Winter hikes

Zermatt-Sunnegga (via Tiefenmatten) (Nr. 115)

Von der Sunnegga Ausblick auf die umliegende Bergwelt und das Matterhorn (4'478 m)

Zermatt

3/14°

Climbing from the centre of the village of Zermatt up into the mountain sunshine, under one’s own steam - that’s the essence of this bracing hike. After the romantic, snow-blanketed forest, you are greeted with glorious views at Sunnegga.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

7.15 km

Duration

2:45 h

Angekommen in den Tiefmatten und schon geht es weiter

Kulinarische Genüsse in den zahlreichen Bergrestaurants in Findeln geniessen

Description

The Swiss pines are heavily laden with snow; a winter breeze whispers through the bare branches of the larches. The snow crunches underfoot as the trail winds gently from Zermatt up to the heights. A longer, flat stretch reveals occasional views through the snow-covered trees of the Matterhorn and the village. In Findeln, numerous restaurants offer a wide range of gastronomic treats. Depending on time of day, the Tiefenmatten area can be cold and shady, while Sunnegga basks in sunshine.

Please observe the signs, as the path may be closed due to various winter hazards.

Turn-by-turn directions

Zermatt (station) - Tiefenmatten - Oberer Höhenweg - Findeln - Sunnegga

(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 15)

Start

Zermatt (1,620 m) (1608m)

Destination

Sunnegga (2,288 m) (2278m)

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Author's recommendation

Just before you turn onto the path heading to Findeln, you pass along a section of the trail close to the cliff face secured by ropes and a handrail. Be brave; the view is worth it.

Technical information

Altitude

2279m

1608m

Ascent

+704m

Descent

-33m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.

Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).

Approach

Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.

Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.

Parking

Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.

Onward travel: see “Getting there”.