Magic waters experience Grächen

Distance 14.97 km

Duration 4:35 Hours

Difficulty easy

Information

Water flows from the Riedgletscher glacier through the water channels into the meadows in Valais. Enjoy hiking here from May to October, whether you’re a lovebird, an outdoor enthusiast or a family. Signposts and stelae with magic symbols offer a reminder that water rights were once established and controlled on notched wooden markers called tessels. This invigorating hike along the Grächen Bisses combines fun and games with water. As you stroll along relatively flat paths through shady larch forests, you'll be constantly surprised by the many highlights, as well as the number of rest areas and play areas inviting you to relax and discover more.

Characteristics

Descent

325 Metres

Fitness level

Highest point

1.825 Metres

Quality of the experience

Lowest point

1.565 Metres

Scenery

Best season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

POI details

The walk begins at the village square in Grächen. There are two ways to get to the entrance portal. Trail 1 leads to the sports centre and then up a steep path to Robi's Waldspielpark (recreational area). From here, follow the water until you reach the entrance gate to the Chilcheri water channel. Trail 2 also leads to the sports centre, then follows a rough track. After a left-hand bend, the entrance portal is located around 200 metres away on the right-hand side. The trail continues alongside the bisse until you reach the Riedbach stream. After a short climb, you’ll get to the Bisse d’Eggeri. Follow this waterway to head back to the start via the Äpnet alpine pasture and Grächner Lake, before descending back to Grächen itself. The entire trail is signposted.

Regular train services link the whole of Switzerland to Visp train station. Here, change onto one of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn rack railway trains which run every half-hour from Visp to St. Niklaus through Switzerland’s innermost valley. In St. Niklaus, change onto a bus for Grächen. At weekends and on public holidays, a direct bus runs direct from Visp to Grächen. Take a Post Bus and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for the return journey.

From Visp, follow the signs to Zermatt as far as St. Niklaus. Here, after the first roundabout, turn left towards Grächen. The resort of Grächen is partially car-free; access for private cars is permitted only as far as the village centre. Hotels, holiday home providers, taxi and transport companies all offer transport services.

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