Photo hike in the golden Zermatt

Mitte October, something happens in Zermatt that few people notice: the trains to Sunnegga go into maintenance, the mountain restaurants close one after another, and precisely then the most beautiful weeks of the year begin. The larch trees above Findeln are ablaze in gold, the first snow lies on the peaks, and the lakes can only be reached on foot. We do too. **Up to Findeln** We start in the early afternoon at Zermatt train station and hike through the larch forest via Winkelmatten to Findeln. At a leisurely pace, because we’ll be taking photos along the way. Even here, it’s all about what will make the difference later by the lake: how paths lead into the frame, why a tree in the foreground is often more important than the mountain behind it, and what backlighting does to golden needles. In Findeln, dark Valais granaries, a small chapel, and the Matterhorn as a backdrop await us. **At Grindjisee** Via the high trail, we reach the highlight of the afternoon: a small lake behind a moraine, framed by larches with the Matterhorn perfectly aligned in the gap behind. We stay here for a long time, because in these hours the light changes faster than at any other time of day. Reflections, sun stars between the branches, and with a bit of luck, the Matterhorn in the still water. Waiting for calm winds and sipping tea from a thermos flask are part of the experience. **Back in the last light** We take the return route via Findeln again, now with the low sun casting side-light through the larches. For many, this is the most beautiful hour of the day. During the blue hour, we descend to Zermatt on a wide, well-marked trail using headlamps, with the illuminated village below as our final motif. **Photographing without a technical lecture** Smartphone, mirrorless camera, or DSLR—everything is welcome. Instead of clicking through menus, you’ll learn to read light, use backlighting, and create reflections. No prior knowledge is required, and those who have been photographing for longer will receive different tasks accordingly. You’ll also receive five to eight edited images of yourself with the Matterhorn—all without a selfie stick. **Requirements** Around 11 km and 750 metres of ascent and descent on marked hiking trails. If you can manage a normal day hike, you can manage this afternoon. We go slowly because we’re photographing, not because we have to. **Good to know** We’re back in the village by around 7 PM. Check your return connection before booking, or stay overnight in Zermatt. In October, room prices are significantly more affordable than in peak summer. **Prices** CHF 195 per person in a small group of 3 to 6 people. Prefer to go just the two of you or alone? A private tour costs a flat fee of CHF 495 for 1 or 2 people. There are no mountain railway costs, as none operate at this time of year. **Your guide** Falko Burghausen from beAnywhere is an internationally awarded landscape photographer and aspiring mountain hiking guide. You can find his fine art prints and other photography workshops at beanywhere.ch.