and higher up the wooded mountainside, along the rushing Triftbach stream.

The town slowly disappears from sight and nature begins to dominate. After more than 4 km on the road, you reach the mountain inn Trift, which is located in a beautiful alpine valley, surrounded by high peaks and glaciers.

I recommend stopping here for a while and enjoying the view of the Zinalrothorn, Trifthorn, Wellenkuppe, Ober -, Mittler – and Unter Gabelhorn, as well as the Trift and Gabelhorn glaciers, among others. On the other side, the Monte Rosa massif with the highest peaks in Switzerland is visible from afar.

After all, man does not live by the Matterhorn alone. Yet this biggest celebrity in Switzerland is also visible on this trail. Provided, of course, that it does not hide behind the clouds.

After leaving the Trift mountain inn, there is only 300 metres to go up the mountain. And the next stop on the trail is Höhbalmen with a fantastic view of the Matterhorn.

The trail then continues downhill to Zermatt itself.

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