Hikes

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Hikes

Höhenweg Allmagelleralp

Panoramic hike high on the flanks of the Saastal valley culminating in a dramatic adventure trail with two suspension footbridges up to 60 m long.

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This exhilarating hike offers a thrilling combination of breathtaking views, pristine nature and high adventure. Add atmospheric mountain restaurants at the start, middle and finish, and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable day out. The hike starts at Kreuzboden by the gondola station, lake and adventure playground. The first half of the route leads at high level (between 2,400 m and 2,520 m) southwards along the Saastal valley. The views of the glaciated Mischabel massif – which culminates in the Dom (4,545 m), the highest mountain entirely within Switzerland – are bewitching. As the trail rounds the Triftgrätji ridge, hikers enjoy perhaps the finest view of all: up and down the whole valley, to the Mattmark reservoir and beyond. This initial stretch of trail as far as Triftgrätji also forms the first part of the alpine flower trail (from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund), which showcases about 240 species of flower including edelweiss and gentian. Beyond the ridge, the trail continues south before turning east to descend into a side valley, the wild Almagellertal: expect pristine nature and blissful tranquillity. The mountain hotel framed by flower-filled pastures offers an ideal refreshment stop. Our route leads downstream before turning south again for the hike’s grand finale: the Almagell adventure trail. This leads across the steep, rocky slopes of the Almagellerhorn, and features exposed rock passages secured with hand-holds, rails and nets. Hikers need a sure foot and a good head for heights. After two suspension footbridges, 45 m and 60 m long, the trail finishes in grand style with a nearly vertical path down the rock face.   Highlights: High-altitude trail with spectacular views of the Saastal valley and its glaciated peaks Alpine flowers, pristine nature Adventure trail with two giddy suspension footbridges

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Turn-by-turn directions

The route is clearly marked and easy to follow throughout. The first section is also marked as the Alpenblumenpromenade. This “alpine flower walk” breaks away from our route just after the Triftgrätji ridge to drop to Triftalp and then Saas-Grund. Our itinerary, however, continues roughly level until it reaches the Almagellertal side valley; here it descends steadily to reach the Berghotel Almagelleralp.

From here, the route initially leads down the river to cross to the left bank at Chüelbrunnji. After a few minutes’ walk, hikers reach a junction and take the left turn for the adventure trail; the starting point is marked with a large panel. The trail is clearly marked throughout.

After the final flight of steps, the path continues through the forest to reach a small alpine road, which leads to the historical hamlet of Furggstalden and its traditional mountain hotel. A downhill path finally leads to the village of Saas-Almagell.

Start: Kreuzboden, gondola summit station (2399 m)
Destination: Saas-Almagell (1670 m)

Author's recommendation

Holders of the “Citizen’s Pass” enjoy free travel on all summer lifts (excluding Metro Alpin) and postal buses in the Saastal valley, along with many discounts on activities.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2523 m 1671 m

  • Ascent

    202 m

  • Descent

    931 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 2.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 2.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 6 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6.0 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
  • Flora and fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Botanical highlights
  • Cableway ascent/descent

Public transport

Train to Visp; change on to postal bus for Saas-Fee, alight at Saas-Grund for gondola up to Kreuzboden. At end of walk, take bus from Saas-Almagell back to Saas-Grund. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Approach

A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley to Visp. Turn south up the Vispertal valley, and at Stalden turn left up the Saastal valley. Continue as far as Saas-Grund.

Parking

Car park at bottom station of Kreuzboden gondola.

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.

Literature

The tourist office in Saas-Almagell has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 2526 Saas-Fee