Europa Trail
The Europa Trail between Grächen and Zermatt is considered by many to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps. The views along this mountain panorama including the Matterhorn are famous around the world.
- Type Multi-day hike
- Difficulty hard
- Duration 13,30 h
- Distance 33,4 km
- Ascent 2550 m
- Descent 1882 m
- Lowest point 1310 m
- Highest point 2347 m
Description
These breathtakingly stunning views of nature were used as orientation points by those responsible for mapping out the path in the villages of St. Niklaus, Grächen, Randa, Täsch and Zermatt to create the Europaweg in 1997. The first stage from Grächen was redesigned in 2021 and now leads on a varied and spectacular route to the Europa Hut above Randa. From here it goes over the suspension bridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps which traverses the Grabengufer. The bridge is 494 m long and 85 m above the chasm below at its highest point. The path then continues in the direction of Täschalp and finally to Zermatt.
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Herbriggen: Intermediate stage with hotel accommodation
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Täschalp: cheese and Ziger soft cheese for sale
The stage between Grächen and the Europa Hut above Randa was reopened in July 2021. The original route was closed due to imminent danger of rock falls$
Stages:
First Stage:
Grächen - Herbriggen - Europa Hut (6.5 - 7.5h)
Second Stage:
Europa Hut - Zermatt (6 -7h)
Europa Hut - Suspension Bridge - Täschalp - Tufteren - Sunnegga
Note: The crossing of the suspension bridge takes about 10 minutes. Please heed the safety instructions.
North-south tour from Grächen: One sets off in the direction of the Matterhorn and sees the north wall of the Matterhorn as well as the Hörnligrat time and again.
South-north tour from Zermatt: One walks in the direction of the Bernese Alps and has the Bietschhorn in plain view, among other peaks.
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Europaweg”.
We recommend:
- Good, sturdy footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Food and water
The pedestrian suspension bridge (Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge) opened in the summer of 2017. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.
- Since there is a grated walkway underfoot along the half-kilometre suspension bridge, it is best if one is not afraid of heights (also applies to children and dogs).
- Possible trial tour to test for a fear of heights: at Furi above Zermatt. This suspension footbridge is 100 m long and 90 m above the Gorner Gorge.
- 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.
- Avoid the bridge during storms (thunder and lightning)
- Not having a fear of heights is an advantage. Find out whether children and or dogs would cross the bridge (grated walkway); see the “Tip from the author” section.
Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.