We were lucky to do this hike with friends who have a holiday home in Saas Fee and know this area well. On paper, the hike seemed a little far from the main action. But it was absolutely gorgeous with a ridge with big panorama views and three glaciers in sight. We even sighted two steinbock (alpine ibex) fighting in the distance.
It was a bit of a tough climb up for 1 hr, then a steep descent for two hours, all the way back to Saas Fee. The end is in the forest, a nice break from the hot sun but no views at that point.
| Region: | Saas Fee, Valais, Switzerland |
| Start: | Saas-Fee Hannig gondola |
| End: | Saas-Fee village |
| Car: | Parking: Parkhaus Saas-Fee (Dorfplatz, 3906 Saas-Fee) |
| Transport: | Bus stop: Saas Fee, Post |
| Trail: | 9.5 km one way, about 4 hours |
| Elevation: | highest point 2700m |
| Skill: | moderate, red/white mountain trail, Swiss trail rating T2 |
| Condition: | narrow rocky footpath, not suitable for strollers |
| Services: | mountain restaurant and playground at start |
| Cost 2020: | Gondola one way CHF 25/adult Reduction for SBB Half-fare & GA. Junior cards accepted. Included with SaastalCard |
| Open: | June to mid-October, first ascent 7:30 in summer |
| More info: | cable car website • webcam |
Overview
This trail is located in the car-free village of Saas Fee in southern Switzerland. See on Google Maps.
Hiking map
This is a one-way trail from the top of the Saa-Fee-Hannig gondola back down to the Saas Fee village. It’s a rocky mountain trail, best with sturdy shoes and hiking sticks.
Video
A short video of our hike at Hannig in mid July 2020.
Getting There
This hike starts in the car free village of Saas Fee. So you need to get to the entrance to the village by car or bus, then walk through the village to the cable car station.
By car: Drive to Saas Fee and park in the parking garage at the entrance of the village. You can’t drive any further than the parking garage so you can’t get lost.
By public transport: Take a bus to Saas Fee Post, which is at the entrance to the village.
Whether you arrived by bus or car, walk through the village to the Hannig gondola as shown on the map below.
Tickets & Operating Times
You need a one-way ticket on the Hannig gondola. In 2020, this costs CHF 25/adult. A 50% discount for those with SBB Half-fare, GA or Swiss Travel Pass. Children with a SBB Junior Card or under 6 travel free. Those with the SaastalCard (guest card for those staying overnight in the area) ride free.
The gondola runs for summer season daily from mid-June through mid-October from 9:00 – 16:30. Check current info here.
1. Riding up to Hannig
Here’s the top of the Hannig gondola, where you’ll find a restaurant.
Follow signs to Mällig.
The trail starts with a steep, but short climb, gaining 100m of elevation over 1 km.
Lots of glacier views on this part.
After about 25 mins, you reach Mällig at 2700, almost the highest point. You have another 64m of elevation gain to Senggflüe, then the climbing is over.
Very rocky but the path is well marked and not difficult to spot.
After Mällig you get a little rest on this flat part.
The last climb to Senggflüe.
After the climb to Senggflüe at 2764m, it’s flat for a bit as you approach the other side of the mountain.
Now the long downhill, descending about 600m over the next 3.2 km. It starts quite steep and rocky.
Then it evens out and traverses the mountain, dipping into the forest.
It gets more grassy and lush the farther you get down the mountain.
Follow signs back to Saas Fee.
The trail ends at the edge of the Saas Fee village. Just follow the road all the way back to town.
I hope you like it!
