Haute Route of Europe
Walking holiday, Haute Route of Europe, Switzerland
The formidable pyramidal shape of the Matterhorn has become the landmark of the village of Zermatt. To reach this place on foot is unbelievably rewarding, over a high route that offers fantastic varied scenery and which spares the finale, the sight of the Matterhorn towering above Zermatt, right to the very last day. This walk links two spectacular 'high level routes', taking in very beautiful, much less travelled mountain passes and views of the highest and most striking mountains in the Swiss Alps. There is little height to be gained on each stretch and easier alternatives are available, which is why we recommend this tour to any keen walker. Luggage transfers except on days 2, 3, 6 and 7.
- Day 1. Outbound to Brig
- Fly to Geneva and take the train to Brig, in the Valais region.
- Days 2 and 3. Simplon to Gspon
- Follow an historic track onto the Simplon Pass, which has been used for centuries to traverse this important divide, to arrive at the quaint village of Simplon. A short climb brings you to the absolutely wonderful, untamed, lonely Nanz valley. The route takes you down through this valley, surrounded by mountains, before you climb to another pass, from where the path gently drops to the small village of Gspon, high above the Matter valley.
- Day 4. Saas Fee
- Leaving Gspon you first pass through the small village of Oberfinilu, after which the track threads its way through a delightful larch forest. Slowly, you climb to the high point of the day, crossing the steep slope of the Weissmies, before steeply dropping down to the bottom of the Matter valley and on to Saas Fee.
- Day 5. Grachen
- Today's walk is high above the Matter valley, from where you are rewarded with a panorama that includes views deep down into the valley and over to magnificent, snow- covered mountains, glowing bright and white in the sun.
- Days 6 to 8. Europahutte and Zermatt
- For the next two days you follow the King's route, connecting Grachen with Zermatt. You are sure to enjoy every step of this spectacular, newly re-constructed track, which without any doubt is the king of all walks in this part of Switzerland. You spend the night in the new Hutte before continuing the following day to finally catch a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn, descending to the village of Zermatt for the final night of this wonderful, unforgettable tour. Travel back to Geneva and fly home.
- Haute Route in Style
- Haute Route In Style Grade C, 9 days, Cost per person £975. A more 'relaxing' alternative to this standard trip,would be to enjoy two nights in Saas Fee staying in a stylish hotel, the Hotel Ferienart (literally 'the art of making holidays').
