Winter hikes

Bärgji Weg

Verschneiter Wald in Grächen.

Grächen

6/12°

The Bärgji Trail is a sunny, relaxed hike on the bright terrace of Grächen that’s suitable for all ages – which is why this easy winter trail is particularly popular with older people and families taking their children sledging.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

2.71 km

Duration

42 m
Verschneiter Wald in Grächen.
Die Kapelle von Grächen mit den verschneiten Bergen im Hintergrund.
Blick auf das idyllische Grächen

Description

Situated at 1,619m in altitude, Grächen is well known as a sunny terrace. In fact, the family destination is located in the region with the lowest rainfall rate in Switzerland. Discovering its winter hiking trails is a delight for body and soul, and the six-kilometre Bärgji Trail is no exception. It’s easy, relaxed and still offers plenty of variety. In the village you’ll pass the valley station of the Hannigalp Cable Car and hike up to Egga chapel.  With its baroque altar from 1740 and two 18th century paintings of the Last Judgement, it reflects both history and tradition. It’s also worth noting that the cross on its little tower was removed in 1983 during renovation and later installed on the Wannihorn as a mountain cross. The trail continues from the chapel through the wintry forest to Bärgji-Alp, where you can admire the magnificent mountain landscape on the sun terrace of Restaurant Bärgji.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Grächen village centre, the Bärgji Trail leads via a tarmac road to Hannigalp valley station and up to the hamlet of Egga. Shortly afterwards you enter the forest, passing picturesque little holiday homes along the way, then follow the signpost for Bärgji. The journey back follows the same route.

Start

Grächen (1614m)

Destination

Bärgji (1643m)

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Author's recommendation

This easy hike features an exceptional panorama of the Mattertal Valley and the surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks. The picturesque Restaurant Bärgji offers culinary treats in cosy surroundings. After replenishing your energy levels, it’s worth taking a detour to the vantage point in Hohtschuggen, which offers unique views of the Vispertal Valley all the way down to Visp.

Technical information

Altitude

1666m

1614m

Ascent

+52m

Descent

-22m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Way cleared
  • Groomed snow
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Accessible by train and bus. From Visp or St. Niklaus train station, take the bus to Grächen.

Approach

Motorway A9 direction Visp. Main road direction Saas-Fee / Zermatt junction Grächen.

Parking

Grächen is partially car-free. Two parking garages are available at the entrance of the village.

Equipment

We recommend: 

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

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

  • 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.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • 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.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.

  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Grächen

Literature

The tourist office in Grächen has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:50’000: 274S Visp

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion