Grächen: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
High on a sun terrace above the Matter Valley lies the romantic mountain village of Grächen. Look forward to a varied summer or winter holiday in the canton of Valais. Skiing during the cold season, hiking on the 250 km network of trails are some of the highlights. On the Hannigalp, there is an exciting family park.
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Grächen - Must-see attractions
Hannigalp
Hannigalp, located at an altitude of 2,114 meters, is connected to Grächen by a gondola lift. The gondolas are adorned with fairy tale motifs, which particularly delight children. Right next to the mountain station, you will find a cozy stop at the mountain inn with traditional Swiss delicacies. Active vacationers can tackle the summer or winter hiking trail to Hannigalp in both warm and cold seasons. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking mountain panorama. The view extends to the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
Grächen-Grund
Fragrant larch forests, alpine flowers, ibexes, and marmots can be discovered on hikes in Grächen, with a guarantee of sunshine. After all, the holiday region in Valais offers 300 sunny days per year. The Hannigalp cable car ensures a comfortable ascent. In the Grächen ski area, there are enough kilometers of slopes for all difficulty levels. It reaches a height of up to 2,864 m. Two toboggan runs provide variety. 38 km of winter hiking trails and 23 km of snowshoe trails lead through the winter wonderland.
Parish Church of St. Nicholas
The prayer room of the parish church of St. Niklaus was inaugurated in the 1950s. Noteworthy is the Nicholas sculpture in front of the building, which is considered the largest in the world. Equally striking is the medieval onion tower that was integrated into the construction. Although the parish church of St. Niklaus was consecrated in the 20th century, the tower is significantly older. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is made of massive natural stones. The onion dome is one of the most famous in Valais and Switzerland.
Village Grächen
Grächen stretches above the Mattertal at an altitude of around 1,680 meters. The Hannigalpbahn takes you even further up into the fascinating mountain world of the Swiss Valais. Downhill runs into the village are popular from the Hannigalp. More leisurely are hikes to the Grächensee. In winter, the mountain village transforms into a ski resort. 44 kilometers of ski slopes of all difficulty levels and four children's parks invite young and old to enjoy the slopes. With the adventure world of Grächen's Magic Water and the Fairy Tale Gondola, there is much to offer families in Grächen all year round.
Sports Center / Robi's Forest Playground Grächen
Robi's forest playground spans over 2,000 m². In the rope park, the youngest test their fear of heights at various stations. Accuracy is required on the mini-golf course, where parents compete with children. The leisure paradise is located in the shade of mighty trees. While children slide and swing at the playground, parents like to rest on the park benches. You can buy snacks, fresh cakes, and drinks at a kiosk. Additionally, there are barbecue areas in Robi's forest playground. You can borrow cutlery at the kiosk.
Europe Road
The Europaweg was opened in 1997 and has a length of 31 km. From the starting point in Grächen, the beautiful high-altitude trail stretches over Gasenried and Herbriggen to the Europahütte in Randa. It continues over the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. The longest suspension bridge in Switzerland spans the Grabengufer. The Europaweg then leads over the Täschalp and the Sunnegga mountain station. From here, you can either take the Sunnegga Express to Zermatt or complete the last kilometers on foot.
Grächen - Secret spots
Grächen Church
The Grächen Church is a tranquil retreat amidst the Alps. Its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere provide a perfect setting for moments of reflection. The church dates back to the 19th century and is known for its elaborate stained glass windows that bathe the interior in colorful light.
Ried Glacier Viewpoint (St. Niklaus)
The Ried Glacier viewpoint in St. Niklaus offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Ried Glacier. This viewpoint is less known and therefore often deserted, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The glacier is one of the few in the region that is still steadily growing.
Tummigbach Waterfall (Herbriggen)
The Tummigbach Waterfall in Herbriggen is a hidden natural wonder that impresses with its pristine beauty. The waterfall plunges in several cascades into the depths, creating a soothing rush. Near the waterfall, there are rare plant species that are found only in this region.
Little Furggen
The Kleine Furggen is a remote mountain pass that rewards hikers with its pristine landscape. The pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Historically, the Kleine Furggen was an important trade route, now used only by a few adventurers.
Grächen - In 3 days
Day 1
The first day in Grächen begins with a leisurely stroll through the charming village center. The traditional Valais wooden houses and picturesque alleys immediately transport you to an alpine fairy tale world. Visit the village church, which impresses with its simple beauty and offers insight into the local culture. After breakfast, head to Hannigalp, which you can easily reach by cable car. Once at the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding four-thousand-meter peaks and the Matter Valley. Take a gentle hike on the Fairy Tale Trail, which is particularly suitable for families and delights with lovingly designed figures and stories. Around midday, stop by one of the cozy mountain huts and enjoy regional specialties like raclette or Älplermagronen. In the afternoon, you can let loose in the Hannigalp rope park or take a relaxing pedal boat ride on Lake Grächen. End the day with a walk through the evening mountain landscape and let the peace and beauty of nature take effect on you.
Day 2
Start your second day in Grächen with a hearty breakfast before heading to the SiSu Family Park. This adventure park offers fun and entertainment for young and old with its numerous playgrounds, slides, and climbing frames. Then take the cable car to Hannigalp and hike along the panoramic trail, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At lunchtime, stop by one of the mountain huts and enjoy traditional Valais dishes like Rösti or Valais platter. In the afternoon, visit the Alpine Museum to learn more about the life and traditions of the region. Afterwards, you can relax in the wellness area of one of the local hotels and unwind. End the day with a cozy dinner and a glass of Valais wine while admiring the sunset over the Alps.
Day 3
Start your third day in Grächen with a visit to the picturesque Grächner Lake. Enjoy the morning tranquility and take a walk along the shore while breathing in the fresh mountain air. Then take the cable car to Furggenalp, where you can embark on a more challenging hike. The trail leads you through impressive alpine landscapes and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. At lunchtime, stop by one of the mountain huts and try regional specialties like cheese slices or a hearty barley soup. In the afternoon, visit the Suonen Museum, which introduces you to the region's historical irrigation systems. Afterwards, you can relax in the village center with a leisurely stroll through the small shops and boutiques. End your day with a visit to a traditional Valais wine cellar, where you can taste local wines and learn more about wine production in the region.