Zermatt Climate Audio Trail

Between Rotenboden and Riffelalp, this challenging audio trail explores glaciers, mountains and the climate. Alpine paths, trackless rocky terrain and a high point at around 2,900 m define the route.

The Zermatt Climate Audio Trail starts at Rotenboden station amid a rocky high-mountain landscape. Along the way, audio guides tell of glaciers, mountains and the climate; the route is also listed in the «Erlebnis Geologie» directory. Riffelhorn and Gornergrat lie nearby but are not reached.

The route initially follows a mountain hiking trail downhill. After just over three kilometres, it switches to alpine paths and later leaves the marked hiking trail network for extended stretches. The lowest point is reached around 200 vertical metres below the start. The trail then climbs again through open, increasingly barren terrain. Gornersee remains around 300 m off the route. Rock and the proximity of the glacier now define the surroundings.

Towards the end comes the most strenuous ascent. Near Blattje, the route reaches its highest point at around 2,900 m. The nearest public transport stop, Rote Nase, is just over 3 km from the end point. From the highest point, the route descends briefly to the destination at Riffelalp.