Hiking trail

Pensioners' Trail / Lower High-Altitude Trail (Nr. 4a)

This path offers glimpses of three parallel worlds: the village, mountain forest and the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway. The trail climbs gently to a level where the views alternate between lush woodland and the rooftops of Zermatt.

360° Panorama
Leisurely walk above the village
  • Type Hiking trail
  • Difficulty easy
  • Duration 1,00 h
  • Distance 2,2 km
  • Ascent 55 m
  • Descent 78 m
  • Lowest point 1650 m
  • Highest point 1727 m

Description

The Pensioner's Trail is by no means reserved for older walkers. It leads from the Winkelmatten chapel uphill to the tracks of the Gornergrat Bahn: a good chance to see the working mechanism of a rack-and-pinion railway close up. The trail then flattens out, passing a metallophone (like a xylophone of metal). Below, to the left, lie the hotels and houses of Zermatt, offering an occasional glimpse of an interior. Finally the path leads into the forest, and an atmosphere of tranquil seclusion. Here, young people of Zermatt have created a discovery trail, and walkers who keep their eyes open will be rewarded with some happy surprises.

  • Appropriate for children from age 4
  • Accessible for pushchairs with large wheels
  • Discovery trail
  • Beautiful larch woods
  • Steps back down to the village

Winkelmatten (chapel) – along Pensioner's Trail / unterer Höhenweg - Schönegg

(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 1h)

This hike is marked on the signposts as “AHV-Weg / unterer Höhenweg”.

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
Take time for a stop and rest at one of the benches along the path while enjoying the view of the Matterhorn and the village.
  • 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.
  • It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
  • 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.
  • Beware: railway crossing

Map and arrival

detailed map