recommended route
Zermatt Höhbalmen Loop
-
View of the ironic MatterhornPhoto: Valais/Wallis Promotion
Enjoy an exceptional view of the Matterhorn from this loop which combines a particularly steep start with a long singletrack above the Zermatt valley.
difficult
Distance 20.1 km
4:25 h
1,204 m
1,204 m
2,746 m
1,605 m
Starting from Zermatt, follow one of the Edelweissweg or Höhbalmen marked trails. The route begins with a demanding ascent through the gorge to Trift. After this point, continue on a slope that gradually becomes gentler as you approach Höhbalmen and look out over the Matterhorn to the other side of the valley. Continue on a fairly smooth single track that runs along the hillside, then go down along the Arbenbach waterfalls before turning in the direction of Zmutt. When going through this small village, take the path overlooking the valley to make your way back to Zermatt. Cross green pastures and meander through larch forests before reaching the village of Zermatt.
Author’s recommendation
Take a seat for a moment on the little bench in Höhbalmen and enjoy the view.
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Schwarzläger, 2,746 m
Lowest point
Zermatt, 1,605 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
0.2 km
Forested/wild trail
4 km
Path
15.1 km
Road
0.8 km
Rest stops
EdelweissEdelweiss Hütte
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
For all trails:
- Use marked trails only, and take note of all signposting – for both your own safety as well as that of grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please treat other trail users, as well as the plants and animals, with respect.
For mountain trails:
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at high altitudes. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your trail carefully: take the fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season into consideration.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In case of uncertain weather conditions, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- Take note of warning signs indicating the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Tips and hints
More information about the destination:
Start
Zermatt (1,605 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'623'963E 1'096'946N
DD
46.023636, 7.748082
DMS
46°01'25.1"N 7°44'53.1"E
UTM
32T 403102 5097435
w3w
///confused.reminds.riverbed
Destination
Zermatt
Turn-by-turn directions
From Zermatt, a steep trail leads to the Restaurant Edelweiss and continues up to Trift. The path to Höhbalmen runs along the hillside, high above the length of the valley with incredible views of the Matterhorn. Next drop down to Zmutt and continue to where you started in Zermatt.
Zermatt - Restaurant Edelweiss - Trift - Höhbalmen - Zmutt - Zermatt
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Take the train to Visp station, followed by the Glacier Express to Zermatt.Getting there
From Visp, follow the Talstrasse to Täsch, where a shuttle train will take you to Zermatt, as the village is closed to traffic.Parking
Parking is available in Täsch at the train station.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'623'963E 1'096'946N
DD
46.023636, 7.748082
DMS
46°01'25.1"N 7°44'53.1"E
UTM
32T 403102 5097435
w3w
///confused.reminds.riverbed
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Zermatt tourist office offers information regarding trail running in the region.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps : 1:50000 : 284T Mischabel / 5028T Monte Rosa - Matterhorn
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
- Hat or peak cap
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hiking poles
Reviews
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
20.1 km
Duration
4:25 h
Ascent
1,204 m
Descent
1,204 m
Highest point
2,746 m
Lowest point
1,605 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Photos from others