Hikes

Längfluh / Saas-Fee

Saas-Fee

-1/7°

An Alpine panorama, crystal clear water and cool larch forests characterise this hike, the motto of which is "From the glacier to the village".

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

6.45 km

Duration

2:15 h

Blick von der Gletscheralpe auf Saas-Fee

Description

Be prepared for breathtaking views on this hike from the foot of the ice that never melts. You’ll be traversing the impressive glaciers of the Saas and the Mischabel ranges, along with the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps located solely on Swiss soil - the Dom – seemingly within touching distance. With a bit of luck, you may run into a couple of cheeky marmots on the path. Captivated by this impressive panorama, you’ll undoubtedly want to stay for a while to have a chance to admire it, such as at the Längfluh Hut, where you can enjoy a meal or relax on the deckchairs in the sun.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the top station of the Längfluh cable car, follow the path across a ski slope and beneath the impressive summit of the Dom, crossing the foot of the glacier up to the Skibrücke. The path, which gives you a breathtaking view of the village of Saas-Fee, zigzags down to Spielboden, followed by a relatively steep and equally winding path towards Saas-Fee. After the Gletscheralp, continue through a young larch forest to the Glacier Grotto Restaurant. From here, you will cross another larch forest followed by a glacial lake and a former mill wheel. After descending over the glacier moraine, follow the tarred road to Saas-Fee.

Start

Längfluh (2868m)

Destination

Saas-Fee (1804m)

Download GPX

Download KML

Author's recommendation

Stop off in the Spielboden region and see how the tame marmots eat out of your hand.

Technical information

Altitude

2869m

1783m

Ascent

+23m

Descent

-1120m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

From Geneva or Brig, take the train to Visp and when you arrive, head to the bus station next door and take Post Bus number 511 to Saas-Fee.

Approach

From Visp, take the road heading uphill towards Zermatt/Saas Fee. At the roundabout after Stalden, follow the signs to Saas Fee until you reach the car park at the entrance to car-free Saas-Fee resort.

Parking

A large paid car park as well as numerous parking spaces are located at the entrance to the car-free resort.

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Best practice guidelines

Preparing your hike