8) Europaweg: Europahütte – Randa – Springelboden – Täschalp – Tufternalp – Zermatt

Distance 32.73 km

Duration 13:55 Hours

Difficulty hard

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Information

The famous “King’s Stage” of the Europaweg begins in Grächen and leads to the Europahütte above Randa. This varied high-altitude hike initially winds through idyllic larch and Swiss stone pine forests before becoming more alpine after the “Grosser Grabe.” Some sections are secured with ropes, but the trail remains easy to walk and is well within the capabilities of experienced mountain hikers.

Along the way, impressive panoramic views of the majestic Weisshorn Group—one of the most striking mountain ranges in the Alps—open up time and again. A special highlight awaits you at the Taflüe: From here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Breithorn and the Klein Matterhorn.

Passing through the Galenberg at 2,580 meters above sea level, the route finally leads to the Europahütte—a perfect place to spend the night before continuing on toward Zermatt the next day. Along the way, you’ll cross, among other things, the spectacular suspension bridge over the Grabengufer, which, at 494 meters long, is considered the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.

An unforgettable alpine experience amid tranquil forests, imposing mountain scenery, and panoramic views that will stay with you for a long time to come.

Characteristics

Ascent

2.262 Metres

Technique

Descent

1.604 Metres

Fitness level

Highest point

2.348 Metres

Quality of the experience

Lowest point

1.310 Metres

Scenery

Best season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

POI details

The first stage between Grächen and the Europahütte above Randa is expected to reopen by the end of July 2021. Until then, a detour via Herbriggen is signposted. Please follow the on-site markings.

The original route had to be closed due to an acute risk of rockfalls.

Stages:

Stage 1

Grächen – Herbriggen – Randa – Europahütte (6.5–7.5 hours)

Stage 2

Europahütte – Zermatt (6–7 hours)

Europahütte – Suspension Bridge – Täschalp – Tufteren – Sunnegga

Note: Crossing the bridge takes just under 10 minutes. Please follow the safety instructions.

North-South route from Grächen: You’ll hike toward the Matterhorn, with frequent views of the Matterhorn’s north face and the Hörnligrat.

South-North route from Zermatt: You’ll hike toward the Bernese Alps, with views of the Bietschhorn, among other peaks.

From Visp, take the train to St. Niklaus. There, transfer to the PostBus, which runs every half hour to Grächen. On weekends, a direct bus runs from Visp to Grächen. You can find detailed schedules for trains and PostBuses at sbb.ch.

- Rhône Valley: Via Martigny – Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus

- Lötschberg Car Transport: Via Kandersteg – Goppenstein – Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus (bls.ch/autoverlad)

- Furka Car Transport: Via Andermatt – Realp – Oberwald – Brig – Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus (Furka Car Transport)

- Ticino/Simplon: Via Lugano – Centovalli – Domodossola – Brig – Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus (Simplon Car Transport)

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