Matterhorn is probably the most photographed and famous mountain in the world. We have seen the Matterhorn from afar but the experience of hiking the iconic mountain is truly spectacular. For a thrilling and personal experience with the Matterhorn there is no better hike than the trail to Hornli Hut which stand directly beneath this majestic peak.
This description of the Hornlihutte (Hornli Hut) trail starts on the Matterhorn Plateau at Schwarzsee, reached by taking the Matterhorn Paradise. If you choose to walk from Zermatt to Schwarzsee add four to five miles (depending on the route) and 3,100-ft. in elevation gain to the hike.
The hike difficulty for Hornlihutte was medium. From Schwarzsee to the start of the ridge you are on a red and white marked trail that is quite simple, although even on that trail there are rocky sections and a few drop-offs although nothing dramatic. Once up on the ridge it is a blue and white alpine trail. This means stop walking if you aren’t up for a bit of a challenge. There was nothing extreme on the trail but you can expect drop-offs, a few ladders and a little bit of clambering up rocks.
Schwarzsee to Hornlihutte is 4km with 715 meters of incline. Obviously you have to come back down to Schwarzsee so that is a minimum of 8 km. However, if you go for sunset or miss the last 4:30 pm cable car, you will need to walk all the way back to Zermatt.
We took 6 hours for the whole trip arriving at the cable car at 4 pm. It includes the cable car ride, 1 hour rest at the hut and lots of phototaking session. So, the advice is start very early if you intend to do this hike in one day. The Matterhorn is also famous for its cloud, which is more likely to form as the day progresses.
Matterhorn Express Station
Lake Schwarzsee
You will pass by Schwarzsee (2552m) on the way. According to legend, the chapel was built by 2 climbers who have lost their way in the fog near the Theodul Pass. They pledged that if they were saved, they would build a chapel. Until today, climbers who successfully reach the summit of the Matterhorn will visit the chapel afterwards to give their gratitude.
Schwarzsee to Trockener Steg
Metal stairs at Hirli Ridge
Can you see Hornli Hut?
Climbing the ridge
Middle Section
Steep Last Section
This section is really step. As this this hike is quite popular. we may encountered hikers queuing up in certain sections of the trail. We don’t mind at all since we have to catch our breath anyway.
Steep trail but that did not stop 3 grandpas from reaching the hut. In fact, they overtook us after a while. Hats off to them.
The last section up to the hut is very challenging. Every 10 to 20 steps we will have a take a breather.
Apparently, the boys have no problem with this hike at all. They reached Hornli Hut 80 min before the schedule time. In order to catch up with them, my husband who have walked with me all this while has to climb faster to reach the base camp on time.
So Near Yet So Far
I can see the hut but it took me so long to reach it. I think it is a combination of thin air, tired feet and perhaps…lack of exercise
Hornli Hut
Finally I made it to the base camp Matterhorn, 20 min behind schedule time. I think I saw my husband with a surprise look when I showed up at the hut, guess he didn’t expect to see me there.
Descending Down
Reaching the hut is only half of the journey. Descending down with tired legs and limited time is another challenge….but the scenery from another perspective is refreshing. I would say this hike is tough for me, yet I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone who enjoys hiking.
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