One of my favourite places in Zermatt is Höhbalmen. Stunning panoramic views, peace… Well, to be honest – it is not a walk for lazy hikers. There’s no lifts involved during over 20 km hike. Ready for it? Some information and photos underneath.
So how can you get there?
You have to start your trip in the main street of Zermatt – Bahnhofstrasse. Going towards the church you will see Gee’s Bar on your right hand side, just opposite Hotel Post. There is a little street before Gee’s going up and that’s the one you have to follow, look for signs for Edelweiss.
After about 40 minute-1 hour hike (depends on how fit you are) you will reach your first stop – Edelweiss, where you can already have something to drink or eat.
Views on the way to Edelweiss.
Finally! Edelweiss!
After a little break (you might need it 🙂 – you should continue your hike to Trift. Amazing valley with beautiful views and not so many people around since there’s no lifts that could take you up there. It takes about 1 – 1,5 hour from Edelweiss to Trift.
Leaving Edelweiss.
Trift! Mission accomplished.
When in Trift don’t forget to try homemade ice tea and delicious cakes!
Later on there’s a little steeper part (not too steep, but not as easy as before) – you have to follow Höhbalmen signs now… When you finish the steeper part you’ll find yourself on almost the top of the mountain with perfect panoramic views and some easy but quite a long hike still ahead of you (but as written – easy and flat now).
Little steeper part.
Trift on the right hand side. Slowly disappearing…
View down on Zermatt.
Easy time..
No people, but other friends around..
Matterhorn from a different side.
Matterhorn – already on the way down.
Zmutt is the next destination. It’s quite a long way down from Höhbalmen so make sure you take enough water and maybe some snacks with you. From there we are already close to Zermatt 🙂
Höhbalmen trail is a must do if you are fit enough to walk 20 km in the mountains. It is tiring but worth sweating…
Practical information:
Starting point: Zermatt (1620 m)
Target: Höhbalmen (2751 m)
Hike lenght: just a little over 20 km hike. It is a whole day trip that will take around 7 hours.
Tip: If you still feel fit and ready to do some more hiking, before going down to Zmutt take a Schönbielhütte trail and enjoy some more mountain wilderness and stunning views. You can also stay there for a night and enjoy Swiss hut experience…
Views from Schönbielhütte.
Text: Agnieszka Wajs
