Hiking on the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world
Intro
Looking down into the abyss from the new world record suspension bridge at Randa is a thrilling experience. It connects the long hiking trail from Grächen to Zermatt at giddy altitude. The two-day tour offers views and panoramic vistas of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps.
Description
The Charles Kuonen bridge is 494 metres long making it a world record-breaking construction. Other unrivalled sights can be experienced in the surrounding area on the Europaweg from Grächen to Zermatt. This is where the highest mountains in Switzerland (Dom 4,545 m) soar into the sky. The trail, measuring between 1,600 and 2,200 metres, runs high above the deepest valley in Switzerland. If you take the Europaweg from Grächen, you will always have the Matterhorn in your sights, and if you are travelling towards Grächen, you will always have the Bernese Alps in your sights.
More information about the trail: www.europaweg.ch
From the old to the new suspension bridge
The old suspension bridge had to be closed in 2010 shortly after it was opened due to the danger of falling rocks. But the residents of the valley did not give up hope. They presented their case for a new bridge to be built to the former head of the Randa council, Leo Jörger. A large percentage of the capital required, approximately 750,000 Swiss francs, came from sponsors who were researched and approached by municipal councillor Paul Summermatter.
The suspension bridge company swissrope/Lauber AG from Frutigen, built the bridge in just two and a half months. Thanks to the newly developed and patented vibration damping system, the bridge, measuring almost half a kilometre long, is barely able to swing.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
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Over a suspension bridge
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Travel information: Zermatt
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