Hikes

Magic water experience Grächen

Grächen

-5/3°

Closed

This circular route along the region's bisses offers many surprises – it is the ideal route to entertain both young and old.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

14.97 km

Duration

4:35 h

Description

Thanks to the bisses, the water from the Ried glacier flows through the meadows of Valais. Solo, in pairs, for outdoor enthusiasts or families, hike from May to October following the signposts and steles with magical symbols, which recall that water rights were once fixed and controlled by carved wooden marks, the "tesselles". Along the bisses of Grächen, this invigorating hike combines fun and water games. Walking on relatively flat paths through shaded larch forests, you will constantly be surprised by many highlights, as well as by several rest areas and play islands inviting relaxation and discovery.

Turn-by-turn directions

The route starts from the village square of Grächen. To reach the gateway marking the beginning of the route, you have two options. Route no. 1 goes through the sports center, then climbs towards the forest playground area "Robis Waldspielpark". From there, follow the water to the gateway of the Chilcheri bisse. Route no. 2 also passes through the sports center, then runs along the farm road. After a left turn, you will find the entrance gateway about 200 meters on your right. The route then follows the bisse to the Riedbach. After a short ascent, you reach the Eggeri bisse and follow the water flow to the return path, which descends back to Grächen via the Äpnet alp and the lake of Grächen. The trail is fully marked.

Start

Village square, Grächen (1621m)

Destination

Village square, Grächen (1621m)

Download GPX

Download KML

Author's recommendation

To conclude the route, take a detour through the Kneipp facilities at the lake of Grächen.

Technical information

Altitude

1825m

1565m

Ascent

+330m

Descent

-325m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Regular train connections from all over Switzerland allow you to reach Visp (Viège) station. Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, a cogwheel train that connects Visp (Viège) to St. Niklaus, which takes you every half hour into Switzerland's deepest valley. Once at St. Niklaus, take the bus towards Grächen. On weekends and public holidays, a direct bus from Visp (Viège) takes you to Grächen. The return trip is also done by taking the postal bus and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.

Approach

From Visp (Viège), follow signs for Zermatt to St. Niklaus, then turn left towards Grächen after the first roundabout. The holiday village of Grächen is partly car-free. Private traffic access is only allowed up to the center of the village. Hoteliers and holiday apartment rentals as well as taxi or transport companies offer their services.

Parking

Two parking lots are available in Grächen: Millegga and Autosilo.

Equipment

We recommend:

Good shoes
Clothes suitable for the weather: always have a waterproof jacket
Hat or cap
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Picnic
Camera
Walking sticks (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Printed version of the route (click on "print" to download)

For some walks:

Swimsuit

Prepare your hike

Safety information

The mountain is a space of pleasure to be shared and respected. The mountain offers a space to meet and share unforgettable moments, by bike or on foot. For all lovers of the outdoors to enjoy it, it is essential to share this space in respect of nature and agriculture. A respectful behavior allows everyone to practice their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about the recommendations and rules in place. Evaluate your physical condition and your abilities carefully. The use of the different routes is always at your own risk.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download the complete route description with a large-scale map by clicking the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
Use only marked paths and observe all signs – for your safety, for the protection of livestock, and to avoid disturbing wild animals.
Close gates after passing through.
Be respectful of other users, as well as plants and animals.

For mountain hikes:

Pay particular attention to protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV rays can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
Plan your hike carefully: take into account the physical level of each participant, the weather forecast, and the season.
Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in the mountains. It is essential to have suitable clothing and sufficient food and water supplies. In case of uncertain weather, turn back in time.

For high mountain hikes:

Inform others about your route. If possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Pay attention to warning signs about constant danger in riverbeds and along waterways below dams or reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and unexpectedly.

The rules of good conduct

Prepare your hike