The mountain world surrounding Zermatt is an absolute nature paradise and offers
the perfect playground for dogs. An extensive area with countless
hiking & walking trails beckons on the doorstep of the hotel.
By the way, the use of the Zermatt mountain transport is free of charge for dogs.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about your holidays with your
dog in Zermatt and at the SchlossHotel.
Not far from the hotel and yet in the mountains. The Sunnegga lift takes you up to Riedweg, from here you follow a tranquil uphill path, just far enough that, depending on the outlook, houses or forest can be seen. On the way back, take a leisurely stroll through the village or the AHV trail in the other direction.
For a quick walk early in the morning, go in the direction of Sunnegga, down by the river. Along the river you walk towards the Matterhorn with a magnificent view. If you so wish, you can extend the walk by taking the hiking trail towards Furi. The highlight for your dog here, is certainly being let off the leash between the Vispa and Schluhmattstrasse.
Set off from the hotel and walk to the back of the village, then up to the hamlet of Blatten. Here it is worth taking a look at the chapel. Between Blatten and Moos you cross a wooden bridge, before reaching the forest near Moos. A highlight of this circular route is the crossing of the Findelbach bridge. The spectacular bridge is 93 metres long and spans Findelbach at a height of 50 metres. The last section also leads through the forest. The flat AHV trail leads to Zermatt and through the village, back to the hotel.
* Not suitable for dogs with a fear of heights
* On the trail towards Blatten - depending on the season,
there are sheep in the pasture
Dogs are not allowed on the slopes; however they are allowed to join you on snowshoe hikes through the snow-covered forests. Here are a few suggestions:
There is hardly a path in Zermatt that is more exposed to the sun in winter. It stretches steadily along at 2'500 m towards Fluhalp. Refreshment stop at Fluhalp.
Worth Noting: Chamois can be observed on the hillside
The flat winter hike leads from Sunnegga through loose trees to Tuftern. Refreshments are available at Tuftern.
Beware: 2 ski piste crossings
The trail descends in gentle zigzags through the winter forest to Zermatt. Refreshments are available at Riffelalp and en route.
Warning: It is best to wear spikes, as the path can become slippery now and then.
On the sunny side of Zermatt, a tranquil hiking trail leads towards Z'mutt, with the Matterhorn almost always in view. After about 1 hour of hiking, you reach the small hamlet of Z'mutt which invites you to take a short break.
There are several ways to return: Over the bridge at the reservoir and then along the road direction Furi or via the Culture Trail back to the village.
*There are many squirrels to spot.
*Z'mutt: it is usually busy here in the summer,
so it's better to keep your dog on a leash.
*The bridge at the reservoir - not suitable for dogs
with a fear of height.
*Road Z'mutt - Furi (return path): watch out,
there are many cars and bikes on the road.
Almost directly behind the hotel (approx. 5 mins), begins the pleasant hiking trail towards Täsch. The trail leads through areas with and without forest, over stock and stone, meadows, and pastures. Weather permitting, you can watch the helicopters in action at the Air Zermatt heliport at the entrance of the village of Zermatt. At the end of the route, you can refresh yourself in the Schali Lake.
*Many marmots to spot along the way
*Level crossing in Täsch and Zermatt
The perfect trail for a hot summer’s day. First, a flat hiking trail leads in the direction of Tuftern, from there it continues, slightly downhill towards Zermatt. Thanks to the forest, this trail is also nicely cool and pleasant to walk even in summer.
Various refreshment stops also sweeten the day.
*There are always mountain bikes & kick bikes on the path
This is a beautiful circular trail around Zermatt, away from the hustle and bustle with fantastic views. From Winkelmatten, the route is initially winding in the direction of Findeln, shortly before Findeln, you turn onto the Höhenweg trail. This leads you through rocks, colourful meadows, and green forests along the mountain. On the descent via Tiefenmatten you will find many a small forest clearing to linger and enjoy the fresh forest air.
* Many wild animals
* Be careful if you are afraid of heights - small section on the rock
is secured with ropes and railings
In the destination Zermatt - Matterhorn there is enough room for people, dogs, and other animals.
However, for peaceful coexistence to succeed, a few rules of conduct must be observed.
These rules of conduct contribute to the peaceful harmony of dog owners and non-dog owners.
01 - Dogs must always be on a leash when walking in the village, (except when in the designated areas), and must be kept under control at all times. Even when dogs are let off the leash, they must always be within sight and recall distance.
02 - When meeting other dog owners, hikers, bikers, walkers or passers-by, dogs should immediately be put on a leash.
03 - Dogs should not pee in inappropriate places and dog faeces should always be collected in a small bag and be disposed of in the correct waste bin.
04 - As a rule, dogs should not enter meadows when the crops are growing. Dog hunting behaviour is to be prevented. During the breeding and sowing season, dogs must be kept on a leash in the forest and in the surrounding area.
05 - Dogs enjoy free travel on mountain transport.
Do you want to treat yourself to a day of skiing with the whole family or enjoy a long hike with an overnight stay in a mountain hut but can't take your dog with you?
Of course, you want to know your pets are being well looked after even in these moments.
As a trained animal carer FBA, the Pfotennanny offers you individual, personal, professional, and loving pet care.
Doris Kündig, pet carer FBA
2016/17 Specialist non-professional training for animal care in the Certodog® training centre in Kleindöttingen incl. 60-day internship at the Barry Fondation kennel in Martigny.
Telephone: +41 79 418 61 39
E-Mail: pfotennanny@bluewin.ch
Webiste: www.pfotennanny.ch
If your pet is not well, it is better to take precautions and secure a visit with the vet.
The emergency veterinary service is guaranteed on +41 900 811 818.
SchlossHotel Zermatt 4* superior – Bahnhofplatz 18 – 3920 Zermatt – Switzerland
+41 27 966 44 00 | info@schlosshotelzermatt.ch
5% Direct booker discount | Welcome gift & tea time | FREE fitness & yoga classes