Mountain bike tours

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Mountain bike tours

Matterhorn Valley Trail Bike Tour (Nr. 20)

Accompanied by changing but still fascinating views along with the wild waters of the Vispa or the snow-capped mountain peaks – this is the new bike trail from Zermatt to Visp. It is suitable for all bike riders who are enthusiastic about nature and really like a somewhat technically difficult but still a bit longer tour.

  • Difficulty

    medium, S2

    Difficulty : medium
    S2 Many obstacles such as roots, stones and larger steps; tight corners. Certain passages may have gradients of up to 70%. Basic technique required, including controlled braking and body displacement to overcome obstacles

  • Length

    38.2 km

  • Duration

    3:30 h

  • Show on map
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The first section is along the recently expanded trail to from Zermatt to Täsch and includes the last view of the Matterhorn. At Täsch, the beautiful Schalisee invites one to rest. The tour continues from Randa to St. Niklaus past the massive scree from the 1991 rockslide, a view of the Bis Glacier and over field tracks. From Kalpetran the cyclist continues along the historic road, past the still visible dry-stone walls, which are listed in Switzerland’s inventory of historic traffic routes (IVS), to Stalden. Afterwards it goes further down to Visp.

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Turn-by-turn directions

Zermatt – Täsch – Randa – Herbriggen - Mattsand – St. Niklaus – Kalpetran –Stalden – Neubrück – Visp train station

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is a constant companion along the route and can be used to shorten the tour at any of the different stations.

The tour can also be done in the opposite direction from Visp to Zermatt which is more demanding in terms of physical condition and somewhat shorter. (Duration: about 4½ hours)

Start: Zermatt (1,620 m) (1605 m)
Destination: Visp (647 m) (650 m)

Author's recommendation

Schalisee is located amidst larch trees and grassy meadows along the flat valley floor at Täsch. With grills including wood and the possibility to swim and picnic, this is an ideal place for a rest before taking on the last section of the route to Zermatt.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1620 m 647 m

  • Ascent

    120 m

  • Descent

    1075 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 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
  • Fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora

Public transport

By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.

Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).

Approach

Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.

Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.

Parking

Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.

Onward travel: see “Getting there”.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Bike in excellent working order
  • Helmet, gloves and (trail) bell
  • Repair kit in case of any defects
  • Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
  • Food and drink

Safety information

  • Always wear gloves and a helmet.
  • Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority.
  • When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability: some routes lead above 3,000 metres.
  • All riding is at one’s own risk.

The riding skills required are moderate over about 90% of the route. It is recommended that less skilled riders consider pushing their bikes along the more difficult sections.

Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk. *The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.