Matterhorn: Weekend at the Fluhalp

Day guests arrive on the first train and leave on the last one. We stay up here. And it’s precisely when the Stellisee falls silent that the most beautiful part begins. **Day 1: Europaweg, Stellisee and Fluhalp** We meet in the morning in Zermatt; a mountain taxi takes us to Täschalp. We deliberately skip the thousand metres of forest path below. From here the Europaweg stretches like a balcony above the Matter Valley, with the Matterhorn in view from the first bend. We walk at a leisurely pace and pause wherever it’s worthwhile. Via Sunnegga we climb to the Stellisee and on to the Fluhalp at 2,620 metres. After a shower and time on the sun terrace we stroll back to the lake in the early evening, when the last light falls on the Matterhorn and the day guests have long since returned to the valley. Then comes dinner, and in clear weather a starry sky such as the Swiss Plateau never sees. About 11 km, 400–700 metres of ascent depending on the route, 4–6 hours including breaks. **Day 2: Glaciers, mountain lakes and Gornergrat** Early risers catch the sunrise at the Stellisee; everyone else enjoys breakfast. We then cross the moraine of the Findel Glacier, where meltwater forms a grey delta of streams and gravel banks. Next comes the Grindjisee, where the Matterhorn peeks between the larches, and the Grünsee. From there we climb on a quiet, little-used path to the Gornergrat, over 3,000 metres high. Above us lie the Gorner Glacier, the Dufourspitze and a whole row of four-thousanders. We descend on foot to Riffelberg and from there take the rack railway back to Zermatt. By afternoon you’re back in the valley. About 10 km, 700 metres of ascent, 4–6 hours including breaks. **Requirements** Marked mountain hiking trails (T2) with a short, steeper section (T3) on the ascent to the Gornergrat. If you enjoy day hikes and are sure-footed, you’re in the right place. We deliberately move at a relaxed pace. **Comfortable mountain hut** At the Fluhalp you sleep in a double or triple room instead of a dorm, with bed linen included—perfect even for your very first night in the mountains. Travelling alone? Many do, and after the first dinner you’ll know everyone. If you’d rather have the tour to yourself, book it privately. A single room can be added subject to availability. Details at beanywhere.ch. **Your guide** Falko Burghausen of beAnywhere is a trainee mountain hiking guide, Swiss Athletics Trailrunning Instructor and internationally awarded landscape photographer. The camera comes along; edited photos of you are included.