Botanical Trail (Nr. 31)
Edelweiss, gentian, different orchids: numerous rare alpine flowers grow along this botanical path. Depending on the course of the weather, the blossoms along this trail can change quickly, to the delight of nature lovers.
- Type Theme trail
- Difficulty medium
- Duration 2,10 h
- Distance 4 km
- Ascent 732 m
- Descent 0 m
- Lowest point 1605 m
- Highest point 2338 m
Description
Up on these high alpine pastures, the variety of colours among the flowers is endless. Spring gentians bring bright shades of blue, soon followed by various species of anemone and pasque flower, including Haller’s pasque flower (Pulsatilla halleri), a very rare species typical of Zermatt. Later still, the edelweiss appear. A special feature along this walk: you can observe edelweiss comfortably at eye level, just a couple of hundred metres after crossing the Triftbach river.
Because so many different flowers blossom here, the variety of butterflies and other insects is also enormous. These include the beautiful but threatened Apollo butterfly (strictly protected).
- Special feature: small areas of “flat bog” located on steep slopes (one of the paradoxes of the botanical world)
- In flat bog areas: various orchids
- Right beside them, in dry areas: edelweiss
- Appropriate for children from age 8
- Ibex colony in the vicinity of the Pension Edelweiss / Alterhaupt
- Information panels in German, English, French, Japanese
Zermatt (station) - Trift
Extension possible via the trails Edelweissweg or Wisshornweg.
(Hiking time for the walk back: approx. 1h 30)
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Botanischer Lehrpfad”.
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Camera with close-up lens
Allow plenty of time: the variety of flowers is tremendous.
Extension possible via the trails Edelweissweg or Wisshornweg.
- 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.