Theme trail

Wolli and the Climate Detectives

This playful exploration of climate phenomena is fun for the whole family. The Zermatt children’s mascot, Wolli, lends a hand. The trip starts off with a ride up the Gornergrat, followed by plenty of surprises!

360° Panorama
  • Type Theme trail
  • Difficulty easy
  • Duration 2,30 h
  • Distance 21,2 km
  • Ascent 1601 m
  • Descent 1601 m
  • Lowest point 1605 m
  • Highest point 3107 m

Description

Who can solve the puzzle of the seven missing glacier fleas? “Wolli and the climate detectives” is a mystery that starts at Zermatt Tourism, beside Zermatt’s railway station, with an audio guide and map. The ride on the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway is full of mystery as well as beauty. After a stop at the observation platform, it’s back down to Rotenboden for the walk to Riffelberg. Wolli, the Valais Blacknose sheep, and his friends, the squirrel, the alpine chough, the stone man and the Matterhorn, set seven puzzles along the way.

As a result, the walk is great fun for kids, too. Will the young climate detectives manage to crack the code to the treasure chest on their return to the village? There’s a surprise waiting for them in the chest, located at the tourist office on Bahnhofplatz, by the station.

Participation on the climate audio trail is, in principle, free. However every family member will require a train ticket for the Gornergrat Bahn.

  • Fun and games in the mountains for the whole family
  • Appropriate for children from age 6
  • Stimulates children’s imagination
  • Audio guide and quiz are online available
  • You can also borrow binoculars from Zermatt Tourismus with a deposit of CHF 20.

Zermatt (station) - Gornergrat - Rotenboden - Riffelberg - Zermatt (station)

Ride on the Gornergrat Bahn: Zermatt - Gornergrat, Gornergrat - Rotenboden, Riffelberg - Zermatt
Walk en route: Rotenboden - Riffelsee - Gagenhaupt - Riffelberg (approx. 1h)

We recommend for “Wolli and the climate detectives”:

  • Audio guide and quiz (available with deposit from Zermatt Tourism)
  • Good footwear
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)

There are various Wolli souvenirs to buy in the Tourist Office at the train station so that Wolli can go with you on your adventures.

  • 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