Thematic trailMedium

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.

Details

Type
Thematic trail
Difficulty
Medium
Duration
2 h
Distance
6.6 km
Ascent
174 m
Descent
515 m
Lowest point
2570 m
Highest point
2928 m

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.

Details

Type
Thematic trail
Difficulty
Medium
Duration
2 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.

Best season

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Route

Start point
Trockener Steg (2,939 m)
End point
Schwarzsee (2,583 m)

Rating

Condition
Technique
Experience
Landscape

Map

You can reach more detailed information for tour specifics by ©Outdooractive from the link placed below the map.

Properties

  • Refreshment options
  • Route tour
  • Nice views
  • Geological highlights
  • Botanical highlights
  • Cultural highlights
  • Faunistic highlights

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