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Matterhorn Trek

Matterhorn Trek — the trail guide

The Matterhorn Trek is a 133.8 km trek in Switzerland, typically walked in 2-3 days, with 9920 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (74 m of gain per km, topping out at 3326 m).

The Matterhorn Trek circles the world's most recognizable mountain, crossing between Switzerland and Italy via high alpine passes. The route passes through Zermatt and the Italian Valtournenche, offering constantly changing perspectives of the Matterhorn's distinctive pyramid. Expect challenging terrain, glacial viewpoints, and the contrast between Swiss precision and Italian warmth.

Quick facts

Distance133.8 km
Total ascent9920 m
Typical duration2-3 days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness74 m gain per km
High point3326 m
CountrySwitzerland
RegionSwitzerland

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 1126 m · high point 3326 m · 9920 m total ascent over 133.8 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1612 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-1°-7°126 mm
Feb-5°85 mm
Mar-5°124 mm
Apr-2°101 mm
May131 mm
Jun15°77 mm
Jul19°10°74 mm
Aug19°82 mm
Sep14°74 mm
Oct10°135 mm
Nov-3°134 mm
Dec-5°123 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Matterhorn Trek?

The Matterhorn Trek is 133.8 km, and most hikers complete it in 2-3 days. Total elevation gain is 9920 m.

How difficult is the Matterhorn Trek?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 74 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 3326 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Matterhorn Trek is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Matterhorn Trek?

In Switzerland. The route starts near 46.024, 7.748 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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