Hikes

Europa Trail

Europaweg mit der längsten Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Alpen

Grächen

-7/-2°

The Europa Trail between Grächen and Zermatt is considered by many to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps. The views along this mountain panorama including the Matterhorn are famous around the world.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

39.05 km

Duration

13:30 h
Europaweg mit der längsten Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Alpen
Übersicht der aktuellen Umleitung
Unterwegs auf dem Europaweg mit neuer Wegführung
Ausblick oberhalb von Randa
Blick auf den Felssturz Randa und das Klein Matterhorn weiter hinten im Tal.
Die längste Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Alpen, oberhalb Randa, bei Zermatt.
Unterwegs auf dem Europaweg
Situationsplan der Hängebrücke
Das Wegprofil auf einen Blick
Offizieller Trailer - Längste Hängebrücke der Alpen

Description

These breathtakingly stunning views of nature were used as orientation points by those responsible for mapping out the path in the villages of St. Niklaus, Grächen, Randa, Täsch and Zermatt to create the Europaweg in 1997. The first stage from Grächen was redesigned in 2021 and now leads on a varied and spectacular route to the Europa Hut above Randa. From here it goes over the suspension bridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps which traverses the Grabengufer. The bridge is 494 m long and 85 m above the chasm below at its highest point. The path then continues in the direction of Täschalp and finally to Zermatt.

  • Herbriggen: Intermediate stage with hotel accommodation

  • Täschalp: cheese and Ziger soft cheese for sale

  • Current information: Due to falling rocks, a diversion is currently in place at Täschgufer. From Bärgji in Randa, the route leads down into the valley to Täsch and then back up to Täschalp.

Turn-by-turn directions

The stage between Grächen and the Europa Hut above Randa was reopened in July 2021. The original route was closed due to imminent danger of rock falls$

 

Stages:

First Stage:
Grächen - Herbriggen - Europa Hut (6.5 - 7.5h)

 

Second Stage:
Europa Hut - Zermatt (6 -7h)
Europa Hut - Suspension Bridge - Täschalp - Tufteren - Sunnegga

 

Note: The crossing of the suspension bridge takes about 10 minutes. Please heed the safety instructions.
Due to falling rocks, a diversion is currently in place at Täschgufer. From Bärgji in Randa, the route leads down into the valley to Täsch and then back up to Täschalp. Overview of the diversion

 

North-south tour from Grächen: One sets off in the direction of the Matterhorn and sees the north wall of the Matterhorn as well as the Hörnligrat time and again.
South-north tour from Zermatt: One walks in the direction of the Bernese Alps and has the Bietschhorn in plain view, among other peaks.

This hike is marked on the signposts as “Europaweg”.

Start

Grächen (1,620 m) (1619m)

Destination

Sunnegga (2,288 m) (2288m)

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Author's recommendation

The pedestrian suspension bridge (Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge) opened in the summer of 2017. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.

  • Since there is a grated walkway underfoot along the half-kilometre suspension bridge, it is best if one is not afraid of heights (also applies to children and dogs).
  • Possible trial tour to test for a fear of heights: at Furi above Zermatt. This suspension footbridge is 100 m long and 90 m above the Gorner Gorge.

Technical information

Altitude

2347m

1310m

Ascent

+2550m

Descent

-1882m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.

 

Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).

Approach

Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.

 

Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.

Parking

Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.

 

Onward travel: see “Getting there”.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good, sturdy footwear
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
  • Food and water

Safety information

  • Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
  • Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
  • Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
  • Avoid the bridge during storms (thunder and lightning)
  • Not having a fear of heights is an advantage. Find out whether children and or dogs would cross the bridge (grated walkway); see the “Tip from the author” section.

Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.

Additional information

www.europaweg.ch

Source

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

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