Stroll
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days

Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate

Overview

The Walker's Haute Route follows the iconic eastern section of one of the Alps' most celebrated long-distance routes, from Arolla to Zermatt. Unlike the original mountaineering Haute Route, this variation keeps to alpine trails below 3,000 metres, making it a challenging but non-technical trek accessible to experienced walkers with a good level of fitness.

Over six days, the route crosses several high passes with sweeping views of the surrounding massifs before descending into the valleys and villages that define this corner of the Swiss Alps. The walk concludes in Zermatt, one of the most dramatic settings of any mountain town in Europe, at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Highlights

  • Alpine trails taking you through increasingly remote and stunning mountain landscapes.
  • Expect the best of Swiss mountain hiking as you walk through alpine pastures resonating with the sound of cowbells.
  • The final days lead you to Zermatt, where the iconic Matterhorn marks the end of your adventure.
  • Crossing the Augustbordpass, an altitude of around 2,894 meters, is a challenging but rewarding part of the trek, giving hikers a sense of achievement.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Arolla

Today, you will arrive in Arolla, with a check-in available after 3 pm. The last Village in the Val d’Herens sits at an altitude of nearly 2000 metres in the territory of Evolene. Named after the surrounding arolla pine forests, this prominent mountain destination has become an essential stop for those seeking lofty summits and pristine air. Towering snow-capped mountains, including the Pigne d'Arolla and Mont Collon, dominate the skyline. Glaciers such as the Arolla Glacier are visible from the village, adding to the dramatic alpine scenery.

Accommodation

2.5-Star Hotel in Arolla

Meals

Dinner

Day 2Arolla – Hut of the ‘Aiguilles rouges” (Red Needles) – Blue Lake
5.5-6 hours
Day 3Torrent pass- Grimentz - Zinal
5-6 hours
Day 4Lookout point of the “Roc de la Vache” (Rock of the Cow) – Zinal
5-6 hours
Day 5Zinal – Gruben
6.5-7.5 hours
Day 6Gruben – Tasch
7.5-8 hours or 5 hours
Day 7Tasch - Zermatt
Day 8Onward Travel

What's Included

Accommodation

2.5-Star Hotel (1 night), 3-star Hotel (5 nights), Mountain Lodge (1 night)

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Public Bus

Meals

7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 5 dinners

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Level

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

Days on the trail

Average per walking day

Gain per day

7/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Sleep well on this route across seven nights in private double occupancy rooms, from mountain lodges to three-star hotels along the way. All rooms have private bathrooms except in Gruben where a simple mountain lodge serves as the overnight stop without en-suite facilities. Where itinerary changes occasionally require alternative accommodation, properties of equivalent standard and quality will always be arranged. If your accommodation differs from what is shown in the programme, please make sure you know where you are in relation to each day's route.


Hotel Duglacier Outdoor
Hotel Duglacier View
Hotel Les Melezes Bedroom
Hotel Les Melezes Outdoor
Hotel Les Melezes View
Hotel Europe Bedroom
Hotel Europe Out
Hotel Europe Outdoor
Hotel Schwarzhorn View
Hotel Schwarzhorn View 1
Hotel Schwarzhorn Outdoor
Hotel Schwarzhorn Community
Hotel Tascherhof Bedroom 2
Hotel Tascherhof Bedroom
Hotel Tascherhof Community
Hotel Tascherhof View
Hotel Capricorn Bedroom2
Hotel Capricorn Out
Hotel Capricorn View 2
Hotel Capricorn View

What You'll Eat

Breakfast and dinner are well covered on this tour, with seven breakfasts and five dinners included. Dinner is served at your accommodation on most evenings, and the final two nights in Tasch and Zermatt are left open for you to eat out and explore both towns at your own pace. For lunch, most properties along the route can put together a picnic to take on the trail. Gruben is the exception, though all villages along the way have grocery stores if you prefer to plan your own.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in the mountains.

Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food
Annecy room
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food
Walker's Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt – 8 Days food

More About This Trip

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

July 2026

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1
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5
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

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The Swiss Alps experience

Wonder
Walk the eastern section of the Walkers Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt, finishing in the shadow of the Matterhorn
Cross the Col de Riedmatten, the highest section of the route with commanding views over the Pennine Alps
The Matterhorn's distinctive pyramid appears on the final descent into Zermatt, one of the great walk finishes
Wellness
Switzerland's 50,000 kilometres of meticulously maintained trails make this one of the world's great walking destinations
Mountain huts and valley inns provide warm food and comfortable beds at the end of every challenging day
The Haute Route's stages are achievable for experienced walkers seeking a serious but non-technical challenge
Nature
More than fifty peaks above 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Dom, line the horizon
Glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and towering waterfalls mark each day of this classic alpine traverse
Chamois, marmots, and ibex are commonly encountered on the high sections of the Haute Route

From

£2,180/person