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Theme trail
Glacier Garden Trail (Nr. 17)
The Gorner Glacier sculpted this landscape over many millennia. Today, hikers marvel at the polished rocks and boulders, the ice of the glacier that still remains in the valley floor, and the larch trees that are inexorably reconquering the landscape.
360°
Panorama
- Type Theme trail
- Difficulty hard
- Duration 1,50 h
- Distance 6,2 km
- Ascent 38 m
- Descent 753 m
- Lowest point 1826 m
- Highest point 2579 m
Description
The trail leads from Riffelberg, which today lies on the treeline, into the rocky landscape along the former edge of the Gorner Glacier. First of all, though, hikers should pause to admire the view of the Matterhorn, before following the path down into the mysterious world carved out by the mighty forces of the glacier. At the Gletschergarten Dossen (Dossen glacier garden), visitors can see what a glacier normally conceals: boulders polished smooth, glacial mills and strange rock formations.
- Further information on the “Furi – a world full of experiences” is also available online
- July and August: edelweiss
- In the Dossen glacier garden: information panels
- Variant from Furi: through the Gornerschlucht gorge to Zermatt (fee payable)
- Picnic areas, barbecue sites and children’s playground close to the Dossen glacier garden
Riffelberg - glacier garden - Schweigmatten - Furi
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 35)
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Gletschergartenweg”.
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
The Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis in the centre of Zermatt, displays reliefs depicting the glacial landscapes around the Gorner Glacier.
- 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.
