Discover a world of alpine beauty with these ten hikes accessible by public transport from Saas-Fee. From challenging high-altitude trails with panoramic views of 4,000-meter peaks to scenic walks through vineyards and along historic irrigation channels, each route offers a unique perspective on the Valais region. Whether you're looking for a demanding mountain pass trek or a leisurely stroll through charming villages, there's something for every hiker.
The hikes are listed in order of travel time from Saas-Fee, making it easy to plan your adventure based on your schedule and energy level. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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The ibex is the emblematic animal of the Alps: a wild goat famous for the magnificent long, curved horns carried by adult males. These superb climbers favour steep, rough terrain at high altitude. Hikers who keep their eyes open and tread carefully have good chances of spotting these animals along the first half of the hike, above the treeline – and even of taking photographs close up. Our hike begins with a ride by gondola from Saas-Fee to Hannig, followed by a steep, zig-zag climb up the slopes of the Mällig. This leads past old avalanche defences, an ancient glacier moraine and across rocky terrain to the mountain’s four mini-peaks. These reveal glorious views of the Saastal valley and the circus of 4,000-metre summits that frame Saas-Fee – including the glaciated Mischabel massif with the Dom (4,545 m), the highest peak located entirely within Switzerland. The trail continues climbing the ridge beyond to reach the highest point of the hike, just above 2,750 m. Here it turns north-east, initially following the high ridge of the Senggflüe before zig-zagging down through boulder-strewn slopes to the treeline and through the upper limits of the Alpine forest. Soon after, the path reaches a junction with the high trail along the western slopes of the Saastal valley from Grächen to Saas-Fee. Here, our route turns right, following the high trail southwards through pine forest. The contrast with the exposed, rocky slopes higher up is dramatic: now the trail leads through shady glades, where the pine-scented air is decorated with filigree threads of bird song. Eventually our path reaches the first chalets of Saas-Fee before leading into the resort’s historical heart. Highlights: Hike of two contrasting halves: stony, panoramic high-altitude terrain, then fragrant pine forest Scenic gondola ride to start of walk, panoramic restaurant Good wildlife-spotting opportunities: ibex and birds of prey higher up, forest life lower down
10.12km
418m
954m
4h 15m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1803m
Maximum elevation: 2756m
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal (13:16) | |
| 502 (8m) | |
| Saas-Fee, Grosses Moos (13:24) |
Discover various cultural and historical buildings up close along this “bisse trail”, such as the new bridge over the Almagellerbach stream, the old "Heuwete" water conduit and the "Moosgufer" waterway. The Sentier du bisse starts at the bottom station of the Saas-Almagell chairlift and leads in a north-easterly direction. For the first third, follow the trail signs to "Zum Berg" through the Spisswald forest to the Almagellerbach, where the bridge is located. From here the path continues below Moosgufer to "Weiler zum Moos", and then over the valley road to Saas-Grund via the "Unter den Bodmen", "Zer Brigge" and "Ze Laubinu" villages. The path ends in the "Gasse" section located near the Place de la Poste in Saas-Grund.
6.2km254m1h 55m
Landscape: Along the water,Along a Suone/Bisse
Difficulty:
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| Saas-Fee, Busterminal (08:35) | |
| 643 (9m) | |
| Saas-Grund, untere Brücke (08:44) |
Above Saas-Balen, the Rittmal bisse winds its way discreetly from the Fellbach to the meadows of Rittmal. From the village, take the path towards Rittmal/Tewaldji until reaching a junction above the Rittmal house. This is where the Rittmal bisse trail, known as the ‘Wasserleitu’, begins. Following the gentle murmur of the water, the trail crosses a sparse forest to the north. A clearing reveals a rocky promontory with a breathtaking view towards the Mittaghorn and Allalin to the south-west. After a few minutes' walk, the meadows and chalets of the Unneri Brend mountain pasture come into view through the trees. Shortly after crossing the Fellbach, the path begins its final ascent. From here, the view opens up to the village of Saas-Balen, nestled in the valley. From Lengflüe, the highest point of the hike, descend via the road and path that pass through Matt and Grundbiele towards Saas-Balen. The hike finishes on a high note with the impressive waterfall at the end.
7.6km483m2h 24mDifficulty: Medium
Landscape: Along the water,Along a Suone/Bisse
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| Saas-Fee, Busterminal (08:50) | |
| 511 (11m) | |
| Saas-Balen, Dorf (09:01) |
This exhilarating hike offers a thrilling combination of breathtaking views, pristine nature and high adventure. Add atmospheric mountain restaurants at the start, middle and finish, and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable day out. The hike starts at Kreuzboden by the gondola station, lake and adventure playground. The first half of the route leads at high level (between 2,400 m and 2,520 m) southwards along the Saastal valley. The views of the glaciated Mischabel massif – which culminates in the Dom (4,545 m), the highest mountain entirely within Switzerland – are bewitching. As the trail rounds the Triftgrätji ridge, hikers enjoy perhaps the finest view of all: up and down the whole valley, to the Mattmark reservoir and beyond. This initial stretch of trail as far as Triftgrätji also forms the first part of the alpine flower trail (from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund), which showcases about 240 species of flower including edelweiss and gentian. Beyond the ridge, the trail continues south before turning east to descend into a side valley, the wild Almagellertal: expect pristine nature and blissful tranquillity. The mountain hotel framed by flower-filled pastures offers an ideal refreshment stop. Our route leads downstream before turning south again for the hike’s grand finale: the Almagell adventure trail. This leads across the steep, rocky slopes of the Almagellerhorn, and features exposed rock passages secured with hand-holds, rails and nets. Hikers need a sure foot and a good head for heights. After two suspension footbridges, 45 m and 60 m long, the trail finishes in grand style with a nearly vertical path down the rock face. Highlights: High-altitude trail with spectacular views of the Saastal valley and its glaciated peaks Alpine flowers, pristine nature Adventure trail with two giddy suspension footbridges
11.07km202m931m3h 15mMaximum elevation: 2523m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1671m
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| Saas-Fee, Busterminal (08:35) | |
| 643 (14m) | |
| Saas-Almagell, Dorfplatz (08:49) |
From Saas-Almagell, the trail leads in the direction of the Mattmark dam before turning left at the Zermeiggern equalisation basin up to the Furggtäli. The ascent initially takes place in serpentines through the larch forest before the lonely Furggtal valley opens up and the trail climbs steadily towards the Antrona Pass. The easy trail becomes increasingly rocky and technical. At the Antrona Pass, you reach the Swiss-Italian border and a spectacular view of Italy opens up. The trail leads exposed around the Jazzihorn, here it gets technical and caution is advised. This is followed by a steep and technical downhill into the Ofental valley and down to the Mattmark reservoir, where a large crowd can be expected for the first time. The trail follows along the turquoise-blue water to the dam wall, where the downhill back to Saas-Almagell begins.
23.65km1463m1463m5h 30mDifficulty: Hard
Minimum elevation: 1672m
Maximum elevation: 3087m
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| Saas-Fee, Busterminal (08:35) | |
| 643 (15m) | |
| Saas-Almagell, Sportplatz (08:50) |
Always up high with no altitude difference to conquer. The stage from Gspon to Saas-Fee involves a scenic hike along mountain slopes above the Saas Valley. You go through forests, across alpine pastures and past old granaries and stables, enjoying a view of the Valais 4,000-metre peaks.
17km900m1000m5h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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A challenging high-altitude trail between Saas-Fee and Grächen, which is very exposed in parts as it runs across the steep faces of the Balfrin group. There are dizzying views down into the Saas Valley, and the Fletschhorn, Lagginhorn and Weissmies panorama is incredible.
20km1250m1450m7h 40mLandscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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This is a demanding stage of the mountain path between Saas-Fee and Grächen, which is very exposed in places. Tricky passages are secured with wire ropes. On the hike you experience spectacular views down into the Saas Valley and enthralling perspectives of the Fletschhorn, Weissmies and Matterhorn.
20km1250m1450m7h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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The Alpine Passes Trail strings together many of the most beautiful passes in the Graubunden and Valais Alps in 43 stages. One highlight follows another from the Greina Plateau to the passes and lake landscape at the foot of the Dents du Midi.
695km47100m49200mLandscape: Over a pass,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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Powerful combination: the Balfrin high-level trail from Sass-Fee to Grächen and the Europaweg trail from Grächen to Zermatt form the «Swiss Tour Monte Rosa». Three-day panoramic hike with stunning views of the icy 4000-m mountains of Saastal and Mattertal.
56km4000m4200mLandscape: Onto a mountain peak,Onto an alp,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Saas-Fee, Busterminal (08:42) | |
| 644 (2m) | |
| Saas-Fee, Parkplatz Nord (08:44) |
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