Höhbalmen High Altitude Trail

This trail is considered moderately difficult to hard, or T2-T3/T4-T6 on the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) scale. It involves a significant elevation gain of around 1,190 to 1,330 meters (approximately 4,000 feet) and requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy shoes, and some alpine experience. Some narrow sections can feel exposed.

The Edelweiss Trail via Höhbalmen (No. 30) is a long day hike, usually taking 7 to 9 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take to enjoy the views.

The trail offers continuous and stunning views of the Matterhorn, including its north face and Zmutt ridge. You'll also see panoramic vistas of other 4,000-meter peaks like the Breithorn and Monte Rosa massif, as well as the Zmutt glacier tongue and other sparkling glaciers. Key highlights include the View of the Matterhorn from Wisshornweg, the View of the Matterhorn from Höhbalmen, and a Waterfall With View of the Matterhorn. You'll also pass the Zmutt Dam and Waterfall.

The trail is famous for its alpine meadows, which are full of wildflowers, including the rare edelweiss, especially during the summer. You might also spot Valais Blacknose sheep and potentially black-necked ibex in the higher elevations.

The best time to hike this trail is during the summer months, typically from June to September, when the alpine meadows are in full bloom with wildflowers, including the edelweiss. The weather is generally more stable, and the trail is free of snow.

Generally, dogs are allowed on hiking trails in Switzerland, but they should be kept on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife. Be prepared to carry water for your dog, as natural water sources might be limited or unsuitable. Always check local regulations before you go.

No, you do not need a special permit to hike the Edelweiss Trail via Höhbalmen (No. 30), nor are there any entrance fees for the trail itself. However, if you use any cable cars or public transport to reach the trailhead, those will incur costs.

The trail is a circular route near Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt is a car-free village, so you'll need to arrive by train. From Zermatt, you can typically start the hike directly from the village or use local buses or cable cars to reach a higher starting point, depending on your preferred route variation. There is no parking directly at the trailhead in Zermatt itself.

The terrain is varied, starting with a vigorous and unrelenting ascent. It then levels out across the Höhbalmen plateau, offering stunning views. The path includes mostly accessible sections but also features narrow, rocky parts that can feel exposed due to the high elevation. Expect zigzag descents, particularly when approaching the Zmutt Valley. It has both 'alpine' and 'natural' sections.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Edelweissweg, Matternhorn-Trail, Wisshornweg, and Kulturweg, among others. This allows for potential connections to other hiking experiences in the Zermatt area.

Given its length and difficulty, you should bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, appropriate layers of clothing for changing mountain weather, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a map or GPS device, and a first-aid kit. Trekking poles can also be very helpful for the ascents and descents.