Höhenweg Allmagelleralp
Saas-Grund
11/15°
Panoramic hike high on the flanks of the Saastal valley culminating in a dramatic adventure trail with two suspension footbridges up to 60 m long.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
11.07 kmDuration
3:15 h
Description
This exhilarating hike offers a thrilling combination of breathtaking views, pristine nature and high adventure. Add atmospheric mountain restaurants at the start, middle and finish, and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable day out.
The hike starts at Kreuzboden by the gondola station, lake and adventure playground. The first half of the route leads at high level (between 2,400 m and 2,520 m) southwards along the Saastal valley. The views of the glaciated Mischabel massif – which culminates in the Dom (4,545 m), the highest mountain entirely within Switzerland – are bewitching. As the trail rounds the Triftgrätji ridge, hikers enjoy perhaps the finest view of all: up and down the whole valley, to the Mattmark reservoir and beyond.
This initial stretch of trail as far as Triftgrätji also forms the first part of the alpine flower trail (from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund), which showcases about 240 species of flower including edelweiss and gentian.
Beyond the ridge, the trail continues south before turning east to descend into a side valley, the wild Almagellertal: expect pristine nature and blissful tranquillity. The mountain hotel framed by flower-filled pastures offers an ideal refreshment stop.
Our route leads downstream before turning south again for the hike’s grand finale: the Almagell adventure trail. This leads across the steep, rocky slopes of the Almagellerhorn, and features exposed rock passages secured with hand-holds, rails and nets. Hikers need a sure foot and a good head for heights. After two suspension footbridges, 45 m and 60 m long, the trail finishes in grand style with a nearly vertical path down the rock face.
Highlights:
- High-altitude trail with spectacular views of the Saastal valley and its glaciated peaks
- Alpine flowers, pristine nature
- Adventure trail with two giddy suspension footbridges
Turn-by-turn directions
The expedition starts in Kreuzboden and takes hikers up to 2,500 metres along the Saastal, with views of the Mischabels massif. As the trail skirts around the ridge of the Triftgrätji, you can admire the panorama over the valley as far as the Mattmark dam and discover many species of mountain flowers. The trail continues southwards, before descending into the Almagellertal, a veritable jewel of unspoilt nature. It then continues along the river to reach its highest point: the Almagell discovery trail, which crosses the steep slopes of the Almagellerhorn and includes exposed passages secured by handholds, rails and nets. This section is designed for walkers who are not prone to vertigo. After crossing two suspension bridges, 45 and 60 metres long, the trail ends on an almost vertical path along the rock face. If you prefer a less exposed route, turn right at the junction with the discovery trail, heading for Saas-Almagell.
Start
Kreuzboden, gondola summit station (2399m)
Destination
Saas-Almagell (1670m)
Author's recommendation
Holders of the “Citizen’s Pass” enjoy free travel on all summer lifts (excluding Metro Alpin) and postal buses in the Saastal valley, along with many discounts on activities.
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