Self-Guided Walkers Haute Route Hiking Tour
This 8 day hiking adventure along the Walkers Haute Route takes you from the iconic alpine town of Zermatt to the peaceful Val d’Hérens, following one of the most legendary mountain routes in the Alps. Along the way, you’ll trek across dramatic high altitude trails, cross alpine passes, and experience breathtaking views of famous peaks like the Matterhorn and Weisshorn.
The journey combines challenging yet accessible hiking with charming mountain villages, scenic valleys, and unforgettable panoramas. Highlights include crossing the impressive Charles Kuonen suspension bridge, staying in remote mountain huts, and hiking through diverse landscapes ranging from rugged ridgelines to lush pastures and forests.
Each day brings a new stage of discovery, with long but rewarding walks that make this itinerary ideal for experienced hikers seeking a true alpine adventure. By the time you reach Evolène, you’ll have completed a remarkable journey through some of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Self-Guided
moderate to challenging
15 km / 9 mi
5
Casual+ Accommodation
Min. 4, Max. 12
Highlights
Matterhorn Views
The journey begins in Zermatt with stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn and surrounding alpine peaks throughout the trek.
High Alpine Passes
Hike along sections of the Europaweg and Alpine Passes Trail, crossing scenic mountain passes with spectacular alpine panoramas.
Charming Mountain Villages
Pass through traditional Swiss villages like Grächen and Evolène, known for their peaceful atmosphere and alpine charm.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | Casual+ Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Zermatt | Hotel Pollux (4 Star) | B | ||
| DAY 2 | Europahütte | Europahütte Randa | B | 19 km / 12 mi | hiking |
| DAY 3 | Grächen | Hotel Eden | B | 16 km / 10 mi | hiking |
| DAY 4 | Gruben | Hotel Schwarzhorn | B | 13 km / 8 mi | hiking |
| DAY 5 | Hotel Weisshorn | Hotel Weisshorn | B | 11 km / 7 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Cabane des Becs de Bosson | Cabane des Becs de Bosson | B | 20 km / 12 mi | hiking |
| DAY 7 | Evolène | Hotel Élite | B | 11 km / 7 mi | hiking |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Zermatt
Your journey begins in the alpine resort town of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Arrive independently and take time to settle into this lively yet charming mountain destination. Zermatt is known for its picturesque streets, traditional chalets, and spectacular mountain scenery.
With no cars allowed in the village, the atmosphere is peaceful and perfect for the start of an alpine hiking adventure. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, visiting local cafés, or enjoying views of the surrounding peaks that dominate the skyline. Numerous restaurants offer excellent Swiss cuisine, making it an ideal place to relax before the trekking days ahead.
As evening falls, prepare for the upcoming stages of the Walkers Haute Route, one of the most celebrated hiking journeys in the Alps.
Day 2: Europahütte
Today’s hike introduces you to the dramatic landscapes of the Swiss Alps as you leave Zermatt and follow a high altitude trail along the famous Europaweg. The route offers magnificent panoramic views across the Mattertal Valley and toward some of the region’s most impressive peaks.
Along the way, hikers encounter the remarkable Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Europe. Crossing the bridge provides a thrilling experience high above the valley floor and unforgettable views of the Weisshorn massif. The trail continues across rugged alpine terrain before reaching the remote Europahütte, a mountain refuge perched high in the mountains.
Surrounded by dramatic scenery, the hut provides a memorable overnight stay in the heart of the Alps.
Day 3: Grächen
Continue along the Europaweg today as the route gradually descends from the high mountain trails. In recent years, sections of this stage have been adjusted to provide a slightly lower route, though the distance still makes for a full day of hiking. The trail leads across impressive alpine terrain with constant views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
As you progress, the landscape slowly transitions from rugged high altitude paths to gentler slopes and forests. Eventually you reach the welcoming mountain village of Grächen, known for its traditional alpine character and pleasant setting above the valley. After a long but rewarding day on the trail, the village provides a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the peaceful alpine atmosphere.
Day 4: Gruben
This morning begins with a bus transfer to St. Niklaus followed by a cable car ride to Jungen. Perched high above Switzerland’s deepest valley, the small hamlet of Jungen offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the impressive Mischabel range and the peak known as Dom. From here, the hiking route follows an old trade path that once connected remote alpine communities.
The trail winds through beautiful landscapes as it leads into the quiet and scenic Turtmann Valley. The journey offers a combination of mountain views, alpine pastures, and peaceful surroundings far from busy towns. By afternoon you arrive in the small settlement of Gruben, where a traditional mountain setting provides a comfortable place to rest for the night.
Day 5: Hotel Weisshorn
After yesterday’s descent, today’s hike quickly climbs again into the high alpine landscape. The trail ascends steadily toward the Meidpass, which reaches an elevation of nearly 2,800 meters. From the pass, hikers are rewarded with remarkable views of the Bishorn and the Weisshorn, two prominent peaks of the region.
The surrounding scenery is vast and dramatic, highlighting the rugged beauty of the Swiss Alps. After crossing the pass, the route continues through mountain terrain before reaching the historic Hotel Weisshorn. This unique alpine hotel sits high above the Val d’Anniviers and offers sweeping views across the valley.
The remote location and traditional atmosphere make it one of the most memorable overnight stops along the entire route.
Day 6: Cabane des Becs de Bosson
The day begins with a descent from Hotel Weisshorn toward the Val d’Anniviers. As you walk along the slopes of the Pointes de Nava, there are once again magnificent views of the distant Matterhorn. The trail leads down to the charming village of Grimentz, known for its traditional wooden houses and alpine character.
From Grimentz, a cable car ride lifts you to Bendolla, allowing the route to continue through higher mountain terrain. The hike proceeds across open alpine landscapes toward the Cabane des Becs de Bosson. Along the way you cross the cultural boundary between the German speaking and French speaking regions of Valais. The mountain hut provides a remote and atmospheric setting for the evening.
Day 7: Evolène
Your final hiking stage follows a long descent into the beautiful Val d’Hérens. The trail leads past the alpine pastures of L’A Vieille and Volovron, where traditional grazing landscapes and open meadows create a peaceful atmosphere. As you continue downward, the scenery gradually changes from high alpine terrain to forests and pastoral landscapes.
The route offers a gentle and scenic conclusion to the journey as you approach the historic village of Evolène. Known for its well preserved architecture and authentic alpine character, Evolène provides a fitting end to this remarkable trek through the Swiss Alps. After arriving in the village, a short bus journey transfers you to the nearby city of Sion.
Day 8: Departure
Your Walkers Haute Route journey concludes today. After breakfast, depart from Sion or extend your stay to explore more of the Valais region. With its historic old town, vineyards, and surrounding alpine scenery, Sion offers a pleasant setting for a relaxed morning before continuing your onward travel.
Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past week as you traversed dramatic alpine passes, crossed high suspension bridges, and visited traditional mountain villages. From the iconic views near Zermatt to the peaceful landscapes of Val d’Hérens, the journey offers a remarkable introduction to one of the most celebrated long distance hiking routes in the Alps.
Depart independently by train or continue your travels through Switzerland.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Additional Inclusions
· Accommodation as mentioned with breakfast · Half board (Europahütte, Gruben, Hotel Weisshorn & Cabanne des Becs de Bosson) · Daily luggage transfers except Europahütte, Hotel Weisshorn and Cabane des Becs de Bosson (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg) · Subsidy for arrival by train · Cable car rides St. Niklaus - Jungu & Grimentz - Bendolla · Carefully elaborated route description · Digital travel documents incl. navigation app
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Zermatt
Evolène
Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Geneva International Airport (GVA)
ARRIVAL
Your tour begins in Zermatt, a car free alpine village in the Swiss Alps. The nearest major airport is Geneva Airport. From the airport, take a train to Visp and then change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train to Zermatt. The total journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and trains run frequently throughout the day.
If arriving by car, you must park at Matterhorn Terminal Täsch, as private vehicles are not allowed in Zermatt. From Täsch, regular shuttle trains reach Zermatt in about 12 minutes.
DEPARTURE
Your tour ends in Evolène with a transfer to the nearby city of Sion. From Evolène, take a regional bus to Sion, which takes about 40 minutes. From Sion, you can travel by train to Geneva Airport for your onward flight. The train journey from Sion to Geneva Airport takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours with regular connections throughout the day.
The best time to hike the Walkers Haute Route is late June to mid September, when alpine trails are mostly snow free and mountain huts are open. Summer days usually bring clear skies, long daylight hours, and comfortable hiking temperatures. At higher elevations, daytime temperatures typically range from 10–18°C (50–64°F), while valley areas may reach 18–25°C (64–77°F).
Nights in the mountains can drop to 2–8°C (36–46°F). Weather can change quickly in the Alps, so hikers should always be prepared for cooler winds and occasional rain. Early autumn often offers crisp air, stable weather, and beautiful alpine scenery.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Mixed
June
Good
July
Best
August
Best
September
Best
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.
Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear
- Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
- Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
- Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
- Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
- Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
- Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
- Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
- Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
- Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).
Other Necessities
- Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
- Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.
Pro Tips
- Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
- Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
- Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website.
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
