Hiking trail
Mark Twain Trail (Nr. 18)
On the trail of the American writer Mark Twain: a pleasant walk on the Riffelberg with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. In his satirical account "Climbing the Riffelberg", Mark Twain poked fun at the expeditions of the 19th century into the alpine world around Zermatt.
360°
Panorama
- Type Hiking trail
- Difficulty medium
- Duration 0,50 h
- Distance 3,4 km
- Ascent 0 m
- Descent 375 m
- Lowest point 2208 m
- Highest point 2582 m
Riffelberg - Riffelalp
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 1h 10)
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Mark Twain Weg”.
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
You will find the highest tramway in Europe at Riffelalp.
Mark Twain’s “Climbing the Riffelberg” is suitable for this outing. This little book is available in German and the original English.
- 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.