Matterhorn: Hike to the Hörnlihütte

🇨🇭 Hörnli Hut, Zermatt, Valais

4.3 kmDistance

+693 mElevation gain

2 h 15 minDuration

About this guide

The Hörnlihütte, 3,260 m, stands at the foot of the Hörnli Ridge, the most popular ascent route of the Matterhorn. The first ascent climbed this ridge on 14 July 1865, leaving it only high up for the north face; of the seven climbers, only three returned to Zermatt. From the hut terrace you can watch climbers on the ridge in the early morning, best in August and September (binoculars needed).

Difficulty: An alpine hiking trail for sure-footed walkers with a head for heights; ask the Hörnlihütte about current trail conditions. The Matterhorn summit via the Hörnli Ridge is a guided ascent only, from mid-July to mid-September, with the ZERMATTERS mountain guides: they require alpine climbing up to the 3rd grade, crampons on rock, acclimatisation above 3,000 m and several 4,000 m peaks.
Season: July to September. The Hörnlihütte is open from late June to mid-September. 2027: 25 June – 18 September; bookings from 1 April 2027.
Getting there: By cable car from Zermatt to Schwarzsee.
Food & drink: Restaurant in the Hörnlihütte; overnight stays with reservation.