Where will you find this route?
Walker’s Haute Route (alternative route)
Tour of Monte Rosa (alternative route)
Trail Description: This alternative route is much easier than the main trail.
The lower valley section starts at St Niklaus and follows the Matter Vispa (river) up the valley to Randa. Here there is an opportunity to climb up to the Europaweg trail to cross the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge and then either descend back to the valley or continue along the high trail all the way to Zermatt.
The upper Mattertal valley section continues from Randa along the Matter Vispa all the way to Zermatt.
The route follows a wide track with a gradual incline for most of the way. As you are at the base of the Mattertal valley, there are limited views of the surrounding peaks but this will not worry you when on the trail as the tranquil sound of the river will carry you along.
*Please note that the description is written from an
Eastward hiking perspective for the Walker’s Haute Route
Counter-clockwise hiking perspective for the Tour of Monte Rosa
Difficulty: Hiking Trail.
Are there any other route options? Yes, there is one;
Europaweg trail: diverts at Zermatt and rejoins at either Herbriggen or Grachen
Transport Shortcuts:
Train between Zermatt and Herbriggen (where you can join the lower valley Europaweg trail )
Train and bus between Zermatt and Grachen
Considerations: Choosing this option may reduce your overall itinerary by one day.