High trail Almagelleralp
Saas-Grund
-4/3°
Panoramic hike along the slopes of the Saastal over the dramatic high trail with two suspension bridges up to 60 meters long.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
11.07 kmDuration
3:15 h
Description
This uplifting hike combines breathtaking views and pristine nature with a great adventure. At the beginning, along the way, and at the end of the hike, mountain restaurants invite you to take a short break.
The hike starts at the gondola station Kreuzboden, where there is a mountain lake and an adventure playground. The first half of the route leads south along the Saastal at about 2400 to 2550 m above sea level. The views of the glaciated Mischabel massif with the Dom (4545 m above sea level), the highest peak entirely on Swiss soil, are enchanting. At the point where the trail crosses the "Triftgrätji" ridge, the probably most beautiful view of the hike awaits: the whole valley from the Mattmark reservoir down to Stalden is in sight.
The first section of the hike up to the "Triftgrätji" follows the alpine flower promenade (from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund), which presents around 240 different flower species including edelweiss and gentian.
Below the ridge, the trail first continues south before turning right into the wild Almagell valley. Here you can expect untouched nature and incredible tranquility. The mountain hotel surrounded by flower-covered meadows is ideal for a short break.
Our route then leads downstream before the great highlight of the hike awaits southwards: the Almageller adventure trail. The trail runs along the steep and rocky slopes of the Almagellerhorn. Exposed rock passages secured with handholds, railings, and nets await here. Surefootedness and freedom from fear of heights are required. After two suspension bridges of 45m and 60m length, the route ends with an almost vertical descent over the rock wall.
Highlights of the hike:
- High trail with spectacular views of the Saastal and the glaciated peaks
- Numerous alpine flowers and pristine nature along the hike
- Adventure trail with two dizzying suspension bridges
Turn-by-turn directions
The route starts at Kreuzboden and takes hikers at 2500 meters elevation with a view of the Mischabel range through the Saastal. While the path circles the ridge of Triftgrätji, you can enjoy the panorama over the valley up to the Mattmark dam and discover the variety of alpine flowers. The trail continues south before descending into the Almagell valley – a true jewel with its untouched nature. Afterwards, it follows the river and reaches the highlight: the Saas-Almagell adventure trail. This crosses the steep slopes of the Almagellerhorn and features some exposed sections secured with grips, railings, and nets. This part is for hikers without fear of heights. After crossing the two suspension bridges of 45 and 60 meters in length, the trail ends with an almost vertical path along the rock face. If you prefer a less exposed route, you can turn right at the adventure trail junction towards Saas-Almagell.
Start
Kreuzboden, gondola mountain station (2399m)
Destination
Furggstalden, chairlift mountain station (1670m)
Author's recommendation
Technical information
Altitude
2523m
1671m
Ascent
+202m
Descent
-931m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion