Summer hike to Furi

The Perfect Half-Day Hike from Cove Zermatt: Furi, Gorner Gorge, Zum See & the Ricola Herb Garden

One of our favourite walks from Cove Zermatt starts right at the front door. Whenever we're in Zermatt, we love taking this route to Furi before wandering through the spectacular Gorner Gorge, enjoying a long lunch at Zum See, and finishing with a stroll through the Ricola Herb Garden. It's the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

Stop 1: Walk from Cove Zermatt to Furi

Leave Cove Zermatt and follow the well-marked path towards Furi, a picturesque mountain hamlet surrounded by forests and alpine meadows. The gentle climb rewards you with increasingly impressive views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Along the route you'll cross traditional wooden bridges, hear mountain streams rushing through the valley, and enjoy peaceful woodland paths away from the crowds.

Furi is also a popular stopping point with mountain restaurants serving classic Swiss favourites including rösti, raclette and homemade cakes.

Stop 2: Explore the Spectacular Gorner Gorge

From Furi continue towards the Gorner Gorge, one of Zermatt's hidden natural wonders.

Formed over thousands of years by glacial meltwater, the gorge features towering rock walls carved by the Gornera River. Wooden walkways suspended above the rushing water allow visitors to admire the incredible rock formations from unique viewpoints.

This section of the walk is especially popular with families and photographers thanks to its dramatic scenery and cooling mist during warm summer days.

Stop 3: Lunch at Zum See

After leaving the gorge, continue to the charming mountain hamlet of Zum See, one of Zermatt's most beloved dining spots.

Surrounded by centuries-old wooden chalets and flower-filled gardens, Zum See offers authentic Swiss cuisine made from regional ingredients. Relax on the sunny terrace and enjoy specialties such as rösti, fresh trout, homemade desserts, and local wines while soaking in magnificent mountain views.

Many visitors consider this one of the best lunch locations in Zermatt thanks to its peaceful atmosphere away from the busy village centre.

Stop 4: Visit the Ricola Herb Garden

On the return journey towards Zermatt, take a short detour to the Ricola Herb Garden.

Here you'll discover the famous 13 alpine herbs used to create Switzerland's iconic Ricola herbal sweets. Informative displays explain each herb while visitors are encouraged to smell, touch, and learn about the plants growing naturally in the alpine environment.

It's a delightful stop that both adults and children enjoy.

Return to Cove Zermatt

After your visit, it's an easy walk back into Zermatt and on to Cove Zermatt, completing a memorable half-day adventure that combines nature, local culture, and excellent food.

Hiking Information

• Starting Point: Cove Zermatt

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours including lunch

• Best Time: June to October

• Suitable For: Families, couples, photographers and casual hikers

• Highlights:

  • Matterhorn views

  • Furi mountain village

  • Gorner Gorge

  • Lunch at Zum See

  • Ricola Herb Garden

  • Beautiful forest trails

Wellness in Cove Zermatt

Summer or winter , the jacuzzi helps my post-exercise tired muscles. In winter, the sauna first before the jacuzzi for me. Wellness is at the basement of Cove Zermatt. There's nothing better than ending the day with a soak in the jacuzzi while watching , or warming up in the sauna after a cooler autumn hike. It's one of our favourite Zermatt traditions.

How to get to Casa Findelbach (Cove Zermatt) by train

The only way to get to Zermatt is by train so you will be told but my husband cycles into Zermatt. So unless you are feeling energetic , let us go by train.

Arrive after 20 minutes on a beautiful train ride , directly to taxi stand. Call the taxi and within minutes , he will be there! say Casa Findelbach and ten minutes later you have arrived at your holiday home in Zermatt.

Restaurant five min walk away.

View of the Cervin, sitting on the terrasse in the sunshine, superbe. Swiss cuisine. You won’t be hungry if you’re not cooking in #findelbach or more fondly called. #Covezermatt. More details of #zermattrestaurant here.

Tennis and beach volleyball in Zermatt

Stumbled on the tennis courts right in the centre of the village. Your friends could watch you whilst sipping a cocktail ! There is also beach volleyball. Find out more here.

Bus to the village centre

Five minute walk from Cove Zermatt is a free bus service to the village. Come out of chalet , turn right and keep walking straight to the church. The bus station is just there next to Sonnematten restaurant.

Cervo In Zermatt

My favourite Truffle Fries, The best après-Ski with live concerts from April. Imagine skiing in April and coming down the slopes to sunshine and sitting outdoors in Cervo with a Mulled wine. I even have a photo of my mum with Mark when he was six months old and Mark at the same spot 8 years later. That started a dream for me to have a home in Zermatt. My happy place.

Findlerhof up in the slopes of Zermatt

Our first visit to Findlerhof. Excellent service which is what we would get in All the restaurants in Zermatt. It is amazing how the service is so good in Zermatt. Witness it for yourself.

Fluhalp Up in the slopes of Zermatt.

Not to be missed. Fantastic live band. The best pasta I have had for a while. Do not forget the last time for the teleferique unless you plan to ski down a little bit drunk.FLUHALP

Parking

Zermatt is car-free. Therefore, automobiles must be parked 5 km away in Täsch. The shuttle train trip lasts 12 minutes minutes and leaves every 20 min. More details here .Get ready 5 Francs in one coin to pay for the luggage trolley. Go to the automated ticket booth and buy return train tickets. The train leaves every 20 minutes so there is no stress. Take your time and enjoy the ride!

Chez Vrony

Chez Vrony is our favourite stop after morning skiing;. Make sure you make your reservations(on the day you are not skiing to Italy!). Spent a lovely afternoon in the sunshine, eating and drinking before skiing down again. The lamb and hamburgers are excellent and so are the salads. The owner is the sister of Heinz Julen. Chez Vrony is part of Heinz Julen's extensive architecture portfolio.

Iglu-dorf! The Matterhorn is calling!

At other ski resorts, apres -ski is the highlight. Im Zermatt, the mid-day breaks are super fun. The Iglu-Dorf Zermatt sits 2,727 m above sea level. The perfect place to enjoy a breath-taking view of Switzerland’s most famous mountain from the sun terrace with a mulled wine or a cup of coffee. There is a also a restaurant with fondue in the igloo.

Backstage in Zermatt

A new discovery for first. Relaxed restaurant and the artistic Heinz Julen was there talking to the customers. Loved the screening of Swiss history as we ate and with live entertainment. The chandeliers sway like in the “phantom of the opera”. Walk to Backstage from CoveZermatt

Wollicard in Zermatt! Easter chocolate making in Zermatt

Mark has been holidaying in Zermatt since he was 6 years old and we don’t ever miss out on the Wollicard. lots of free perks and ideas. Once at easter, it was meeting Wolli and making an Easter bunny. Wonderful experience for a child who lives in Asia.

Find out details of Wollicard Here!