Hike /Schweiz Mobil
Swiss Tour Monte Rosa
Saas FeeZermatt
- Distance
- 56.0 km
- Duration
- –
- Ascent
- 4000 m
- Descent
- 4200 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Fitness
- Hard
- Route type
- One way
- Season
- May - October
01/ Overview
The route
Powerful combination: the Balfrin high-level trail from Sass-Fee to Grächen and the Europaweg trail from Grächen to Zermatt form the «Swiss Tour Monte Rosa». Three-day panoramic hike with stunning views of the icy 4000-m mountains of Saastal and Mattertal.
From the Saas-Fee, Busterminal bus stop, the route leads out of the village and initially climbs through forest. It soon becomes a mountain trail, crossing alpine pastures into increasingly rocky terrain. After around 13 kilometres, the route reaches its highest point at 2,386 m, near the Seebodenhorn. The trail then descends to the Hannigalp chapel and shortly afterwards reaches the small lake Zum See.
The route continues through Grächen and Gasenried on easier paths before once again becoming a long mountain trail. Crossing open slopes and sections of forest, it descends to Herbriggen, the lowest point of the tour.
Beyond the valley, the second major ascent begins. The mountain trail steadily gains elevation through forest and open pastures, with rock dominating the landscape higher up. At Ottafe, houses once again line the route. On the final section, the view opens up towards the Matterhorn before the route descends to Zermatt. It continues past the first houses to Zermatt railway station.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
Europaweg: Abschnitt Springelboden - Eggenstadel
From 3 Jul 2024 – Until 28 Jul 2027
Eisten: Huteggen – Schweiben – Balfrin
From 20 Aug 2026 – Until 30 Oct 2026
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
