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High Passes of the Valais: Matterhorn Region

A journey to Switzerland's iconic peak
 
Explore the best of the Matterhorn region on this self-guided walking holiday, with luggage transported on most days. Stunning panoramas await as you cross dramatic mountain passes and traverse both classic routes and little-used trails.
Price from
£1900pp
High Passes of the Valais: Matterhorn Region. 7 nights
Price from
£1900pp
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
High Passes of the Valais: Matterhorn Region. 7 nights
Price from
£1900pp
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in the Valais

The Valais in southern Switzerland is home not only to one of the country's most revered peaks, the Matterhorn, but also to a group of mountains known as the Pennine Alps. Stretching between the Simplon and Grand St Bernard passes, the range encompasses over thirty four-thousand-metre-plus peaks and thus provides stunning panoramas.

It is these awe-inspiring mountains – mere blips on the skyline when you first enter the Valais – that are your target, representing the end of your journey across southern Switzerland towards the Italian border. 
And what a journey it is. Starting in the Bernese Oberland, you enter the Valais via an ancient trading route, then cross the Rhône Valley, whose swathes of vines seem incongruous with the mountain scenery. South of this great river, more classic Alpine scenery – and spectacular high passes – await, so that arrival in Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn brings a real sense of achievement.
 
Gallery

 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    The best time for flowers is late June and early July.
     
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 1 2 5 9 14 17 20 19 15 11 5 1
    mm 131 117 125 135 150 168 151 173 140 129 143 133
  • Arrival in Kandersteg 
    Night 1: at Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

    As there are substantial ascents and descents each day, where possible routes start and/or end with a cable car, bus or train ride. Some of these are included; for those which are not, we provide a half-fare card so that you can benefit from discounted tickets on most journeys. The distances given for each day are the walking distances, and do not include sections on public transport.
  • Choice of walks from Kandersteg: 6km to 15km
    Oeschinensee – grade 1-2 option: 6km, 2hrs; ascent 70m/descent 560m
    For a leisurely introduction to your week, we recommend exploring the shores of beautiful Lake Oeschinen, reached by gondola. 

    Oeschinensee – grade 2-3 option: 10.5km, 4.5hrs; ascent 410m/descent 900m
    For something more strenuous, take the gondola as for the lakeside walk, then make the steep climb to a panoramic ‘balcony’ path high above the north side of the lake for superb views over its turquoise waters and the mountains beyond.

    Kander Gorge and the Gasterntal – grade 2-3 option; 15km, 5hrs
    A short bus ride from your hotel takes you to the lower end of the spectacular Kander Gorge, through which you climb to emerge into the Gastern Valley, known for the steep rock walls of its southern side, with spectacular waterfalls. Head up the valley to the remote hamlet of Selde before making a circuit of the upper river, enjoying views of the impressive head of the valley. Arriving back in the hamlet, you return to Kandersteg by minibus shuttle.
    From Kandersteg, you can also explore Oeschinensee
    Gasterntal
  • Kandersteg to Leukerbad: 16km, 5.5hrs; ascent 630m/descent 1155m
    Setting off from Kandersteg, you take the bus and cable car to Sunnbüel and from here ascend towards the Gemmi Pass (2,270 metres) via the Schwarenbach Hotel where Sherlock Holmes 'stayed' on his way to meet Moriarty. The pass has been an important trading route since Roman times, and marks the border between the Bernese Oberland and the Valais. An impressive path zigzags down the mountainside to the spa town of Leukerbad or, to give you time to make the most of the thermal baths, you could take the cable car (opens 29 June - included). Your base in Leukerbad is the Parkhotel Quellenhof.
    Kandersteg to Leukerbad: 16km
    Beautiful wild flowers
  • Leukerbad to Salgesch: 13.5km, 4hrs; ascent 355m/descent 1175m
    Today you leave the heights of the Bernese Oberland for the vineyards of the Rhône Valley. As you leave Leukerbad, you climb through dramatic cliffs before gradually descending to Salgesch and the Hotel Arkanum.
    Leukerbad to Salgesch: 13.5km
    En route to Salgesh
  • Salgesch to Gruben: 13km, 6hrs; ascent 1190m/descent 695m
    Today's walk starts with a short train ride (included) eastwards along the Rhône Valley to connect with the cable car from the picturesque village of Turtmann up into the mountains which lie to the south. You rise through forest then traverse the rock-strewn western slopes of the remote Turtmann Valley, one of the least developed valleys of the Pennine Alps, to reach the historic Hotel Schwarzhorn near Gruben. Given its isolated location, you'll need to bring an overnight bag with you.
    Salgesch to Gruben: 13km
    Delight in the sound of clanging cowbells
  • Gruben to Zermatt: 17km, 7hrs; ascent 1120m/descent 1840m; shorter option using cable car: 13km, 5hrs; ascent 1120m/descent 1100m
    With Italy not far away, this demanding but thoroughly exhilarating route takes you to the highest point yet: the Augstbord Pass at 2,893 metres. As you descend, views open over the Mischabel massif of 4,000-metre peaks and glaciers, including the mighty Dom – the third-highest mountain in the Alps. You pass through a small hamlet perched high above the Matter Valley, from where you can either descend on foot or by cable car to the village of St Niklaus to catch the train (included) for the final leg up the valley to Zermatt. The vistas throughout the day have been superb, but the best is saved until last: as you make your way to the elegant Hotel la Ginabelle, you finally get to see the Matterhorn.
    Gruben to Zermatt: 17km
    Augstbord Pass
  • Choice of walks from Zermatt: 15km or 15.5km

    Circular walk via lakes: 15.5km, 5hrs; ascent 495m/descent 1070m
    Having spent the last few days anticipating your arrival in the walker's paradise of Zermatt, it's only right that you have a final day of walking here on the slopes surrounding the iconic Matterhorn. This first option starts with a classic cog railway ride to Riffelalp, and explores the lakes to the east of Zermatt below the Findel Glacier. Be sure to bring your camera; on a clear day the pyramidal form of the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in the glassy waters of Stellisee. The descent back to town takes you through ancient hamlets and forest, and passes some of the region's finest mountain restaurants. There is the option of taking the lift from Sunnegga to reduce the descent.

    Circular walk via Trockener Steg: 15km, 5hrs; ascent 270m/descent 1560m
    The second option takes you within touching distance of the glaciers which sweep down from the border with Italy. After a gondola ride to Trockener Steg at nearly 3,000 metres, you cross a stark landscape dotted with glacial lakes and dominated by the classic Matterhorn east-face view, which looms ever larger as you come within one kilometre of this iconic mountain – a fitting finale to your week.
    Lake above Zermatt
    Circular walk via lakes: 15.5km
    Circular walk via Trockener Steg: 15km
 

Accommodation

You mostly stay in 3 and 4-star hotels, meaning that you can relax in comfort at the end of each day's walk. So that you can enjoy the best routes, the holiday also features a splendidly located mountain guesthouse. Due to its remote location, we do not transport your luggage to it, so you'll need to carry an overnight bag with you. You needn't pack much, however, as it is a relaxed, informal place, and there's no need to dress up for the evening meal.
 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 27 June 2025 - 30 September 2025

    Start any day except Thursday | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    27 Jun - 4 Jul 2025 £1940 £225
    5 Jul - 23 Aug 2025 £2015 £225
    24 - 31 Aug 2025 £1940 £225
    1 - 23 Sep 2025 £1900 £220
    3rd & 4th person discount -£52
    Single traveller supplement £121

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Included travel: cable car to Leukerbad, train from Salgesch to Turtmann and train from St Niklaus and Zermatt. A Half-Fare Card is also included, providing you with half-price tickets for trains, bus and boat journeys and up to 50% reduction on private railways and cable cars.

    If you would prefer to drive from the UK, please contact us for self-drive prices.

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    7 nights: 27 June 2025 - 30 September 2025

    Start any day except Thursday | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    27 Jun - 4 Jul 2025 £2400 £225
    5 Jul - 23 Aug 2025 £2470 £225
    24 - 31 Aug 2025 £2400 £225
    1 - 23 Sep 2025 £2335 £220
    3rd & 4th person discount -£52
    Single traveller supplement £121

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to either Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Lille, with onward travel as described below.

    Included travel from the UK: Out: UK–Paris (Eurostar), Paris–Kandersteg (TGV/regional rail), approx. duration 10h plus 0h05 walk to the hotel. Home: Zermatt–Paris (TGV/regional rail), Paris–UK (Eurostar), approx. duration 11h15 plus 0h02 taxi transfer.
    > More about 'by rail' prices
    > The 'rail experience': what to expect
    A Half-Fare Card is included, providing you with half-price tickets for trains, bus and boat journeys and up to 50% reduction on private railways and cable cars.

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg
    Mini-suite: 27 Jun - 30 Sep 2025 £50
    Hotel la Ginabelle, Zermatt
    'Comfort' with balcony & Matterhorn view: 27 Jun - 30 Sep 2025 £21
    Superior with balcony & Matterhorn view: 27 Jun - 30 Sep 2025 £36

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 04 Jul 2025 £160 £176
    05 Jul - 23 Aug 2025 £180 £194
    24 Aug - 13 Sep 2025 £160 £176
    14 Sep - 30 Sep 2025 £150 £166
    Parkhotel Quellenhof, Leukerbad (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 30 Sep 2025 £185 £221
    Hotel la Ginabelle, Zermatt (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 15 Aug 2025 £210 £248
    16 Aug - 30 Sep 2025 £205 £241
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich, Geneva or Basel
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Birmingham - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Basel easyJet 
    Bristol - Geneva easyJet 
    Bristol - Geneva (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Bristol - Zurich Swiss 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Basel easyJet 
    Edinburgh - Geneva easyJet 
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Geneva easyJet 
    Glasgow - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Humberside - Basel (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Basel easyJet 
    Gatwick - Geneva British Airways,  easyJet,  Swiss 
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Basel British Airways 
    Heathrow - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Basel easyJet 
    Luton - Geneva easyJet 
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Basel easyJet 
    Manchester - Geneva easyJet 
    Manchester - Zurich Lufthansa,  Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Geneva easyJet 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    If purchasing outward connecting travel through Inntravel, the homeward travel is at no extra cost.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Basel

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    bus Basel airport to Basel SBB (0h20), rail Basel SBB to Kandersteg (2h10), walk to hotel (0h05) £22-£23 1530
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    transfer hotel to station (0h02), rail Zermatt to Basel SBB (3h20), bus Basel SBB to Basel airport (0h20) included in outward price 1430

    Connecting travel options - flying via Geneva

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Geneva airport to Kandersteg (3h15), walk to hotel (0h05) £22-£23 1730
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    transfer hotel to station (0h02), rail Zermatt to Geneva airport (3h55) included in outward price 1400

    Connecting travel options - flying via Zürich

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Zürich airport to Kandersteg (2h30), walk to hotel (0h05) £22-£23 1730
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    transfer hotel to station (0h02), rail Zermatt to Zürich airport (3h40) included in outward price 1400
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    2 picnics
    7 breakfasts
  • luggage transported on most days (1 bag per person)
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • half-fare card
  • some train/cable car journeys, as specified in the itinerary
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 6 reviews
  • Anon
    01 September 2024

    A wonderful holiday.  We would definitely recommend an extra couple of nights in Zermatt at the end as there are so many amazing walks there.  The scenery throughout was stunning.  I wasn't looking forward to the night at the Schwarzhorn due to the basic facilities, but the shared bathrooms were impeccably clean, the beds were cosy and the food and service were great. Some of the walks were tough but all were rewarding and enjoyable.  Truly spectacular views every day.   It would be good to find an alternative to Hotel Arkanum at Salgesch, as this was the only disappointment and we felt it didn't come anywhere remotely close to the standards of the rest of the holiday.  

  • Ms J Brooksbank
    Ripon
    24 July 2024

    This was our first visit to Swizerland and the scenery was incredible, we were blown away by its sheer beauty. This was proper mountain walking, up and over, through passes, getting to the snow line and walking up across snowy sections. The walking was sometimes tough, 3-4 hours straight up, and then traversing boulder fields for what seems like hours, but to then round a corner and look over into a new valley was incredible and a real sense of achievement. 

    After a long hot walk in full sunshine, we swam in one of the mountain lakes on our first day which was a truly magical experience and not as cold as you'd think! And we even saw a couple of marmots. A really wonderful holiday.

  • Anon
    12 September 2022

    We are a pair of experienced hikers in our early 60's.  This was our second hiking holiday in Switzerland with Inntravel and another inspiring experience.  The scenery was spectacular and varied, ranging from lush, lower valleys and densely planted vineyards to the almost desolate landscapes of the high valleys and mountain passes.  The views of the Matterhorn at Zermatt are breathtaking.  The Inntravel walking notes are reliable and descriptive, particularly if combined with some homework with the maps provided before setting out.  When they describe a section of a route as "challenging", they mean it, so don't make the mistake of assuming the commentary is dumbed down.  The hotels are all comfortable and welcoming, with Parkhotel Quellenhoff in Leukerbad and La Ginabelle in Zermatt being the highlights of this trip.  The travel logistics, including the transport of bags from hotel to hotel, were flawless.  Recommended!

  • Professor S Wilkinson
    Keswick
    04 September 2022

    This was an excellent trip, with a wide variety of scenery/walking terrrain, and - as usual - very competently organised by Inntravel. We'd recommend booking 2 or 3 extra days in Zermatt as the high-level walking around the town is outstanding.

  • Anon
    19 August 2022

    We had an exceptional holiday. The area was stunning, all the travel and hotel arrangements were excellent. The grading of the walks felt just right. We would reccomend this holiday to anyone who loves walking, good food and beautiful scenery.

  • Mr D Stanton
    London
    20 July 2022

    Astounding views - the best of the Alps! Quality accommodation. Challenging, but do-able routes. Charming villages. In walks that include lakes (Leisee,Schwarzsee) bring your suits for amazing alpine swimming. Swiss wines are lovely-- try to go to tastings in Salgesch (but the wineries close at 3pm on Saturday, except for one that closes at 4pm).  
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
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