I am planning to hike from Zermatt to Schönbielhütte with a friend next week, but we are having a hard time finding information about the route. We're both experienced hikers, but we've never been to Switzerland or a Swiss hut before, so we're a little clueless.

I've emailed the hut caretaker and confirmed that there is space available when we'd like to go, but I haven't gotten a response from him about my other questions yet. Since time is drawing short and I'm traveling, I'm posting here for more information.

We'd like to know:

• Where can we get route information and maps (online or paper)? Is the trail well-marked?
• Do we need a permit to hike in the area?
• What do we need to bring, other than clothes? We're traveling light through Europe, so we don't have sleeping bags. Do we need to bring them?
• How difficult is the route?
• Where can we find information on other hikes in the area that we can enjoy while we're there?
• We're arriving in Zermatt at 5pm, and I've read that the hike is about 4 hours long. Is it reasonable to arrive at the hut that night?

Thanks!

--Bruce

Bruce Christensen wrote:

• Where can we get route information and maps (online or paper)? Is the trail well-marked?
  Well-marked. Just pass the church and follow the yellow signs.
• Do we need a permit to hike in the area?
  No.
• What do we need to bring, other than clothes? We're traveling light through Europe, so we don't have sleeping bags. Do we need to bring them?
  Good shoes. Call the hut to make sure you get a bed. No sleeping bags needed.
• How difficult is the route?
  Long walk.
• Where can we find information on other hikes in the area that we can enjoy while we're there?
  Many alternatives. Hörnli hut, Gandegg hut, Rothorn hut, etc. The best thing is to buy a guidebook when you arrive.
• We're arriving in Zermatt at 5pm, and I've read that the hike is about 4 hours long. Is it reasonable to arrive at the hut that night?
  No problem to find the way in daylight and reasonable weather. Again, call the hut.
  http://www.vs-wallis.ch/wallis/huetten/schoenbiel.html

Perfect! Thanks for the info.

Nearby the Schonbiel hutte there is a very nice alpine meadow called 'Hohbalmen' at ~2700m. It's best if you google around, or get a Rother wanderfuhrer (a hiking guidebook) for the details.

Anyway, you can walk Zermatt-Schonbiel via the Hohbalmen route, in a total of approx. 6h15. Some people say that Hohbalmen is *the* best viewing platform on the Matterhorn. The view is just gorgeous and in my opinion much better than from the Zmutt valley (Hans' route towards Schonbiel). My profile picture is taken there btw, to give you slight impression. Since it's just a one way trip per day, you'll have plenty of time for a little detour!

From Zermatt, coming from the train station, follow the main street until at some point you see signs to the right for Hotel Edelweiss. Take this route up towards the Hotel Edelweiss, from where there should be signs towards Hohbalmen. Again, it's better if you find yourself a map and /or detailed description on the internet.

EDIT: Ah I see you're arriving at 5pm in Zermatt.. that's a shame. Maybe you can do it on the way back, but the Matterhorn will be in your rear view most of the time unfortunately.

I have to second Rick's recommendation of the Hohbalmen meadow as the best view point of the Matterhorn. I jogged up there from Zermatt one morning, and was just amazed. Returned to climb it a month later, just because of that view!

Thanks for the info, guys. We made it to the hut just fine, and everything worked out great. The two days at Schöenbielhütte were my favorite days out of 3 weeks all over Europe. The weather was perfect while we were there. I posted some pictures, including a few nice panoramas.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the last two messages until it was too late. Next time...

Bruce Christensen wrote:Thanks for the info, guys. We made it to the hut just fine, and everything worked out great. The two days at Schöenbielhütte were my favorite days out of 3 weeks all over Europe. The weather was perfect while we were there. I posted some pictures, including a few nice panoramas.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the last two messages until it was too late. Next time...

Good to hear it worked out well. Nice pictures!