Zmutt

Zmutt is a tiny alpine hamlet in the Zmutt valley above Zermatt at 1,936 m, a tight cluster of 16th–18th-century wooden houses and a Baroque chapel of St Catherine (date on the doors 1727). It’s an hour’s walk from central Zermatt; in winter, signed routes No. 120/121 lead up. Up-valley lie the 1961–1964, 74 m Zmutt arch dam and the Zmutt Glacier.

• 1,936 m – about 20 dark timber houses on alpine meadows.
• St Catherine’s chapel – Baroque, door date 1727; simple altar and Stations of the Cross.
• “White House” 1595 in the hamlet’s core.
• Easy approach from Zermatt in ~1 h; winter trails No. 121 (2.7 km / ~1 h 20) and No. 120 (3.7 km / ~1 h 40).
• Up the valley: Zmutt arch dam 1961–1964, 74 m high, capacity ~0.8–0.85 million m³; beyond is the Zmutt Glacier.

• The central cluster of houses and St Catherine’s chapel.
• A classic loop Zermatt – Zmutt – Blatten/Furi – back to Zermatt.
• The walk further up to the Zmutt dam and views toward the Zmuttgletscher tongue.

The hamlet is over 500 years old; “Mutt” in the local dialect means a rounded height on a rocky slope. Core structures include the 1595 “White House” and St Catherine’s chapel with a 1727 door inlay.

In the 20th century, hydropower arrived: the Zmutt arch dam was built 1961–1964 to impound waters from streams and glaciers including the Zmuttgletscher. Despite these works, Zmutt retained its historic character and remains a pure walking destination from Zermatt.

Location: Zmutt valley south-west of Zermatt, roughly 3–4 km by trail from the centre.

Getting there: Walk from Zermatt in ~1–1.5 h; in winter, signed routes No. 121 (2.7 km / ~1 h 20) and No. 120 (3.7 km / ~1 h 40). Combine with Furi via Blatten/Zum See for a loop.

Access: On foot only; moderate gradients, gravel and steps. Expect ice in winter and occasional closures.

Visiting hours: Year-round; winter openings depend on trail status.

Visit duration: 1.5–2.5 h out-and-back; 3–4 h for the loop via Blatten/Furi.

Best time: Morning or golden hour for soft light; larch colours in autumn.

Notes: It’s a lived-in hamlet – keep to paths and respect private yards; limit drones/noise. Trails to the dam are mountain paths – bring a warm layer and water.