Brig to Zermatt Swiss Walking Holiday: The High Route | Walking Holiday in Switzerland | Self Guided Walking Holiday

The Matterhorn, the formidable mountain in the shape of a tall pyramid, has become the landmark of the village of Zermatt, if not of Switzerland as a whole. People have come to this region for years to see for themselves this wonder of the natural world. Zermatt, the traffic-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, has coped with this influx of visitors but how much more rewarding it is to arrive here on foot, over a high route that offers ever-changing breathtaking scenery and which saves the grand finale of the sight of the Matterhorn, towering above Zermatt, right to the last day. The walking route covered on this holiday keeps you amongst the high mountains from start to finish and the views are unparalleled.

Grade: The walk is graded as moderate with some long days so you need to be quite fit.

Getting there: Fly to Geneva then travel by train to Brig.

Day 1 Arrive Brig.

Day 2 Brig to Simplon Pass.
You will follow the historic Stockalperweg, which is the traditional track used for centuries to traverse the important Simplon Pass over the mountains south into Italy. The views open up behind you of the great peaks of the Bernese Oberland on the other side of the Rhone Valley. ~ 6h30m

Day 3 Simplon Pass to Gspon.
The day starts with a climb to get you over the Bistinepass at 2417 metres which brings you into the wonderful untamed and lonely Nanz valley. The route then takes you to the bottom of this cleft, which is embedded into a marvellous mountain range, before you climb the Gebidumpass from where you drop gently to the small village of Gspon. ~ 6h30m

Day 4 Gspon to Saas Fee.
By way of Oberfinilu you gradually climb to the high point of the day at Chrizbode underneath the steep slopes of Weissmies. Then the path leads you down to the hamlet of Saas Almagell before you ascend slightly again to the traffic-free village of Saas Fee and your accommodation. ~ 6h

Day 5 Saas Fee to Grachen.
Today's route is a popular one, and deservedly so as you walk high above the valley on a panoramic path. The views go deep into the valley below and over to magnificent snowy peaks beyond, complete with glaciers. Wild flowers are everywhere as you cross over the Hannigalp and descend to the picturesque village of Grachen. ~ 6h

Day 6 Grachen to Europahutte.
For the next two days you follow the king's route, connecting Grachen with Zermatt. To do this in one day is a very hard challenge but the new Europahutte allows an overnight stop on the way so enabling walkers to complete this high level route more comfortably. Needless to say the views are superb all the way. ~ 6h

Day 7 Europahutte to Zermatt.
The panoramic views become even more spectacular as you continue on the king's route and once the Matterhorn is glimpsed in all its glory it dominates your world for the rest of the day. Reaching Zermatt is the climax to an unforgettable holiday. ~ 5h

Day 8 Departure.