Europa Trail
The Europa Trail between Grächen and Zermatt is considered by many to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps. The views along this mountain panorama including the Matterhorn are famous around the world.
- Type Multi-day hike
- Difficulty hard
- Duration 13,30 h
- Distance 33,4 km
- Ascent 2550 m
- Descent 1882 m
- Lowest point 1310 m
- Highest point 2347 m
The stage between Grächen and the Europa Hut above Randa was reopened in July 2021. The original route was closed due to imminent danger of rock falls$
Stages:
First Stage:
Grächen - Herbriggen - Europa Hut (6.5 - 7.5h)
Second Stage:
Europa Hut - Zermatt (6 -7h)
Europa Hut - Suspension Bridge - Täschalp - Tufteren - Sunnegga
Note: The crossing of the suspension bridge takes about 10 minutes. Please heed the safety instructions.
North-south tour from Grächen: One sets off in the direction of the Matterhorn and sees the north wall of the Matterhorn as well as the Hörnligrat time and again.
South-north tour from Zermatt: One walks in the direction of the Bernese Alps and has the Bietschhorn in plain view, among other peaks.
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Europaweg”.
We recommend:
- Good, sturdy footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Food and water
The pedestrian suspension bridge (Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge) opened in the summer of 2017. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.
- Since there is a grated walkway underfoot along the half-kilometre suspension bridge, it is best if one is not afraid of heights (also applies to children and dogs).
- Possible trial tour to test for a fear of heights: at Furi above Zermatt. This suspension footbridge is 100 m long and 90 m above the Gorner Gorge.
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
- Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
- Avoid the bridge during storms (thunder and lightning)
- Not having a fear of heights is an advantage. Find out whether children and or dogs would cross the bridge (grated walkway); see the “Tip from the author” section.
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.