High trail from Grächen to Saas-Fee

Distance 16.61 km

Duration 6:30 Hours

Difficulty hard

Information

Take the unique Fairytale Cable Car up to Hannigalp, which is where the hike begins. Here you can enjoy the amazing views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.

After about 45 minutes’ walking time, you arrive at the Furggen view point. It’s a place where chamois and ibex can often be spotted. On reaching the top, take in the jaw-dropping mountain scenery with views of Weissmies, Lagginhorn, Fletschhorn, Balfrinhorn, Bietschhorn and the valleys below.

This is followed by the rockiest section of the hike, traversing several steep, narrow trenches. The path then passes above the forest line and Eisten village to the Stock, a promontory below the Distelhorn. From there it goes gently downhill towards Balfrinalp. After crossing the Schweibbach stream over a wooden footbridge, it climbs again through the fragrant larch forests of the Saas Valley, where the remaining altitude metres of the tour are conquered. There now follows the final descent through the beautiful larch forest to Saas-Fee.

Characteristics

Descent

1.379 Metres

Fitness level

Highest point

2.417 Metres

Quality of the experience

Lowest point

1.802 Metres

Scenery

Best season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

POI details

Starting at the Hannigalp mountain station, the route first takes you up to the chapel. For roughly one-and-a-half hours, the path then follows the ridge of the mountain range, before beginning the descent into Balfrintal. From Balfrinalp, the trail climbs slightly to Bockwang before continuing on the level to Stafelalpji above Saas-Balen. The final section of the route follows the rock face down to Saas-Fee. This trail is considered the most beautiful and striking high-altitude trail in the Alps with views of the Bernese, Valais and Italian Alps.

From Visp take the train to St. Niklaus. There you change to the Post Bus which takes you to Grächen every half hour. On weekends, there is a direct bus service from Visp to Grächen. Find full timetable information at www.cff.ch

Rhone valley: Via Martigny - Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus

Lötschberg car transport: Via Kandersteg - Goppenstein - Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus (bls.ch/car transport)

Furka car transport: Via Andermatt - Realp - Oberwald - Brig - Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus (car transport Furka)

Ticino/Simplon: Via Lugano - Centovalli - Domodossola - Brig - Visp to Grächen / St. Niklaus (Simplon car transport)

Rugged footwear, sunscreen, rain protection, food and water is recommended.