Easy
Valais/Wallis · Switzerland
- Distance
- 3.1 km / 2.0 mi
- Elevation gain
- 655 m
- Typical duration
- 45 min
- Waymarked route
Glacier Trail Mattmark
EasyValais/Wallis · Switzerland
- Distance
- 3.0 km (1.8 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 64 m (210 ft)
- Typical time
- 43 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 3,009 m (9,872 ft)
About Glacier Trail Mattmark
Glacier Trail Mattmark is a 3.0 km hiking route in Valais/Wallis, Switzerland. It climbs roughly 65 m (213 ft) along the way. Most people take around 43 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Nothing here is technical, and the climbing is spread out rather than concentrated.
Glacial terrain changes from year to year, so local information matters more than usual.
Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.
In short, Glacier Trail Mattmark suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Easy3.0 km64 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +64 m
- Descent
- −240 m
- High
- 3,009 m (9,872 ft)
- Low
- 2,819 m (9,249 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Glacier
- Waymarked route
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Patchy on the upper sections
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 54/100
- Adventure
- 35/100
- Difficulty
- 9/100
- Accessibility
- 85/100
- Family
- 48/100
- Dogs
- 32/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Glacier terrain is unstable and changes year to year. Do not step onto ice without the right equipment and local advice.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Microspikes if you are walking at the edges of the season
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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