Hikes

Chamois Trail

Gemsweg Saas-Fee

Saas-Fee

Closed

Over the flanks of the Mischabel chain and the shores of the glacial lake, we continue onwards to the Gletschergrotte. From here, you hike along the Suone and back to Saas-Fee.  

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

10.32 km

Duration

2:30 h

Description

The Chamois Trail sets off in a south/south-westerly direction from the Hannig mountain station. After a short walk, the trail splits from the main path and continues across the Torrenbach to Spissen. At the fork in the path, the trail continues along the lower path to Trift, where it then descends in short but steep zigzags down to the next turnoff. Here, hikers branch off to the right and continue along Route 10 over the Gand moraine to the Gletschersee. This peaceful and beautiful spot invites hikers to linger a while and contemplate the sheer might of this millennia-old glacier.

 

Turn-by-turn directions

Hannig - Gletschersee - Gletschergrotte - Bifig - Grundbiel - Busterminal

Start

Station Hannig, Saas-Fee (2339m)

Destination

Busterminal, Saas-Fee (1803m)

Author's recommendation

  • The terrace at the “Gletschergrotte” mountain restaurant is a great place to savour a short, nourishing break.
  • The Chamois Trail is a regional route of SwitzerlandMobility and is marked with the number 183.
  • The trail is called "Gemsweg" because the protective forest in the "Plattjen" area is inhabited by many chamois. You will occasionally encounter the animals there.

Technical information

Altitude

2339m

1785m

Ascent

+218m

Descent

-754m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the SBB to Visp and change there to the post bus in the direction of Saas-Fee (bus 511).

Approach

Saas-Fee/Saastal can easily be reached by car from all directions, whether from Switzerland or abroad. You can reach us via Bern via the Lötschberg car transport from the north. You come over the Furka Pass or the Furka car transport from the east. From the south, you can reach us via the Simplon Pass or Simplon car transport, and from the west, you drive via Lausanne along the Rhône valley to Visp and towards Saas-Fee. From Visp, drive south in the direction of Saas-Fee. At the "Killerhof" roundabout after Stalden, take the second exit towards Saas-Fee. In Saas-Grund, turn right after the church in the direction of Saas-Fee.

Parking

You will find parking spaces in the car park directly at the entrance to Saas-Fee.

Equipment

  • Good footwear

  • Outdoor clothing: Always carry a waterproof jacket

  • Sun protection

  • Liquids and food

  • Hiking poles (optional)

  • Navigation tool

  • First aid kit

Safety information

  •  Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. 

  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife. 

  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature. 

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather. 

  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season. 

  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time. 

  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. 

  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches. 

  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone. 

  • Pay attention to the opening hours of the cable cars.

Additional information

Saastal Tourismus AG

Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee
Phone: +41 (0)27 958 18 58
E-Mail: info@saas-fee.ch
www.saas-fee.ch

 

Saastal Bergbahnen AG
Panoramastrasse 5
3906 Saas-Fee
Phone: +41 (0)27 958 11 00
E-Mail: bergbahnen@saas-fee.ch
www.saas-fee.ch/bergbahnen

Literature

In German: Wanderführer Saas-Fee/Saastal (Banzhaf/Retze/Zurbriggen) ISBN 978 -3-907099-32-2

Maps

Wanderkarte Saas-Fee 1:25'000 (ISBN 978-3-905756-25-8)

Hiking map Saas-Fee/Saastal

Source

This activity is brought to you by Saas-Fee/Saastal. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.