Trek the Matterhorn Circuit
Hike a mini version of the world-famous trek through the beautiful Swiss Alps
Duration
3 nights
Annual Leave
2 days off work
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Season
Jul—Sep
Location
Switzerland
Meeting Point
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
Classic Accommodation
Mountain hut · Guesthouse
Customer Reviews
4.8
Difficulty
Challenging
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What's it like?
Trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe over four unforgettable days
Visit Stellisee Lake and see the Matterhorn reflected on its mirror-like surface
Summit Pfulwe Peak (3400m), traverse the longest suspension bridge in the Alps and sleep in cosy mountain refuges surrounded by glaciers
Day 1
Welcome to the Swiss Alps
Driving
Hiking
Meet up with your crew in Geneva and drive for about two and a half hours, skirting Lake Geneva, to the Matterhorn Valley. After a quick gear check, start up the steep and rugged Europa Trail. Trek to the famous Europahütte where you’ll spend the night. You'll arrive just before dinner is served and sleep in a cosy dormitory at over 2000m above sea level.
Day 2
Hike the Europaweg
Hiking
Trek deep into the Matterhorn Valley and across the legendary Charles Kuonen suspension bridge. At 500m it’s the longest suspension bridge for pedestrian use in the Alps. Stand in the middle of the crossing and take in the jaw-dropping panoramic mountain scenery. After the bridge, continue on the famous Europaweg, a trail cut into the mountainside (with a few exposed sections), and join the Edelweiss trail to your cosy overnight mountain refuge, the Täschhütte. There will be plenty of time for a sunset beer on the deck overlooking the iconic Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn mountains on the other side of the valley.
Day 3
Summit Pfulwe
Hiking
Rise early and catch the sun hitting the surrounding glaciers and the circle of 4000m peaks - the kaleidoscope of colour is worth setting your alarm for. Follow the rugged, rocky and beautiful Täschalp Path through the Pfulwe Pass. If you want a challenge, climb to the top of Pfulwe itself (3313m) for an amazing panorama of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa (the highest mountain in Switzerland) and endless creaking glaciers. On the descent to Zermatt, you'll trek over the Fluealp, pass by the famous Stellisee Lake and capture the iconic picture of the Matterhorn reflected on the mirror-clear water. Today is a big day with a lot of descent; if your legs are tired you can pay for the cable car down to Zermatt to reduce the distance.
Day 4
Zermatt Edelweiss Trail
Hiking
Driving
Wake up bright and early and indulge in a last traditional Swiss breakfast, complete with local jams, marmalades, honey and cheeses. You’ll have a few hours to hike up the Edelweiss Trail and breathe in the mountain air, before walking down the valley to Täsch, from where you'll continue by road to Geneva Airport.
Included
Guides
Professional, experienced and friendly English-speaking IML certified guides
Accommodation
1 night in a hostel, 2 nights in remote mountain refuge
Meals
Munch on tasty food throughout
Transfers
To and from Geneva Airport
Permits
All permits and entry fees
Equipment
Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for hire.
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the refuges. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jam and butter. Depending on the refuge, they may also include orange juice, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, cheese and meats. Dinners are hearty and served in large portions – just what a hungry hiker needs! Typical meals include a soup starter, a main course of meat and veggies with a side of grains or pasta, and a dessert like vanilla pudding or creme brûlée. Picnic lunches will be provided each day, featuring a large main item like a sandwich or wrap, a salad, and a selection of fruit, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.
Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements (including gluten-free) can be catered for with advanced notice. Just let your host know when booking. Whilst dietary needs are sent to each refuge with the group reservations, please consider that the mountain refuges will have a limited range of choice to offer guests due to their remote locations. People with very specific dietary requirements typically choose to also bring some of their own snacks with them to ensure they have sufficient fuel for hiking up and down the beautiful mountain trails.
What is the accommodation like?
The Alps
You’ll be staying at authentic mountain refuges. The accommodation is simple, clean and comfortable. Groups typically sleep in mixed dormitory rooms of up to 20 persons, usually in bunk or single beds. They feature hot showers, running water, pillows and blankets, and a bar serving cold drinks. Most refuges also have outlets for charging your electronics, and some even have WiFi. Some refuges are more modern in style, others have a more traditional heritage, most are busy throughout the hiking season; it's the refuge's location and its remoteness that largely decides what comforts and conveniences are available. It's best to keep your expectations simple and enjoy the time on the trail to unplug from everyday life.
Zermatt
You’ll stay in either the Zermatt Youth Hostel or the Hotel Banhof in mixed dorm rooms with bunk beds.
Upgrades
Unfortunately, upgrades are not available due to the nature of accommodation on this trip.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
Arrive any time before 10:30 on Day 1
Ends
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
18:00 on Day 4
Transfers
You'll need to arrive into Geneva Airport no later than 10:30 on Day 1. Your transfer to the Alps will depart at 11:30 sharp! Your return transfer will arrive at Geneva Airport at around 18:00 on Day 4, so if departing that evening, book any flight that leaves after 19:30.
For those wanting to arrive a day early, extend their trip, or cannot make the included group transfer times, your host can assist with booking pre/post trip accommodation and private transfers for an additional cost. Prices vary across the season with availability, it's best to book early to avoid disappointment.
Travel options
The latest possible joining time for this trip is 11:30 at Geneva Airport, even in the event of a flight delay. If you arrive beyond this time, it will not be possible to catch up with the group. You may wish to arrive a day early and overnight at an airport hotel or in Geneva before your trip gets underway.
There are regular flights across Europe into Geneva Airport (GVA).
For those who wish to avoid flying, there are regular trains connecting London and Geneva. The fastest way is to hop on the Eurostar and change in Paris. The whole journey can take as little as 6 hours if you get a short connection. Your return leg at the end of the trip can begin at Zermatt train station for various onward train travel routes throughout Europe.
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What's available to hire?
- Trekking poles (see Optional Extras for prices)
What do I need to bring?
You'll be carrying all you need for the four day trip on your back, so don't over pack but also don't skip the essentials. Hiking in the Alps even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, both hot and cold, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes.
KIT
- 30-50L backpack with waist belt (plus a rain cover)
- A Pack Liner or Dry Bag is also good protection in case of rain
- Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk). This is very important as it's a mandatory requirement at the mountain refuges. Pillows and blankets are provided by the refuges.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended due to altitude)
- Hydration/Electrolyte tablets
- Preferred snacks for the trail
- Towel
- 2L water bottle(s)
- Toiletries and personal first aid items
- Swim suit
- Earplugs and Eye Mask (recommended)
- Cash (CHF) for drinks, snacks along the trail, tips etc.
- Plug adaptor and/or battery pack to charge electrical devices (note Switzerland uses a different standard to the rest of Europe)
- Headlamp
CLOTHES
- Waterproof Jacket (with hood) and Trousers
- Primaloft or Down Jacket
- Fleece or merino pullover or sweater
- Synthetic or merino wool base layers
- Warm hat and gloves (really important in mixed weather conditions)
- Sunhat or cap
- Synthetic shirts and trousers (zip-off preferable) for hiking
- Comfortable shirt and trousers for the refuges
- 2+ pairs of hiking socks, wool or synthetic
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes (worn in)
- Comfortable light shoes for around the refuge
Trekking Poles
Payable In Resort
Trekking Poles
…
Awesome trip, challenging, doable, nice in between from completely roughing it and staying in hotels. Amazing views and Joel was an awesome guide!
Excellent trip, breathtaking views and guided with confidence, competence and humour.
we have an amazing and unique experience with MBA. The hike is challenging, requiring a lot endurance and some technics; but the scenery is breathtaking! We are very well looked after by our guide Joel - he appreciates we are at different levels, and made sure we are all safe and happy with our own speed. Our group is fun, full of similar minded hikers. The accommodation and food are basic (you can’t ask for more at that altitude!)
Beautiful landscapes make the hike completely worth the effort.
These 4 days really pack a lot in. It is the perfect trip for someone with limited leave to really feel like you are getting away and stretching yourself. Absolutely would recommend.
More difficult that expected due to steep ascents and difficult paths.The guide and the group made this achievable and an enjoyable experience.Well organised.My second Better Adventures trip .Hopefully not my last ! RECOMMEND HIGHLY
Challenging hiking through beautiful scenery. The trails were quiet and remote, with a great balance of technical sections, wildlife and breaks at mountain refuges. Our guide was knowledgable and flexible, allowing the group to adapt our plans slightly to suit us. We were lucky enough to have views of the Matterhorn as we approached throughout the trip, but there are plenty of other amazing peaks and glaciers along the way. Kept well fed by the refuges, but do bring your own snacks too for along the route as there are some long climbs with additional energy required!
Fantastic trip from start to finish. Challenging hikes but with the most amazing views of the Alps, clean and comfortable mountain refuges. Highlights were summiting Pfulwe at 3314m and getting a perfect clear day on the last day for the best Matterhorn views. Big thank you to our guide Grant for such an epic 4 days of hiking.
This was my first MBA trip and it did not disappoint. A tough walk but rewarding walk awaits you in Switzerland. Our local guide Grant was very informative and kept us all going strong throughout.10/10 would recommend
This trek takes you through some beautiful Swiss scenery
Hiking around the Matterhorn in Switzerland was an absolutely amazing trip - I will definitely will be returning soon for more! I really enjoyed the experience of staying in the mountain refuges, it made the trip authentic and exciting. Grant was an excellent guide, always happy to help and chat about his knowledge of the mountains. A highlight was climbing up Pfulwe 3314m and having panoramic views of the glaciers. Another great trip by MBA, cannot recommend enough!
Fantastic trip. Well organised with airport transfers and pre-booking info. Comfortable and clean accomodation. Food was good and plentiful at the cabins. Well guided. And we were lucky with perfect weather to enjoy the stunning view.
I would highly recommend this long weekend in Switzerland to anyone considering it. The views were amazing and definitely worth the challenging days hiking. The mountain huts are basic but part of the adventure. I couldn't fault our host who was very knowledgeable and the other travellers were supportive and great to chat to over games of uno in the evenings!
This is one of my favorite experiences. From staying in the adorable mountain huts, to learning more about the terrain of the Swiss alps and summitting a mountain to see glaciers, monta Rosa and the Matterhorn. I couldn’t recommend this hike more!
Amazing and beautiful trip. Our local guide and our group was incredible. Highly recommend!
I went on the Matterhorn Circuit trip in mid September. It was my first ‘much better adventure’ and it was great. Being up in the alps with clear blue skies, challenging my legs to haul me and my pack up, higher than I’d ever been before, sharing the experience with a fun group and being looked after by a knowledgeable guide all made for an excellent, memorable trip.
I got exactly what I wanted from a guided trip; someone else in control and feeling safe throughout. I went as a solo traveller which is not something I would normally do. I was a little worried about joining a group of unknowns (!) but I needn’t have bothered. The group was lovely, and hearing about other adventures people had been on or had planned was fun.
Staying in the mountain huts was and experience and the food was good and plentiful.
We were lucky that the weather was on our side allowing us to climb up to the col at Pfulwe. This was the most challenging part of the route. We crossed boulder fields and threaded our way up narrow paths. To me this was by far the best bit especially when rewarded as we reached the col with the view opening up to Mount Rosa and the Matterhorn.
Our guide, Dave, was great. He read the group well and helped us gel. He clearly loved the mountains and passed on his enthusiasm.
I arrived into Geneva the night before the adventure started and stayed at the airport which worked really well for me. I picked up Swiss Francs at the airport; these were needed for snacks and drinks - the huts did not accept card. We also opted to pay for the lift down into Zermatt which cost around 30francs. Other than that everything was covered and the kit list was good.
Be warned that getting a shower at the huts was either not possible or not for the modest! Power sockets weren’t always available so a power bank was needed.
Would definitely use ‘much better’ again and recommend to friends.
Everything was great. Luckily the weather was beautiful, so we had some amazing panoramic views. The huts were surprisingly nice and our guide Nick made sure we were able to get meals, despite my wife's dietary restrictions (vegan, no onions/garlic) that make finding food difficult in a city, let alone high in the mountains. That meant a lot to us! Overall, I'd say it was perfect. I recommend it. Thanks for the wonderful adventure!
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 58kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This trip is suitable for experienced hikers in good shape. You'll need to be able to hike 15–20km on mountain trails, with as much as 1000m+ of elevation gain and descent, each day. You will be carrying your own overnight pack between the refuges, so should be confident hiking with a 30-50L pack for multiple days. Doing some practice hikes before the trip with your pack and boots is strongly recommended to help you prepare for this adventure!
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tap water is freely available at the mountain huts and the guide will direct you to mountain springs while trekking.
Summer in the Swiss Alps is generally warm and fair, but the weather can change very quickly in the high mountains, bringing cold rain and wind. Average temperatures range from 6 to 26 °C. It rains roughly half of the days each month, but storms generally pass through quickly. Even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes above 2000m. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our kit list is intended to guide you on what to pack for this trip.
Absolutely. You can leave anything you don't need with our host and collect it on the last day. It must be in a closed bag, rather than loose items, so that it can be properly labelled and looked after. Please let your host know in advance so they can be prepared.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday • 4th July 2024
to Sunday • 7th July 2024
Fully Booked
Thursday • 18th July 2024
to Sunday • 21st July 2024
Fully Booked
Thursday • 1st August 2024
to Sunday • 4th August 2024
Fully Booked
Thursday • 15th August 2024
to Sunday • 18th August 2024
Fully Booked
Thursday • 29th August 2024
to Sunday • 1st September 2024
Thursday • 12th September 2024
to Sunday • 15th September 2024
Fully Booked
