Gandeg Hut - Zermatt

(S) Begin the descent northwards to the junction with the Matterhorn trail.

(1). Take this path on the left, which remains almost horizontal until you reach Lake Furggsee.

(2). Then begin a gentle descent to the upper station of the Hirli cable car.

(3). Continue east to go around the lake in the hamlet of Scharzsee, find another cable car and turn left onto a good track. Cross the Hirli cable car line at around 2,500 metres.

(4). Continue westwards before turning right onto the track that leads to the lower Hirli station.

(5) Begin a series of hairpin bends, follow the wide track and reach the crossroads of the path leading to the Zmuttbach river dam.

(6) Take this path on the left, cross the dam, and rejoin the path on the right that leads to the village of Zmutt, served by a branch of the Tour du Cervin.

(7) Take this slip road to reach Zermatt and the Youth Hostel (E), today's stop.

There is a lot of water in the streams you cross, but be careful as this water comes from glaciers and can cause some digestive discomfort.
A stop at one of the many inns in Zmutt is essential for two reasons:
- the splendid view of the north face of the Matterhorn,
- enhanced by a good local drink.

Zmutt, with its chalets and narrow streets, is a little gem at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Zermatt, with its shops and everything else associated with this mountaineering mecca. Here, the visit is enhanced by the presence of electric cars, but be careful, as you cannot hear them coming.