Mountain trail

Path of Silence (Nr. 24)

The Path of Silence is a treat for all seeking tranquillity. The trail leads from the Gornergrat down into a still, forgotten valley that offers a good chance of spotting wildlife.

360° Panorama
Ride on the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway to the start of the hike
  • Type Mountain trail
  • Difficulty hard
  • Duration 1,45 h
  • Distance 5 km
  • Ascent 38 m
  • Descent 821 m
  • Lowest point 2298 m
  • Highest point 3081 m

Description

This walk leads through the quieter region of the Gornergrat, into its little-known hinterland. Along the way it passes the Kellensee lake, used in winter as a storage reservoir for artificial snowmaking along the pistes. There are fewer and fewer people to be seen – and so an increasing likelihood of spotting chamois. The path crosses stubbly pastures of alpine grass before reaching the lower part of the Ritzigrat ridge and a landscape scattered with rocks and boulders. Freeriders may well remember the scene, from having traced sweeping turns across the pristine snow here in winter.

  • Swimming in the Grünsee lake (no dedicated facilities)
  • Chance to see wildlife
  • Interesting alpine flora with edelweiss

Gornergrat - Kelle - Grünsee (variant Grünsee - Findeln - Sunnegga approx. 1h 30, or variant to Riffelalp along the Naturweg trail approx. 40 min)

(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 35)

This hike is marked on the signposts as “Weg der Stille”.

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)

As the name already suggests – a dream for those seeking peace and quiet.

  • 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.

Map and arrival

detailed map