Trail running

Circular route Zermatt Höhbalmen

Blick auf das ikonische Matterhorn

Zermatt

Closed

Enjoy an ideal view of the Matterhorn by running this circular route, which combines a particularly steep start with a long singletrail above the Matter Valley.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

20.11 km

Duration

4:49 h

Description

From Zermatt, follow one of the marked paths Edelweissweg or Höhbalmen. The route begins with a very demanding ascent through the gorge to Trift. After this point, you continue along a slope that gradually eases as you approach Höhbalmen and can admire the Matterhorn on the other side of the valley. The path continues on a fairly flowing singletrail along the slope, then down along the Arbenbach waterfalls before turning towards Zmutt. When you pass through this small village, choose the path that overlooks the valley to return to Zermatt. Cross green meadows and wind your way through larch forests before reaching the village of Zermatt.

Turn-by-turn directions

A steep path leads from Zermatt to the Edelweiss restaurant and further on to Trift. The path to Höhbalmen runs along the hillside, overlooking the entire length of the valley and offering an incredible view of the Matterhorn. Then you descend towards Zmutt and continue your way back to your starting point in Zermatt. 

Zermatt - Edelweiss Restaurant - Trift - Höhbalmen - Zmutt - Zermatt

Start

Zermatt (1605m)

Destination

Zermatt (1605m)

Author's recommendation

Sit for a moment on the bench at Höhbalmen and enjoy the view.

Technical information

Altitude

2746m

1605m

Ascent

+1190m

Descent

-1190m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the train to Visp station, where you change to the Glacier Express to Zermatt.

Approach

From Visp, follow the valley road to Täsch, where a shuttle train takes you to Zermatt, as the village is closed to traffic.

Parking

A large parking lot is available at Täsch station.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good running shoes
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Trail poles

Safety information

Use of the trail paths and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. 

For all trails:

  • Use only marked trail paths and follow all signposts and instructions - for your own safety, the protection of grazing animals, and respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other path users, plants, and animals.   

For mountain trails: 

  • Carry additional sunscreen. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal conditions.
  • Weather conditions can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. Appropriate clothing and provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early. 
  • Inform your family about your trail route. Avoid being alone if possible.
  • Observe warning signals indicating dangers on riverbanks, along waterways below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Zermatt provides you with information about trail running in the destination

Maps

SwissTopo maps: 1:50,000: 284T Mischabel / 5028T Monte Rosa - Matterhorn

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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