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.
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.
20.0km
1250m
1450m
7h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Select an alternative stop on the map.
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.
17.0km900m1000m5h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Select an alternative stop on the map.
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.
20.0km1250m1450m7h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Select an alternative stop on the map.
The highest connected vineyards in continental Europe lie on a sunny slope high above the river Vispa, culminating at an altitude of 1,150 m. A fascinating theme trail leads from the floor of the Rhône valley through the vineyards and up to the village of Visperterminen. Local winegrowers cultivate a range of grape varieties of which the most prestigious is the golden Heida. This rare member of the Savagnin Blanc family of grapes flourishes on the light soils here, and produces an aromatic straw-yellow wine with notes of nuts, honey and exotic fruits. Our trail begins in Visp, and leads through the twisting alleys of the Old Town before reaching the first of the vineyards, which extend from the banks of the Vispa for 500 vertical metres up the mountainside. The path zig-zags up through the vines before turning south to climb to the village of Visperterminen. The views of the Vispa valley – which leads to the resorts of Zermatt and Saas-Fee – and of the snow-capped peaks in the distance are enchanting. Along the trail, information panels tell a fascinating story. The vineyards here date back to Celtic, pre-Roman times – hence the name «Heida», derived from the word for «pagan». Many kilometres of dry-stone walls, painstakingly built and maintained by hand, support the narrow terraces of the steep vineyards; the rocks store warmth from the sun and radiate it out again through the night, helping the vines flourish at this high altitude. Hundreds of part-time winegrowers working tiny plots handed down over generations cultivate grapes for the main cooperative winery, the St. Jodern Kellerei, open for visits. Restaurants along the route also offer the chance to taste the wines along with local delicacies. Highlights Fascinating theme trail on wine and winemaking through dramatic terraced vineyards Old Town of Visp, charming mountain village of Visperterminen Glorious mountain scenery; tasting opportunities en route
7.91kmFollowing the narrow, deep gorges south of Brig, this trail leads through splendid pine forests and sheltered floodplains. High-level paths cut into the rock snake along the slope high above the Saltinaschlüocht gorge. Later, the trail runs along the banks of the Taferna which winds its way down between huge boulders.
12.0km1600m260m5h 20mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Select an alternative stop on the map.
Constructed in 1915, the Bodmeri-Beitra irrigation channel takes its water from the Riedbach stream at Mutji, at an altitude of 1,680 m, for distribution across the alpine pastures of Visperterminen. Make sure you visit the cabin of the channel’s guardian and also stop to admire the dramatic gangways built along the former irrigation channel, the Niwa. The itinerary follows a loop across the high meadows of Visperterminen, from which you enjoy superb views of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks.
14.9km620m4h 45mTour published by:
Valais/Wallis Promotion
Select an alternative stop on the map.
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (50m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd | |
| (13m) | |
| Visperterminen, Dorfeingang |
Panoramic hike on high-level BLS railway Südrampe (south ramp). Popular classic hike beside the Lötschberg Railway tracks to imposing Bietschtal bridge. Lovely path beside historic water channels (suonen) to hanging bridge; superb views at Brägji and Riedgarten.
12.0km640m260m3h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Select an alternative stop on the map.
Starting in Interlaken, the hike hugs Lake Thun before continuing on via Därligen to the Meielisalp up above Leissigen. Enchanting panoramic views are provided by the suspension bridge over the Spissibach stream. Finally, the route continues past Faulensee via Krattigen. The end point for this stage is Spiez with its vineyards and castle – the latter, towering over the town, serves as its characteristic symbol.
20.0km740m740m5h 50mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
You leave Thun through the park-like shore landscape towards Gwatt. Above Lake Thun, crossing the Kander Gorge, you reach Spiez via meadows and forests. Following the idyllic path to Faulensee, you finally leave the shore here. The destination is the village of Aeschi with a view of the Niesen and the lake.
20.0km680m360m5h 25mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Select an alternative stop on the map.
A chairlift carries you from Visperterminen to the upper station of Giw. Immediately you embark on the steepest climb of the whole hike, up to the Gibidum Pass. It is definitely worth making the short detour via the Gibidumsee lake, which serves as a reservoir and also feeds the Heido, one of the famous “Suonen” or historical irrigation channels of Valais. Once, the Upper and Lower Heido served to carry water to the meadows of Visperterminen, but today only the upper channel remains in operation. Since 1916, a 2.65-kilometre tunnel under the Gibidum has carried water direct from the Nanztal valley to Visperterminen. From the Gibidum Pass, the trail follows the course of the “Suone” into the upper reaches of the wild and pristine Nanztal valley, accessible only on foot. Alternatively, you can take a more direct route to the Bistine Pass by descending to the valley floor near Bististafel and climbing the far side. This is a shorter option but considerably tougher, thanks to the steep descent and ascent, than the gentler route via the upper valley. The Nanztal runs from south to north, and lies between the Vispertal valley and the Simplon Pass. At Obers Fulmoos, you cross the river Gamsa and start climbing the eastern slopes of the Nanztal towards the Bistine Pass. Up here, you can already see the final goal of the hike: the Simplon Pass with its mighty eagle sculpted in stone. The monument was built during the Second World War by the 11th mountain brigade, who guarded the Simplon Pass, as a powerful symbol of vigilance. The hike from the summit of the pass down to Blatte represents a descent of about 500 vertical metres, followed by a short climb up to the Simplon Pass. Highlights: Gibidumsee lake and the historical Heido “Suone” for the irrigation of the meadows and vineyards of Visperterminen. The magnificent natural landscapes of the wild and pristine Nanztal valley.
18.69kmMuch more on ovunta.com/map
742m46m3h 0mTour published by:
Valais/Wallis Promotion
Select an alternative stop on the map.
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (44m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (46m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (10m) | |
| Brig |
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (45m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (8m) | |
| Brig |
| Brig | |
| (12m) | |
| Ausserberg |
Select an alternative stop on the map.
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (45m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (27m) | |
| Spiez |
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (45m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (27m) | |
| Spiez |
762m723m5h 0mTour published by:
Valais/Wallis Promotion
Select an alternative stop on the map.
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (50m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd | |
| (23m) | |
| Visperterminen, Busterminal |
| Visperterminen (Talstation) | |
| (6m) | |
| Giw |
Barrier free: No
Landscape: With panoramic views
Barrier free: No
Barrier free: No
Barrier free: No
Landscape: Over a pass, With panoramic views
Difficulty: Medium
Landscape: Along a Suone/Bisse, Along the water
Barrier free: No
Landscape: With panoramic views
Barrier free: No
Landscape: Onto an alp, Past castles, Along the water, With panoramic views, Over a suspension bridge
Barrier free: No
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
and on
valrando.ch
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
Maximum elevation: 1345m
Minimum elevation: 647m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 2485m
Minimum elevation: 1889m
Difficulty: Medium
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
