Walking SwitzerlandZermatt - Edelweiss - Trift - ZermattWalk 8110
Canton - Valais / Wallis - Zermatt & the Mattertal
Author - Anna & Mark Bradley
Ascent - 720 metres / 2376 feet
Descent - 720 metres / 2376 feet
Time - 3.50 hours
Grade - moderate
This strenuous but rewarding walk starts from the centre of Zermatt and climbs up the Trift Gorge. The first objective is the Restaurant Edelweiss from where you get a bird's eye view of Zermatt. Continuing to climb the path rises with improving views to reach the Hotel du Trift where refreshments are available in season.
The start is the centre of Zermatt from where paths head west signposted to Edelweiss. The route ascends quite steeply through pine forests to the restaurant at Edelweiss crossing the river with its many pretty waterfalls all the way. After approximately 45 minutes Edelweiss is reached.
Continue on a steep and rocky path, which gradually becomes more open. This passes onto the other side of the valley before, following the river, taking you up to Trift, which was reached after 2 hours from Zermatt. There is a basic hotel here that is good for lunch. We had leek soup and rosti with sausage!
You can extend the walk in various directions from Trift but we went down the way we had come - much quicker! Total ascent is just over 700 metres. The day we walked this route is was wet and cloudy so we couldn't see any peaks, but there are pretty views back down the valley to Zermatt.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5006 - Matterhorn/Mischabel
Recommended Books
Walking in the Bernese Oberland
This walking guidebook to the Bernese Oberland describes 113 day walks. Routes range from 2 to 24km and offer breathtaking scenery of the classic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Gsteig and Meiringen. There are routes suitable for all abilities from short flat walks to adventurous treks.
Walking in the Alps
An outstanding and comprehensive book exploring the walking and trekking possibilities in every Alpine region. Many thousands of possible routes are suggested, from the Maritime Alps of southern France throughout the range to the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Walks vary from undemanding to long and tough, and everything in between.
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving.
Do do not exceed your capabilities.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Sitzerland is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps at the most detailed scale where possible. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed, and corrective action taken if necessary.