Hikes

Magic waters experience Grächen

Grächen

10/15°

Closed

The varied circular hike along the Suonen has many surprises in store for you - the perfect excursion with a great entertainment factor for young and old.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

14.97 km

Duration

4:35 h

Description

Water flows from the Riedgletscher glacier through the water channels into the meadows in Valais. Enjoy hiking here from May to October, whether you’re a lovebird, an outdoor enthusiast or a family. Signposts and stelae with magic symbols offer a reminder that water rights were once established and controlled on notched wooden markers called tessels. This invigorating hike along the Grächen Bisses combines fun and games with water. As you stroll along relatively flat paths through shady larch forests, you'll be constantly surprised by the many highlights, as well as the number of rest areas and play areas inviting you to relax and discover more.

Turn-by-turn directions

The walk begins at the village square in Grächen. There are two ways to get to the entrance portal. Trail 1 leads to the sports centre and then up a steep path to Robi's Waldspielpark (recreational area). From here, follow the water until you reach the entrance gate to the Chilcheri water channel. Trail 2 also leads to the sports centre, then follows a rough track. After a left-hand bend, the entrance portal is located around 200 metres away on the right-hand side. The trail continues alongside the bisse until you reach the Riedbach stream. After a short climb, you’ll get to the Bisse d’Eggeri. Follow this waterway to head back to the start via the Äpnet alpine pasture and Grächner Lake, before descending back to Grächen itself. The entire trail is signposted.

Start

Village Square, Grächen (1621m)

Destination

Village Square, Grächen (1621m)

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Author's recommendation

After the walk, pay a visit to the Kneipp facilities at Grächner Lake.

Technical information

Altitude

1825m

1565m

Ascent

+330m

Descent

-325m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Regular train services link the whole of Switzerland to Visp train station. Here, change onto one of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn rack railway trains which run every half-hour from Visp to St. Niklaus through Switzerland’s innermost valley. In St. Niklaus, change onto a bus for Grächen. At weekends and on public holidays, a direct bus runs direct from Visp to Grächen. Take a Post Bus and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for the return journey.

Approach

From Visp, follow the signs to Zermatt as far as St. Niklaus. Here, after the first roundabout, turn left towards Grächen. The resort of Grächen is partially car-free; access for private cars is permitted only as far as the village centre. Hotels, holiday home providers, taxi and transport companies all offer transport services.

Parking

Parking is available at two car parks in Grächen: Millegga and Autosilo.

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

Preparing your hike

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

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