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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Canton of Valais Open

Magic water experience Grächen

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  • Photo: Grächen Tourismus, Grächen Tourismus

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    This circular route along the region's bisses offers many surprises – it is the ideal route to entertain both young and old.

    Open
    easy
    Distance 15 km
    4:35 h
    330 m
    325 m
    1,825 m
    1,565 m

    Thanks to the bisses, the water from the Ried glacier flows through the meadows of Valais. Solo, in pairs, for outdoor enthusiasts or families, hike from May to October following the signposts and steles with magical symbols, which recall that water rights were once fixed and controlled by carved wooden marks, the "tesselles". Along the bisses of Grächen, this invigorating hike combines fun and water games. Walking on relatively flat paths through shaded larch forests, you will constantly be surprised by many highlights, as well as by several rest areas and play islands inviting relaxation and discovery.

    Author’s recommendation

    To conclude the route, take a detour through the Kneipp facilities at the lake of Grächen.

    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    Riederwald, 1,825 m
    Lowest point
    Village square, Grächen, 1,565 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 17.21%Forested/wild trail 5.67%Path 76.82%Road 0.27%
    Asphalt
    2.6 km
    Forested/wild trail
    850 m
    Path
    11.5 km
    Road
    41 m
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    The mountain is a space of pleasure to be shared and respected. The mountain offers a space to meet and share unforgettable moments, by bike or on foot. For all lovers of the outdoors to enjoy it, it is essential to share this space in respect of nature and agriculture. A respectful behavior allows everyone to practice their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about the recommendations and rules in place. Evaluate your physical condition and your abilities carefully. The use of the different routes is always at your own risk.

    For all hikes:

    • Bring a map. Download the complete route description with a large-scale map by clicking the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
    • Use only marked paths and observe all signs – for your safety, for the protection of livestock, and to avoid disturbing wild animals.
    • Close gates after passing through.
    • Be respectful of other users, as well as plants and animals.

    For mountain hikes:

    • Pay particular attention to protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV rays can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
    • Plan your hike carefully: take into account the physical level of each participant, the weather forecast, and the season.
    • Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in the mountains. It is essential to have suitable clothing and sufficient food and water supplies. In case of uncertain weather, turn back in time.

    For high mountain hikes:

    • Inform others about your route. If possible, avoid going alone.
    • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
    • Pay attention to warning signs about constant danger in riverbeds and along waterways below dams or reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and unexpectedly. 

    The rules of good conduct

    Prepare your hike

    Tips and suggestions

    See the route on SuisseMobile: 

    Learn more about the destination:

    Roadbook

    The route starts from the village square of Grächen. To reach the gateway marking the beginning of the route, you have two options. Route no. 1 goes through the sports center, then climbs towards the forest playground area "Robis Waldspielpark". From there, follow the water to the gateway of the Chilcheri bisse. Route no. 2 also passes through the sports center, then runs along the farm road. After a left turn, you will find the entrance gateway about 200 meters on your right. The route then follows the bisse to the Riedbach. After a short ascent, you reach the Eggeri bisse and follow the water flow to the return path, which descends back to Grächen via the Äpnet alp and the lake of Grächen. The trail is fully marked.

    Rest stop
    Tip
    Nearby
    Top Partner
    Waypoint
    Start point
    End point
    Low point
    High point
    Forecast
    Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
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    Photo
    Video
    Grächen und St.Niklaus Tourismus und Gewerbe
    Mini golf
    Suone Chilcheri
    Feuerstelle „Schweizer Familie“ Alpe Äbnet
    Restaurant Hohtschuggen

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Regular train connections from all over Switzerland allow you to reach Visp (Viège) station. Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, a cogwheel train that connects Visp (Viège) to St. Niklaus, which takes you every half hour into Switzerland's deepest valley. Once at St. Niklaus, take the bus towards Grächen. On weekends and public holidays, a direct bus from Visp (Viège) takes you to Grächen. The return trip is also done by taking the postal bus and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.

    Directions

    From Visp (Viège), follow signs for Zermatt to St. Niklaus, then turn left towards Grächen after the first roundabout. The holiday village of Grächen is partly car-free. Private traffic access is only allowed up to the center of the village. Hoteliers and holiday apartment rentals as well as taxi or transport companies offer their services.

    Parking

    Two parking lots are available in Grächen: Millegga and Autosilo.

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'630'891E 1'116'060N
    DD
    46.195294, 7.838800
    DMS
    46°11'43.1"N 7°50'19.7"E
    UTM
    32T 410402 5116401
    w3w 
    ///hill.released.surfacing
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendation by the author

    Consult the Valais/Wallis hiking map to discover the best routes in the region.

    The Grächen tourist office provides information material and brochures on hiking in the destination.

    Author’s map recommendations

    SwissTopo national maps 1:25,000: 1308 St. Niklaus

    Book recommendations for this region:

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    Recommended maps for this region:

    Show more

    Equipment

    We recommend:

    • Good shoes
    • Clothes suitable for the weather: always have a waterproof jacket
    • Hat or cap
    • Sunscreen
    • Water bottle
    • Picnic
    • Camera
    • Walking sticks (optional)
    • Binoculars (optional)
    • Printed version of the route (click on "print" to download)

    For some walks:

    • Swimsuit

    Prepare your hike

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from French.

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    Status
    Open
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    15 km
    Duration
    4:35 h
    Ascent
    330 m
    Descent
    325 m
    Highest point
    1,825 m
    Lowest point
    1,565 m
    Public-transport-friendly Round trip Scenic Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna Insider tip

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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