The Hörnli Hut is located at an altitude of 3,260 meters, just below the Matterhorn peak. For over 130 years, ambitious mountaineers have used this hut as a base to start their treacherous climb up this famous peak.
Website: https://hoernlihuette.ch/ • webcam
Open: end of June to end of September.
The hut has a restaurant for day trippers, a nice place to observe the brave mountain climbers. The hut has sleeping space for 149 people, but spots fill up very quickly.
Trail to reach hut
SAFETY NOTE: The last 2.8km to the hut is a "white blue" alpine trail, only suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with risk and heights. We suggest watching this video to see the trail conditions, particularly at the 7 min mark.
There are two ways to reach the hut. In any case, you'll be using the Matterhorn Express gondolas that leave from Zermatt (see valley station on map). When purchasing tickets, just tell the ticket agent what you plan to do and they will sell you the correct ticket.
Option A: From the Trockener Steg station, you can start on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, which has fantastic views of the Matterhorn. After 5km (about 2h), you fork left, following signs up to the hut, another 2.8km. See trail map that includes the full route: Trockener Steg - Hörnli Hut - Schwarzsee.
Option B: From the Schwarzsee gondola station, you hike more directly up to the hut, 4.3 km and 693m ascent, about 2h15. Return the same way. See trail info.
Restaurant
Day trippers can enjoy simple hut food and drinks at the hut's restaurant daily from 11:00 - 15:00. There is no fresh tap water, you must buy drinks.
Accommodations
The hut offers 149 sleeping places, which book out very fast. Reservation system opens starting end of April. This hut is more expensive than the typical Swiss hut.
They have bunks in dormitory-style rooms that sleep 8 people, shared toilet, hot shower for small fee. No towels provided. They provide a pillow and duvet, but you must bring your own sleeping bag liner or buy one from the hut.
They have two private suites with double beds, private toilet and shower. Towels and bed linens are included.
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price for all bookings.
➡️ Book via the website (starting end of April). You can cancel but there is a non-refundable deposit.
Facilities
They have 5G Wi-fi. They have a few plugs for charging devices in the dining room and reception area, but not in the bedrooms.
