Platthorn (3345 m) and Mettelhorn (3406 m) are two beautiful peaks in the Zermatt Alps. They raise at the north side of the Zermatt village.
The reason for describing these two peaks together is because they are so close that you can climb them both at one go.
Your reasons for climbing these two nice peaks could be these: they are surrounded by the greatest concentration of 4000-ers in the Alps so the views are spectacular. You might come to the same conclusion after seeing some of the photos below.
While for Platthorn you will not need any special equipment, the climb to Mettelhorn implies passing a relatively short glacier. So for this part, you will need crampons and all the usual measures of precautions for glacier walks.
[Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565]
Routes
There are two possible start points to climb Platthorn and Mettelhorn, both in Zermatt. The first is from the train station. As soon as you leave the train go behind the station and you will see the route which in that part goes almost back in the direction of Tasch. After some time you will be zigzagging up the slopes of Wisshorn peak and then the route will take you around Wisshorn at an altitude of around 2700 meters. You may see this in the map here below.
The second start point is from the center of Zermatt. It may not be so easily seen but try to locate the valley of Triftbach. There is a small water stream entering the town from the northwest direction and from Trift valley. This route leads you through the narrow Triftbach gorge and you will pass Trift Alp hotel far above Zermatt. It is at the altitude around 2340 m.
From there you continue in the north direction along pleasant meadows and at the altitude of around 2730 meters, you will see the former route on your right side. So from this point, the two routes merge and you are on your second part toward the summits.
The second route is presented in this Wikiloc map:
You will notice that the altitude at the Platthorn summit shown in the map is different compared to what I give above. There was obviously some problem with measurement, better disregard it.
On the right, you may see my photo from the summit showing the exact height of the mountain, which is also in agreement with Swiss Topo Maps.
But regarding the timing shown with the map, this is more or less the same as in my case, I climbed it in 8 hours.
In summer time there is no snow on these routes all the way up to Furggji pass (2957 m). If you decide to climb Mettelhorn first, from the pass you will need up to 2 hours both ways. To get to the summit of Platthorn from the pass you will not need more than 30 minutes.
Here are some photos from the route:
So this was my short report about the two beautiful peaks Platthorn and Mettelhorn. I hope you have enjoyed it. There are no people in the report, actually, I met just a few during the tour, which was surprising for such a beautiful day.
Please leave some comments below. I shall be happy to answer any question.
Jill Tisdale says
We have a reasonable amount of experience with guides eg. Breithorn, Allalinhorn, Weissmies etc. We have our own crampons. Is glacier crossing safe ie. no or minimal crevasses and are there any difficulties up the Mettelhorn after crossing the glacier? We are in our mid 60’s but stay pretty fit with scuba diving, gym and serious daily walks in Cornwall (Southwest coastpath) Recommendations for accommodation in Zermatt?
Jovo says
Hi Jill, so great to hear from you about this beautiful mountain. You will cross the glacier on its upper part so no crevasses. It is doable even without crampons, the passage is not long and it is not steep. THough I would always want to have crampons on a glacier. After crossing it, you will be on the rock, just zig-zagging towards the summit, very simple, nothing technical.
I have been renting apartments through Interhome and Casamundo, and I was staying in Tasch, one train stop before Zermatt, but this is not the best option. Have not stayed in Zermatt, but I know that Interhome office is there so they must have something available around. Fully recommend this agency, used many times.
Note that I have an open invitation for guest authors who have some first-hand information and are willing to share it with others. I shall be happy to have some text from you, please see here for more details.
Johnny says
Tthanks for the informative article on climbing the peaks Platthorn and Mettelhorn. I have never climbed a peaks of these elevations, just some hikes in my local Nova Scotia, Canada.How hot would it get there in summer? I’m assuming the climbing would be better than in winter? Climbing mountains in the Alps has always been on my bucket list . Would there be guides available to use on these climbs? I would love to come there soon and see the beauty up close and personal.
Jovo says
Hi Johnny, for Platthorn and Mettelhorn you really do not need a guide. I give all information you need and orientation is not a problem. These peaks are directly above Zermatt so finding a guide is not a problem, but they charge a lot.
In winter the snow is too high and the only option would be on skis. Normally I only go to the Alps in summer time. It can be warm in the Alps, but at 3000 meters you have to have some windbreaker and some extra layer in the pack.
Theislandman says
Hi Jovo. Nice article. I enjoyed reading it. I’ll be heading that way soon on my bicycle, on my round the world trip. The Bach music scared me a bit (my volume was too loud). I actually though it was a video so I clicked it. That taught me a lesson.
Nice pictures and content, but I’d probably categorise the menus into drop down’s. Too many menu tabs for my liking.
I was thinking of researching the areas I’ll be cycling through for mountains to climb, so I’ll be keeping an eye on your site. It may come in useful.
Jovo says
Hi Theislandman, thank you. Bach music scared you? Sorry for that. So, round the world trip, this sounds like a real thing. I envy you. Good luck.
Jeff says
This is a great overview of these 2 peaks. You mention that Platthorn doesn’t need any special equipment to climb – could a relative novice climb this peak? I do not have any mountain climbing experience – but the scenery is so beautiful it is definitely something I would want to check out in the future.
Jovo says
Hi Jeff, thank you for reading my text. Yes, you could manage to Platthorn, this is not a technical climb. For Mettelhorn I would advise having crampons.
Chris says
hi there, If one was looking to visit Mettelhorn how would they go about the travel arrangements ( I’ve heard it’s not the easiest coming out of country?
I was advised in arriving at the airport in Zurich or Milan but how many hours would I have to add onto the journey from there. We are in the middle of trip-planning 🙂
Jovo says
Hi Chris, Milan is far from this area. Better think of Geneve, Zurich or Bern. Add up to 3 hours.