BLS car transport service

BLS car transport service

Treat yourself to some time away and experience summer in the unique mountain and glacier landscape of the Valais Alps.

The picturesque mountain scenery offers suitable activities for all tastes. Recharge your batteries on hiking paths, bike trails and via ferratas and engage in active recuperation. Numerous experiences await with a view of 18 imposing four-thousand-metre peaks and a fascinating glacial landscape.

Saastal is easy to reach by car, and there are plenty of parking spaces available.

Saastal

Saas-Fee

Car-free Saas-Fee (1,800 m above sea level) lies at the foot of the highest mountain in Switzerland, the Dom (4,545 m above sea level). The latter can be admired particularly well from the highest rotating restaurant in the world. From the end of April you may encounter tame and comical marmots at Spielboden and in the Stafelwald forest.

Saas-Grund

The unspoilt village of Saas-Grund (1,559 m above sea level) enchants with its historical core and is the starting point for numerous hikes. These include the Almageller and Gsponer high-altitude paths and the famous path featuring 18 four-thousand-metre peaks at Hohsaas.

Saas-Almagell

Saas-Almagell (1,672 m above sea level) is the idyllic village of flowers and captivates hikers with the Suonenweg footpath to Saas-Grund, the adventure footpath from Furggstalden to Almagelleralp and the paved path dating from Roman times to the Monte Moro Pass or Antrona Pass.

Saas-Balen

The small mountain village of Saas-Balen (1,483 m above sea level) with the imposing Fellbach waterfall boasts enchantingly beautiful hiking paths and Europe’s highest alpine pasture. Cheese lovers should not miss out on a tasty visit. The form of the round church dating from 1812 is unique in Switzerland.

Hiking tips

Hiking highlights in Saastal

Whether easy walks or high-Alpine treks: Saastal is a diverse and multi-faceted hiking paradise. Its 350 km of paths offer something for every age and level of fitness.

Overview of hikes in Saastal

Mattmark reservoir round walk Monte Moro Pass

Centuries-old trading and Walser paths lead from Mattmark dam up to Monte Moro, the border pass between Switzerland and Italy. The varied route served as a smugglers’ path between the two countries.

The hike begins with a pleasant walk along the emerald-green Mattmark reservoir, the largest earth dam in Europe. The path on the western side leads to Distelalp, the end of the reservoir. From there, a well-marked hiking path leads up to Tälliboden, a picturesque moorland landscape. Further up it becomes precipitous and the path leads through a barren and rocky landscape. Countless stones have been laid by human hands over the decades to form a step-based landscape, pointing the way to the Golden Madonna on the Monte Moro Pass. The statue is at the level of the pass, looking towards Italy, and is the destination of this hike.

The return journey takes you via the broad path on the eastern side of the Mattmark reservoir, enabling you to walk right around the lake on this day-long hike.

Hiking trail Mattmark–Tällibodu–Monte Moropass–Mattmark
Distance 14.6 km
Hiking time 5 hours
Elevation difference +642 m / -642 m
Degree of difficulty Difficult

Show hiking map

Behind the Mittaghorn

The trail starts at the Morenia station and leads you into the rugged world behind the Egginer and Mittaghorn up to the Egginerjoch. At the Egginerjoch, the trail branches off to the right and leads along the rock face to the end of the plateau. At the fork at Heidefridhof, the trail continues in a northerly direction. Be careful and follow the markings. The path leads over many scree slopes and stone slabs to Plattjen. Now follow the themed trail "On the tracks of the Saas-Fee Ski World Cup" in a zigzag down to Saas-Fee.

Insider tip: The Swiss cairn stands at the Brandgrabe below the Mittaghorn. From here, you have a unique view of the entire Saas Valley, including Lake Mattmark and the Bietschhorn.

Hiking trail Morenia–Egginerjoch–Chessjengletscher–Heidenfridhof–Brandgrabe–Plattjen–Berghaus Plattjen– Gallenalp–Saas-Fee
Distance 10,8 km
Hiking time 4 hours 30 minutes
Elevation difference +90 m / -1238 m
Degree of difficulty Medium

Show hiking map

Almageller high-altitude path

The hike starts at Kreuzboden station, which can be reached with the Hohsaas mountain railway. From Kreuzboden with its idyllic mountain lake, take the Alpenblumenpromenade (Alpine Flower Trail) to the Triftgrätji viewpoint. Edelweiss and gentians are just two of around 240 species of flower that can be marvelled at here. The view is spectacular and extends from the Mattmark reservoir across the Mischabel chain to Stalden.

The high-altitude hike above the Grundberg leads into the terribly romantic Almagellertal valley to the Almagelleralp. Here you can relax in the mountain hotel and then either walk along the stream to Saas-Almagell or via the adventure footpath to Furggstalden. This part of the route is technically demanding due to its numerous ladders and steps and is not suitable for those with a fear of heights. The absolute highlight of the adventure path is a 60-metre-long suspension bridge.

From Furggstalden it is an easy trip to Saas-Almagell by chair lift and then by bus to Saas-Grund.

Hiking trail Chrizbodu–Triftgrätji–Hehbord–Wyssi Flüe– Almagelleralp–Chüelbrunnji–Saas-Almagell
Distance 10,4 km
Hiking time 3 hours 30 minutes
Elevation difference +204 m / -931 m
Degree of difficulty Medium

Show hiking map

Bike tips

The biking paradise of Saastal

With 80 km of marked trails, Saastal is the ideal place for mountain biking. Whether easy or challenging, you’re guaranteed to find your dream route here. The map with all trails is available in tourist information centres. Mountain bikes and electric bikes can be hired in Saas-Fee and Saas-Almagell. You can also enjoy guided mountain bike trips on request.

Overview of bike routes in Saastal

Family Loop Saas-Fee

Just above Mälchbodu a short descent to the left leads to the next highlight, the Stafelwald forest with its cute marmots. Next, follow the path to the Feeblitz toboggan run. Anyone who wants to can break here and take the opportunity to race down the mountain on a breath-taking roller coaster ride at up to 40 km/h. Finally, make your way past the AlpinExpress station, across the panoramic bridge and up the last slope back up to the post office.

Route Postrondell Saas-Fee–Wildi–Bärufalla–Mälchbodu–Stafelwald–Bifig–Postrondell Saas-Fee
Distance 6,7 km
Travel time 1 hour
Elevation difference +184 m
Degree of difficulty Medium

Route map

Mattmark Bike

This mountain bike trip begins in the square in Saas-Almagell. From there, the route follows the Saaservispe river up to the equalising reservoir at “Zer Meigeru”. Partly on asphalt roads and partly on narrow paths, it then continues up the steep valley, partially criss-crossed by young, light larch forests. The main ascent starts at “Eiu Sand” via the road to the top of the dam. The easy part of the route begins at the Mattmark restaurant: the trip around the reservoir. After cycling round the reservoir, it’s time for the descent to Saas-Almagell. As well as the view over the lake, the highlight of this bike trip is the Alpine landscape with its unique mountain flora.

Route Saas-Almagell–Webstube–Eiju Sand–Mattmark Staudamm–Saas Almagell
Distance 22 km
Travel time 3 hours
Elevation difference 583 m
Degree of difficulty Medium

Route map

Hohsaas Bike

The highlight for all those who love bike descents. From the start at Hohsaas at 3200 m above sea level, the route follows the alpine mountain path past glaciers and young mountain streams. On the sun terrace of the Weissmieshütte you can take a first breather with a view of the mighty 4000-metre peaks. The trail then leads over the large moraine down to Kreuzboden. Here the Bike Skills Park and the Kreuzbodensee lake invite you to linger.

The new Trift Flow Trail leads through alpine mountain meadows down to Triftalp. After a small climb up to Zingelstapfu, where the view of the Mattmark reservoir opens up, the trail quickly descends via the Furwald single trail to Saas-Grund at 1,500 m a.s.l. This part of the trail winds along old paths through the alpine larch forest.

Route Hohsaas–Weissmieshütte–Kreuzboden–Triftalp–Zingelstapfu–Saas-Grund
Distance 14,1 km
Travel time 1 hour 30 minutes
Elevation difference -69 m/+1657m
Degree of difficulty Difficult

Route map

Climbing & mountaineering

High-altitude thrills and vertical kicks

The Saas-Fee/Saastal region with its 18 four-thousand-metre peaks offers ideal conditions for high-altitude adventures on and around the mountain. From bouldering down in the valley to climbing the highest Swiss mountain – the Dom (4,545 m above sea level) – everything is possible here.

There are also numerous adventurous climbing options:

  • 18 four-thousand-metre peaks
  • 7 via ferratas
  • 3 climbing centres
  • 3 bouldering options
  • 1 bouldering room
  • 1 forest adventure rope park

Overview of climbing options

Events

Top events

As well as a diverse weekly programme, annual classics such as the Ice Climbing World Championships, the Allalin Race and the Mentelity Games take place in Saastal each year.

Spring Bike 18.–20.05.2024

On Ascension weekend, bike from 3,200 m above sea level across firn fields and single trails down to 1,560 m above sea level. A crazy descent! Saas-Fee guides are on location and can be booked directly, e.g. for a tour across the Trift Glacier. Biker menus are served in the Kreuzboden restaurant, with a live band and a bouncy castle to round off the entertainment offering. 

Spring Bike

 

SaasFeestival 6./12./19./26.07 | 09.08.2024

In July and August, enjoy a lively open-air atmosphere with great music in front of a breathtaking backdrop.

SaasFeestival

Mattmark half marathon 14.09.2024

The Mattmark half marathon takes place every September and is a highlight for all mountain runners. Experience a breathtaking half marathon around the largest natural dam in Europe.

Mattmark half marathon

Nostalgic Culinary Mile 08.09.2024

The Nostalgic Culinary Mile turns back the clock and presents authentic dishes from yesteryear. A variety of menus and exquisite Valais wines are waiting for you to try them. Slip into clothes from yesteryear and immerse yourself in the past.

Nostalgic Culinary Mile

How to get there

Saastal is easy to reach by car. From the north, the shortest route is via Kandersteg with the BLS Lötschberg car transport service directly to Valais.

Incidentally, at the tourist information centre desk in Saastal you can get discounted tickets for the Lötschberg car transport service.

No reviews 0 of 5 stars

Rate
Additional ratings

Location

Plan journey
BLS car transport service
Alteschgletscher Wanderpaar Bettmerhorn
Aletsch Arena – largest glacier in the Alps
entdecken
BLS car transport service
Leukerbad Therme Sommer Aussenbereich
Leukerbad: mountain sports & thermal springs
Discover
Newsletter
Download PDF
0 of 0 Media files