Hint

Intro

Challenging high-level trail between Saas-Fee and Grächen, extremely exposed in places as it leads through the steep walls of the Balfrin group. Dizzying views deep into the Saastal, enthralling views of the Fletschhorn, Lagginhorn and Weissmies.

Description

Saas was once a glacial valley and the glacial masses stretched from Vaud to the Jura. The glaciers retreated and what remained were 13 four-thousand-metre peaks that frame the car-free area of Saas-Fee.

The pioneers who built the mountain path in the 1950s called the route between Saas-Fee and Grächen the «path to silence». Today, there are no restaurants or hotels to disturb the peace on this hike. The high-altitude hike is physically demanding because you have to tackle an elevation gain of 1,250 metres and a descent of 1,450 metres in altitude.

Once you have left the holiday village, a path leads to Senggboden and then to Balmiböden. The hike continues through wooded areas as far as this. The view of the opposite peaks of the Fletschhorn, Lagginhorn and Weissmies is breathtaking. The path is very exposed in some parts and runs along the steep faces of the Balfrin group. The views down into the Saas Valley are vertiginous at times.

If you are lucky, you will spot chamois and ibex on the rock faces along the route. At Rote Biel, you have completed more than half of this stage. A bench here invites you to take a break before continuing with the last major climb.

The path, with its wealth of panoramic views, now runs steadily up and down towards Hannigalp. You can tackle the last 500 metres of elevation gain either on foot or by cable car. The Valais mountain village of Grächen is located on an attractive sunny terrace above the Matter Valley at an altitude of 1,620 metres, and is known as a holiday resort and trip destination.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Saas Fee
Destination
Grächen
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
2000 m
Ascent
1300 m
Descent
1450 m
Distance
20 km
Duration
9 h
Duration back
7 h 25 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
June - October
Theme
With panoramic view
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Swiss Tour Monte Rosa

Saas Fee - Zermatt
Learn more about # title #

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 1/3

Distance

20 km

Duration

9 h

Ascent

1300 m

Travel information: Saas-Fee

  • Saas-Fee Private Transfer Service from Zurich to Saas-Fee

    Private transportationHotel drop-offOn-board WiFiBottled waterIn-vehicle air conditioningAirport... from CHF 899
    Offer details
    Learn more about Private Transfer Service from Zurich to Saas-Fee
  • Saas-Fee Eddie carrier bag / gym bag

    Bag/drawstring bag (2in1) made of recycled cotton (70%) and polyester (30%) with 30cm long handles... from CHF 15
    Offer details
    Learn more about Eddie carrier bag / gym bag
  • Saas-Fee Cable car ride to Längfluh | Saas-Fee

    Take a cable car from the village of Saas-Fee to Spielboden. Once there, take the cable car from... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 30.04.2026 - 12.09.2027

    Learn more about Cable car ride to Längfluh | Saas-Fee
  • Saas-Fee Swiss Tour Monte Rosa

    Paths for all the sensesThe wind whistles around your ears, occasionally a stone crunches under your... from CHF 855
    Offer details


    valid: 27.06.2026 - 13.09.2026

    Learn more about Swiss Tour Monte Rosa
  • Saas-Fee Sunrise Spa Package at The Capra

    Indulge your senses in a realm of holistic wellness, thoughtfully curated to rejuvenate both body... from CHF 280
    Offer details
    Learn more about Sunrise Spa Package at The Capra
  • Saas-Fee Hiking holiday Swiss Tour Monte Rosa

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 855
    Offer details


    valid: 27.06.2026 - 13.09.2026

    Learn more about Hiking holiday Swiss Tour Monte Rosa
  • Saas-Fee Animal treasure hunt for children from 3 - 12 years

    Follow a treasure map through five kilometres of trails on this exciting animal-themed treasure... from CHF 12
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 12.10.2026

    Learn more about Animal treasure hunt for children from 3 - 12 years
  • Saas-Fee Culinary Trail Saas-Almagell

    The Culinary Trail takes you on a walk through the marvellous mountain world on the forest path from... from CHF 70
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 20.10.2026

    Learn more about Culinary Trail Saas-Almagell