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Hikes

Heidnisch Tossu closed

From the top of the Grächen gondola, at Hannigalp, set off for the mountain refuge of Heidnisch Tossu, then descend through the forest along a relatively steep path to the idyllic lake of «Z Seew», above Grächen.

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To reach the start of the route, you have the choice between an uphill walk of about an hour from Grächen to Hannigalp or a ride on the fairy-tale gondola. At the summit, you will find an ultra-modern and family-friendly mountain restaurant with a large sun terrace whose sweeping views take in the iconic Matterhorn. Enjoy refreshments in the sunshine while the children have fun at the indoor «SiSu Wolkenland» play area. The walk begins with a gentle climb to Heidnisch Tossu and its mountain refuge, where you can stop for a meal or snack and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of 14 peaks higher than 4,000 metres. You then follow a relatively demanding rocky trail that descends through the forest to the idyllic lake of «Z Seew», above the village of Grächen. Here, you can dip your feet in the refreshing waters of the Kneipp hydrotherapy pools or relax at the Hotel/Restaurant «Zum See», beside the lake.

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Turn-by-turn directions

From the village square in Grächen, walk in the direction of the gondola base station, and then either ride up in a gondola or follow the signs for the steep path up to Hannigalp. At the summit, take the path towards Heidnisch Tossu/Seetal. When you reach the mountain hut of Heidnisch Tossu, follow the signs for Lowizig/z Seew/Grächen. Down at the lakeshore, follow the lane to the village of Grächen.

Start: Hannigalp (2121 m)
Destination: Grächen (1621 m)

Author's recommendation

Enjoy the magical atmosphere along the «Suonen» (historical irrigation channels) of Chilcheri and Eggeri, where children can embark on a thrilling treasure hunt.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2512 m 1619 m

  • Ascent

    381 m

  • Descent

    884 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 2 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Refreshment stops available

Public transport

Regular train services link the whole of Switzerland to Visp; here, change onto one of the narrow-gauge cog trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. These run every half-hour from Visp to St. Niklaus through Switzerland’s deepest valley. In St. Niklaus, change onto a bus for Grächen. At weekends and on public holidays, a direct bus can take you direct from Visp to Grächen. For the return journey, once again take a PostBus and a train of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn down to Visp.

Approach

Drive to Visp, and then follow the signs for 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. Hoteliers, holiday home providers, taxis and transport companies provide transport services to guests staying in the car-free part of Grächen.

Parking

Parking is available at two car parks: 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

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.

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.

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourist office in Grächen / St. Niklaus will provide information regarding trail running in the region.

Maps

SwissTopoMaps 1:25'000: 1308 St. Niklaus