The Glacier Garden Trail (Nr. 17) in Zermatt explores the unique landscape formed by the Gorner glacier over hundreds of years. Today is it filled with larch trees on both sides of a river that flows from the glacier.

This area is particularly beautiful in fall when the larch trees turn bright yellow, usually mid-October.

Near the mouth of the valley, you can stop at a forested picnic area with a nice playground. Then cross a slightly scary suspension bridge across a deep gorge.

Here are two options for hiking to this valley.

Option 1: Hike down from Riffelberg

The official trail starts at the Riffelberg stop of the Gornergrat train. Then follow the trail to Gletschergarten, descending some steep switchbacks down to the valley. This is best for those with hiking experience and steady footing, no knee problems or vertigo.

Once you reach the river valley, we suggest taking a break along the river. Then proceed down the valley and across the suspension bridge. The trail ends at the Füri gondola station, where you can ride down to Zermatt or continue hiking down to the village.

Stats: moderate • 3 hours • 7 km one way • 75m up, 800m down

Open: late June to mid October

See trail map on Komoot.

Learn more about this hike on SwissFamilyFun.com

Option 2: Round trip from Furi

If you want to skip the steep downhill or want to spend less on mountain railways, you can instead ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola to the Furi station. Then hike up to the glacier valley about 90 mins.

On the way back, visit the Gletschergarten where you can see geological formations created by the glacier. Pass through the picnic area, cross the suspension bridge and end back at Füri.

Stats: moderate • 3 hours • 6.4 km round trip • 300m up & down See trail map on Komoot.

Tickets for the mountain railways vary widely depending on which season you visit and which trail version you choose. You get a discount with the Swiss Travel Pass, SBB GA and Half-fare.