The Haute Route

Self guided & guided walking holidays in Switzerland

The Walker's Haute Route (High Route) from Chamonix to Zermatt is steeped in mountaineering legend. It consists of a network of hiking trails between the Mont Blanc and Matterhorn. The route was first taken by British climbers at the end of the 19th century, then skied by the French several years later. This is when it became known as the Haute Route. Today's network of hiking trails that lead from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland is mostly located in the scenic Swiss canton of Valais. The length of the entire route varies between 170-220km (105-137 miles) and the Walker's Haute Route, which we follow, stays below 3,500m.

A hike in this part of Switzerland today typically includes high passes such as the Col de Torrent (2918m), the Col de Sorebois (2896m) and the Augsbordpass (2893m). Although the Walker's Haute Route is a popular hiking trail, you will find that compared to many other areas in Switzerland, most of the paths are little trodden.  

In spring and early summer, the valleys and meadows of the region are a mass of colour when the alpine flowers come into bloom. There are also the cheery blues and greens of the mountain lakes, some fed by glaciers and some naturally left up the mountainsides where the glaciers have melted away.  

In the Valais canton of Switzerland, walkers can take a gondola up to Schwarzalp and continue their Haute Route hike under the flanks of the Matterhorn. There is the Gornergrat railway that takes visitors up the mountain for vistas of the Matterhorn. A famous walk above Zermatt is called the Höhbalmen Weg (or Edelweissweg) that follows a terraced path across the valley from the Matterhorn to admire the mountain’s majesty.

With Walkers' Britain you can choose from a guided walking holiday on which you walk from Chamonix to Zermatt (with a few transfers) or a self guided walking holiday that follows the Walker's Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt staying in hotels.

Find your Haute Route trip

Personal Experience of Switzerland's Haute Route

Our team have been walking in Switzerland for over 5 decades. We are passionate about the Swiss mountains, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Switzerland

Our active holidays in Switzerland are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your Haute Route trip.

Local Knowledge of Switzerland's Haute Route

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries of Switzerland to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers following the Haute Route expect.


Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.


Handpicked Hotels

On most Haute Route hiking holidays we stay in a range of 2-4* hotels, often family run. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose properties that add to your experience.

Refuges or Gîte Hostels

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunkbeds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although private gîte rooms still use shared bathrooms.


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