Plattjen to Saas Fee (Gemsweg Part 2)

Distance: 3.9 miles (one way)

near Saas Fee in The Valais

13,000-ft. peaks rising to the west of Saas Fee

13,000-ft. peaks rising to the west of Saas Fee

 

Great views of the Mischabel peaks towering above Saas Fee and the Saas Valley are the highlights of this short trail descending from Plattjen to Saas Fee along the Gemsweg
See Trail Detail/Full Description

  • Distance: 3.9 miles (one way)
  • Elevation: 8,447-ft. at Trailhead
    Maximum elevation: 5,854-ft.
  • Elevation Gain: -2,593-ft.
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • More Hikes in:
    Saas Fee / The Valais

Why Hike Plattjen to Saas Fee (Gemsweg Part 2)

This short hike offers terrific views of the 13,000-ft. (4,000-meter) peaks of the Mischabel Range, the Hohbalm and Fee Glaciers and the Saas Valley. Starting in Plattjen, reached by a gondola from Saas Fee, the trail drops down rocky meadows and then travels through low-lying shrubs and larch forests as it curves around the east and south slopes above Saas Fee.

This splendid half day hike, accompanied by terrific views, can be extended when combined with the reverse of the hike from Hannig to Saas Fee. The resulting 5.6 miles hike, called the Gemsweg, essentially follows a 180-degree arc around the lower slopes of cirque surrounding the Saas Fee.

The second half of the hike to Hannig travels by a glacial lake fed by a beautiful waterfall, climbs a moraine wall and then ascends through pretty meadows along the steep slopes above the west side of Saas Fee. Along the way the trail enjoys bird’s-eye views of the stunning glacial cirque surrounding Saas Fee and the peaks rising along the east side of the Saas Valley. At Hannigalp a gondola descends to Sass Fee. For more information see the Hannig to Saas Fee hike.

Whether you just take the trail from Plattjen to Saas Fee or combine the hike with the Hannig trail you are guaranteed to have a great walk.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile for Plattjen to Saas Fee Hike

Best Hiking in Switzerland in the Valais, Bernese Alps, the Engadine and Davos

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Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Saas Fee

Region Information:
The Valais

Other Hiking Regions in:
Switzerland