Hikes

Europaweg

Europaweg mit der längsten Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Alpen

Grächen

13/21°

The Europaweg between Grächen and Zermatt is considered by some to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps. The view of the mountain panorama including the Matterhorn has made it famous worldwide. 

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

39.05 km

Duration

13:30 h
Europaweg mit der längsten Fussgänger-Hängebrücke der Alpen
Weg von Täschalp nach Zermatt
Blick auf den Felssturz Randa und das Klein Matterhorn weiter hinten im Tal.
Charles Kuonen Hängebrücke
Offizieller Trailer - Längste Hängebrücke der Alpen

Description

The breathtaking nature was used by the authorities of the municipalities of St. Niklaus, Grächen, Randa, Täsch and Zermatt in 1997 to create the Europaweg. In 2021, the first stage from Grächen was redesigned and now leads variably and spectacularly to the Europahütte above Randa. From there, it goes over the suspension bridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps, which spans the Grabengufer. It is 494 m long and at the highest point you float 85 m above the abyss. Then it continues towards Täschalp and finally to Zermatt.
  • Herbriggen: Intermediate stage location with hotel accommodation

The Europaweg between Grächen and Zermatt is partly passable. Due to closures in certain sections, we ask all hikers to observe the following information:

  • Randa–Täsch: Springelboden–Eggenstadel

  • From Springelboden, follow the marked hiking trail via Attermenzen to Täsch. In Täsch, continue towards Täschalp. The regular route resumes there.

  • The longer detour does not have to be completed entirely on foot. From Attermenzen, a taxi can be booked to Täschalp. > Further information about the detour and taxi booking 

Turn-by-turn directions

Due to rockfall, there is currently a diversion at the Täsch ravine. From Bärgji in Randa, you go down into the valley to Täsch and then back up to Täschalp.

The stage between Grächen and the Europahütte above Randa was reopened in July 2021. The original route had to be closed due to acute rockfall hazard.

Grächen - Herbriggen - Europahütte (6.5 - 7.5 h)

Europahütte - Zermatt (6 - 7 h)

Europahütte - suspension bridge - Täschalp - Tufteren - Sunnegga

Crossing the bridge takes just under 10 minutes. Please observe safety instructions.

North-South route from Grächen: You walk towards the Matterhorn and repeatedly see the Matterhorn north face and the Hörnli ridge.

South-North route from Zermatt: You walk towards the Bernese Alps and have, among others, the Bietschhorn in view.

A taxi can be taken from Täschalp to Randa or Randa Attermenzen here.

A taxi can be taken from Randa to Täschalp here.

+41 27 966 81 10

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) was opened in summer 2017. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.
  • Since the suspension bridge goes over grating for half a kilometer, it is advantageous to be free from vertigo (also for children and dogs).
  • Possible test tour in case of possible fear of heights: at Furi above Zermatt. This suspension bridge 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

  • Linear route
  • 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 Zurich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Visp is in each case the transfer point to the Matterhorn Gotthard railway. From Visp, the railway line leads through the Nikolai valley, past small idyllic villages to Zermatt.

 

Zermatt is also the start or end point of the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (St. Moritz / Davos – Zermatt).

Approach

Zermatt is car-free. Access for private traffic is only permitted up to Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch - Zermatt road is closed to public traffic.

 

Further travel to Zermatt is either with a private taxi provider or with the shuttle trains. The trains run every 20 minutes. After about 12 minutes, the journey ends at the train station square in Zermatt.

Parking

In Täsch, there are parking garages with covered and uncovered spaces. For example, at the Matterhorn Terminal or from private providers.

 

Further travel: see arrival.

Equipment

Our recommendation:
  • Good footwear
  • Possibly hiking poles
  • Weather-appropriate clothing depending on conditions (always carry rain protection)

Safety information

  • Carefully plan every mountain tour and adapt to your own conditions as well as weather and season.
  • The weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Therefore, bring appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions and water. Turn back in time if the weather is uncertain.
  • Inform others about the tour and if possible, never go alone.
  • Do not leave marked paths and do not go on glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Be considerate of other hikers as well as plants and animals.
  • Observe the warning signs that point to the constant danger in the riverbed and on the banks of watercourses below dams and water reservoirs.
  • Avoid the bridge during thunderstorms (risk of lightning strike)
  • Being free of vertigo is an advantage. Clarify whether children and dogs would cross the bridge (grating), see the section "Author's tip"

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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