Discover a world of alpine wonders with these ten remarkable hikes accessible by public transport from Zermatt. From the iconic Matterhorn views to the record-breaking Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, each trail offers a unique adventure in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek along the Monte Rosa Tour or a family-friendly walk through larch forests, the Zermatt region has something for every hiker.
The hikes are sorted by travel time, making it easy to plan your mountain escape from Zermatt. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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The path begins at the Randa train station, where the "Europabrücke" signs point in the correct direction. Through larchwood forests and past the "Hohtschugga" viewing point, hikers reach the "Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge". At 494 m, it is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps. It takes almost 10 minutes to cross it and in the middle, swaying walkers are at the highest point: 85 m above the Grabengufer. After crossing, the path continues right back to Randa. As an option, one could make a detour to the Europa hut after the bridge. Suitable for the entire family One may not have a fear of heights The crossing of the bridge is free of charge Viewing point from "Hohtschugga" at 1,749 m The Europa hut (built 1998/1999) stands on stilts The Europa hut is on the Europa path, as the name suggests, and thus also on the Monte Rosa tour.
8.62km
988m
988m
4h 0m
Maximum elevation: 2267m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1409m
| Zermatt | |
| (19m) | |
| Randa |
Leg 7 is undoubtedly the most adventurous on the Via Valais. The Turtmann hut is the start of a long ascent to the Schöllijoch, a pass that opens onto the Matter valley (Mattertal). The alpine path leading to the pass is rocky and partially equipped with cables. Follow the Brunegg glacier and below the Barrhorn before reaching the Schöllijoch, which is the most difficult passage of the entire Via Valais in technical terms. Descend with cables and metal steps and head down to the glacier below to join a rocky path. This requires the utmost caution throughout the 2,000 m long descent. Before reaching Randa, the route skirts the hillside and offers a panoramic view of the Matter valley. Finally, below the Weisshorn, the trail ends with a very steep descent to Randa.
19.31km1186m2296m4h 50mMinimum elevation: 1403m
Maximum elevation: 3342m
Difficulty: Hard
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valais.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (19m) | |
| Randa |
For the start of this tour, you have the choice between an approximately one-hour hike from Grächen or a ride in the gondola to the top station on Hannigalp at an altitude of 2,121 m. Here, in addition to the mountain restaurant with its large sun terrace and playgrounds, you also have an impressive view of the Matterhorn. Good physical fitness is required on this varied tour, but your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views. With a bit of luck, you may also catch a glimpse of ibex..
11.84km937m937m2h 50mDifficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1620m
Maximum elevation: 2512m
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valais.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (40m) | |
| St. Niklaus VS |
| St. Niklaus VS, Bahnhof | |
| (20m) | |
| Grächen, Zentrum |
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
7.91km742m46m3h 0m| Zermatt | |
| (1h 10m) | |
| Visp |
The last stage of the Swiss Tour Monte Rosa begins on the second section of the Europaweg trail. The hike runs along challenging paths that are carved into the rock in parts, through tunnels and galleries and over bridges.
20km1000m1650m6h 45m
Landscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
Are you prone to vertigo? Hopefully not. This loop tour takes you through larch forests and leads to an impressive record-breaking structure: the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps. It measures 494 metres, and at the highest point you find yourself 85 metres above the Grabengufer.
7km680m680m3h 10mLandscape: Over a suspension bridge,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (19m) | |
| Randa |
On the second stage of the Swiss Tour Monte Rosa, spectacular views of the highest Swiss peaks await you. Above the Matter Valley, the path traverses Alpmatten and crosses deep gorges to the Europahütte hut, which towers high above Randa.
17km1750m1100m7h 0mLandscape: Onto a mountain peak,Onto an alp,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (40m) | |
| St. Niklaus VS |
| St. Niklaus VS, Bahnhof | |
| (12m) | |
| Niedergrächen |
| Niedergrächen | |
| (7m) | |
| Gasenried, alte Post |
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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schweizmobil.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (40m) | |
| St. Niklaus VS |
| St. Niklaus VS, Bahnhof | |
| (20m) | |
| Grächen, Zentrum |
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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schweizmobil.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (40m) | |
| St. Niklaus VS |
| St. Niklaus VS, Bahnhof | |
| (20m) | |
| Grächen, Zentrum |
Following 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.
12km1600m260m5h 20mLandscape: Over a pass,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Zermatt | |
| (1h 14m) | |
| Brig Bahnhofplatz |
Minimum elevation: 647m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 1345m
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
