Drover Trail (Nr. 25)
This hike of some eight kilometres is tough, either way round. As a descent, it puts quite a strain on the knees; anyone hiking it uphill, starting from Furi, is sure to sleep soundly that night. Walked in either direction, the trail promises fabulous views and a wonderful experience.
- Type Mountain trail
- Difficulty hard
- Duration 2,30 h
- Distance 7,6 km
- Ascent 171 m
- Descent 1228 m
- Lowest point 1864 m
- Highest point 3030 m
Description
Once, the huts in the bare rocky landscape at Trockener Steg relied on mule-drivers (“Säumer”) for the supply of provisions and wood for burning. Archaeological artefacts are constantly being found in this region (see note below). Today, the crag is home to the large cable car station with restaurants and shop. From here, visitors access the highest point in Europe that can be reached by cable car, at Matterhorn glacier paradise (3,883 m).
The hiking trail traces a route through a landscape dominated by rocks, scree and boulders polished smooth by long-receded glaciers. The further the path descends, the greater the variety of vegetation. Whereas higher up, the main splashes of colour among the rock are provided by lichen, lower down, grasses, mosses and flowering plants adorn the trail, to the delight of nature lovers.
- Trockener Steg: from the restaurant terrace, striking view of the Matterhorn
- The Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis in the village, has archaeological finds from the area on display (stone axe, 3000–5000 BC)
Trockener Steg - Gandegg hut - Furgg - Furi
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 3h 40)
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Säumerweg”.
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
- Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.