Exploring the area

Discover the valleys

The Mattertal and Saas valleys stretch far beyond Zermatt, and the surrounding villages and peaks reward those who venture a little further. From one of the longest suspension bridges in the world to ancient irrigation trails, baroque castles and thermal baths, there’s genuine variety here. Whether you’re after another big mountain day or something altogether more relaxed.
Everything below is within easy reach of the valley, most of it by train.

Randa: Cross the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge

One of the most dramatic walks in the Alps and genuinely unmissable. The bridge stretches 494 metres across the Grabengufer ravine near Randa, suspended up to 85 metres above the valley floor. It forms part of the Europaweg, the celebrated two-day high trail between Grächen and Zermatt, with panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps along the way. Access to the bridge is free and crossing takes around ten minutes. The easiest approach is to take the train to Randa and walk up from there – allow 2-3 hours for the round trip.

Grächen: Hike the Europaweg (Grächen to Zermatt)

Considered by many to be the most beautiful two-day hike in the Alps. The trail runs high above the Mattertal with the Matterhorn in view for much of the southern stretch. Strong hikers can tackle sections as day walks, the stretch from Grächen down to Herbriggen and up to the Europahütte is a classic or do the full two days with an overnight at the Europahütte. Either way, the scenery is extraordinary.

Grächen: Explore the Zauberwasser (Magic Water) Trail

Grächen is known as a heartland of historic irrigation channels, the Suonen, with four traditional water conduits still running through the landscape. A “Magical Water World” has been created along the Eggeri and Chilcheri channels, where visitors of all ages follow the gurgling water through unspoilt forest, stopping at rest areas with foot spas and Kneipp water-treading pools along the way. A perfect, gentle half-day, pick up a map from the Grächen tourist office.
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Grächen: Take the Cable Car to Hannigalp

The Hannigalp gondola takes you up to 2,114 metres above Grächen. Even without hiking further, the panorama from the top is spectacular, with the Matterhorn visible on clear days. The mountain restaurant at the top is a lovely lunch spot. In summer it’s also the starting point for a great network of hiking trails at altitude.
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St Niklaus: Visit the Mountain Guide Museum & Mineral Collection

Right in the centre of St Niklaus, the Mountain Guide Museum sits in the Meierturm, the oldest surviving building in the valley and tells the story of the local guide families who led first ascents all over the world from the mid-1800s onwards. Alongside it, the mineral museum showcases some of the finest crystals found in the Mattertal, including garnets, diopside and quartz, displayed in elegant all-glass cases. The wider Zermatt region is internationally known for its mineral deposits and this is a lovely, unhurried collection. Open July to September.
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Sass Fee: Mittelallalin

The Mittelallalin (3,500 m a.s.l.) lies above Saas-Fee, surrounded by 4,000-metre peaks. The highest revolving restaurant and arguably the highest virtual reality experience in the world are located directly at the foot of the Allalinhorn (4,027 m a.s.l.). You can reach these highlights by Metro Alpin, the highest underground Funicular in the world. Watch the ski pros train here in the summer ski area, climb the first four-thousand-metre peak or simply enjoy the view.
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Brig: Brigerbad Thermal Baths

A short train ride down the valley towards Visp, the Brigerbad thermal and wellness oasis offers indoor and outdoor relaxation across over 2,600 square metres, open year-round. A great option for a rest day, or after a long day on the mountain.
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Brig: Stockalper Castle

Visit the baroque castle of the Great Kaspar Stockalper. The Stockalper Castle is the landmark of the city of Brig and the largest secular baroque building in Switzerland.
Guided tours available.
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Discover the valleys