Matterhorn Glacier Trail (Nr. 26)
This route offers a fascinating glimpse of a world between rock and ice. Walkers approach the glacier on a safe path, close enough to see the meltwater running out: a memorable moment on a special hiking adventure.
- Type Theme trail
- Difficulty medium
- Duration 2,00 h
- Distance 6,6 km
- Ascent 174 m
- Descent 515 m
- Lowest point 2570 m
- Highest point 2928 m
Description
The trail offers hikers insights into the phenomenon of glacier retreat. The path displays what the melting glacier leaves behind, shows the conditions it creates for plant and animal life, and reveals how humans make use of the remains from the river of ice. Now and again, a gentle breeze descends from the glacier: a cold kiss from the perennial snows. It smells of snow, ice, stone, water and the purest mountain air.
Since the Little Ice Age around 1850, the Furgg and Theodul Glaciers have retreated by more than three kilometres. Information panels at various key points tell the fascinating story.
- Information panels in German, English, French and Japanese
- Numerous small lakes to be seen
- Landscape of rock and scree sculpted by the former glacier
- Anyone finding historical artefacts is required to hand them in to the tourist office, to be passed in turn to the canton’s archaeologists.
Trockener Steg - Hirli - Schwarzsee
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 15)
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
Do not miss: The mirror image of the Matterhorn in the lake of the Theodul glacier.
- 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.