| Region: | Saastal, Valais, Switzerland |
| Start/End: | Mattmark dam, Saas-Almagell 2245 |
| Car: | Parking: 46°02’54.9″N 7°57’20.4″E 1hr from Brig, 4hr from Zürich |
| Public transport: | Bus stop: Mattmark 1hr40 from Brig, 3hr30 from Zürich HB |
| Trail: | 8 km loop, about 2.5 hours |
| Elevation: | highest point 2245m |
| Skill: | easy yellow walking path, Swiss trail rating T1 |
| Condition: | wide dirt path, strollers ok on west side |
| Services: | restaurant & WC at start of trail |
| Cost: | free |
| Open: | June thru October |
| More info: | saas-fee.ch webcams |
Overview
This reservoir is located in the Saastal in southern Switzerland, accessible by car or bus, no mountain transport necessary.
The trail is a loop around the lake, mostly a wide dirt path, easy walking. It took us a little over 2 hours. The west side of the trail is mostly a service road, so possible with all-terrain strollers. The east side of the lake is more rocky with some obstacles.
Getting There
The trail starts right on the side of the road at the bus stop and parking.
By car: Drive to Saas-Almagell then keep driving up the valley all the way to the end of the road at the Mattmark dam. There is lots of metered parking along the road.
By public transport: Take bus 513 from Saas Grund to Mattmark (a 24 min ride). It only runs a few times a day, so check the schedule carefully before heading out. In 2020, it runs from Saas Grund, Post once an hour on the hour until 17:00. On the way back, it leaves on the xx:26, last bus at 17:26.
1. Arriving at Mattmark dam
The restaurant at the dam. We ate here while waiting out a rain storm. Our kids were happy to have big ice cream sundaes before heading out to hike. There’s a WC here as well.
The view from the dam is nice even if you choose not to walk around the lake.
The view from the dam down the Saastal valley you drove up to get here.
2. Starting the trail on the west side
We chose to hike counterclockwise but I don’t think it matters much which direction you hike. Follow the “Seerundgang” trail signs.
There are two tunnels on the west side. One instructs walkers to go through the tunnel. It’s a bit dark.
The second tunnel instructs walkers to take a small walking path around the outside of the tunnel. If you have a stroller, you’ll need to go through the tunnel.
Here’s the walking path outside the tunnel.
Flowers and waterfalls along the trail.
Looking back at the dam.
At the far side of the lake, the trail splits but continue to follow the Seerundgang. The other trail goes up to Italy. We’ll have to try that sometime.
A beautiful river flowing from the peaks above.
Probably the nicest view on the lake. If we had more time, I would have liked to scramble down to the water. There were a few faint paths going down there but we were there late in the afternoon and trying to beat the rain.
3. East side of the lake
Now continuing back on the east side of the lake.
It gets a bit more lumpy and bumpy on this side. Still easy walking but some rocks to walk over.
Looking back along the trail.
More waterfalls rushing down the mountain.
Almost done. Now’s the time to check your watch and see if you need to hurry to catch the bus.
4. End of the trail at the dam
Arriving at the dam.
It takes long than you might think to cross the dam. The sign says 10 mins and it takes every second.
I hope you like this lake walk!
2 responses
Have you by chance done this in winter? https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/winter-hiking/paths/route-0875.html
Any insights, if so?
No I haven’t done it in winter. But I have driven that road in summer. It looks like the “path” is on the actual road, which is a little odd. I suspect in winter that this area is mostly in the shade since there are tall mountains on both sides and it was already quite shady even in summer. The view of the lake would be fantastic I’m sure. But I would probably choose a different walk that is higher in the mountains so you get more sun during the walk. Let me know if you do it.