Hike /Erlebnis Geologie (swisstopo)
Matterhorn Glacier Trail
Schwarzsee (Trockener Steg)Schwarzsee
- Distance
- 6.5 km
- Duration
- 1:50 h
- Ascent
- 160 m
- Descent
- 499 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Fitness
- Easy
- Route type
- One way
01/ Overview
The route
A challenging high-level trail from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee: the geological Matterhorn Glacier Trail leads through barren terrain between rock and ice, past the Theodulsee and down to the small Schwarzsee.
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail begins at Trockener Steg station at 2'923 m, placing the highest point right at the start. Following a predominantly alpine trail, the route initially descends to the Theodulsee, its waters nestled amid rocky terrain. The path then continues through the barren high-alpine landscape between rock and ice. As a geological trail, it brings the landforms of this environment into focus.
The descent towards Schwarzsee continues with a few short counter-climbs. Near Hirli, the route leaves the alpine trail and joins a mountain hiking trail. The small Schwarzsee soon comes into view, with the Maria zum Schnee chapel standing by the lake. From this mountain ridge, views extend to the Monte Rosa massif, the Mischabel group, Dent Blanche and Weisshorn, as well as the Matterhorn. A little later, the hike ends at Zermatt Schwarzsee station.
Route data: swisstopo / Erlebnis Geologie · opendata.swiss BY · Source
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
