Hikes

Circular path suspension bridge Randa (No. 69)

Die längste Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Welt oberhalb Randa

Randa

1/8°

The circular hike to the Randa suspension bridge leads through larch forests and to an impressive record structure: the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

8.62 km

Duration

4:00 h
Die längste Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Welt oberhalb Randa
Zu jeder Tageszeit ein Erlebnis
Überquerung der Brücke - Schwindelfreiheit von Vorteil
Aus der Vogelperspektive - weiter unten liegt das Dorf Randa
Europahütte
Situationsplan der Hängebrücke
Offizieller Trailer - Längste Hängebrücke der Welt

Description

The path begins at Randa station, from where the signposts "Europabrücke" show the direction. Through larch forests and past the viewpoint on "Hohtschugga", hikers reach the "Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge". At 494 m, it is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps. Crossing takes just under 10 minutes and at the highest point, pedestrians hover 85 m above the ravine. After crossing, turn right along the Domhüttenweg back to Randa. Optionally, a detour to the Europahütte can be made after the bridge.

  • Suitable for the whole family
  • Being surefooted is a prerequisite
  • Crossing the suspension bridge is free of charge
  • Viewpoint on "Hohtschugga" at 1,749 m
  • The Europahütte (built 1998/1999) stands on stilts
  • The Europahütte is located, as the name suggests, on the Europaweg and thus also on the Monte Rosa route.

Turn-by-turn directions

Randa (train station) – Hauspil – suspension bridge – Europahütte – descent via Gere – Randa (train station)

(Approximate hiking time for the opposite direction 4 h 30)

Start

Randa (1,439 m) (1409m)

Destination

Randa (1,439 m) (1409m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

For a trial hike, the shorter suspension bridge at Furi above Zermatt is suitable. With a length of 100 m, it crosses the Gorner Gorge and at the highest point is 90 m above the ground.

Technical information

Altitude

2267m

1409m

Ascent

+988m

Descent

-988m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

By train to Randa: In less than 3½ hours from Zurich Airport or 4 hours from Geneva Airport. Visp is the transfer point to the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. From Visp, the railway line runs through the Nikolai Valley, past small, idyllic villages to Randa.

Approach

From Visp, Randa is reachable by car in around 30–40 minutes. The route passes through the wild romantic Nikolai Valley.

Parking

There is a public parking garage near the train station in Randa. Follow the signs for it.

Other parking options: www.europaweg.ch/parken-in-randa/

Equipment

Our recommendation:

  • Good footwear
  • Water and provisions
  • Possibly hiking poles
  • Appropriate clothing depending on the weather (always with you: rain protection)

Safety information

  • Avoid the bridge during thunderstorms (risk of lightning strike)
  • Being surefooted is an advantage. Clarify whether children and dogs would cross the bridge (grated floor), see the "Author's tip" section
  • Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt it to your own conditions as well as to the weather and time of year.
  • The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Therefore, take suitable clothing and enough provisions and water. Turn back early if the weather is uncertain.
  • Inform others about the tour and, if possible, never go alone.
  • Do not leave marked paths and never go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Be considerate of other hikers as well as plants and animals.
  • Pay attention to warning signs that point out the constant danger in the riverbed and on the banks of waterways below reservoirs and water intakes.

Whether the bridge is open or closed is visible online: www.europaweg.ch

Additional information

www.europaweg.ch

Parking options

Source

This activity is brought to you by Zermatt - Matterhorn. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais

Search