The Natureweg or Nature Path is a treat for body and soul. At first it leads through a forest with ancient Swiss stone pine trees, before entering the bare landscape left by the retreating Findel Glacier. Here, the sweeping views extend all the way to the Matterhorn. Gnarled trees of Swiss pine frame the path with larches rustling in the wind. The trail initially follows the treeline before plunging into a mysterious landscape, home to all kinds of pioneers. Ever since the retreat of the Findel Glacier more than 100 years ago, new plant species have arrived, one after the other, and struggled to establish a stronghold. This medium walk starts at Riffelalp and ends at Sunnegga with total distance of 6.21 kilometers taking approximately an hour and 40 minutes. The highest point on this walk is at 2285 meters with an ascent of 354 meters and descent of 291 meters. This beautiful trail offers the view of many 4000 meter peaks including the Matterhorn. Children can discover new types of alpine natures while walking through the beautiful Swiss stone pine. At the end of the walk, you can stop at Leisee lake to swim, have a barbecue or let children play on the playground or play on the raft on lake. This is a beautiful walk to experience the wonderful alpine nature of Zermatt with your children.
Hangebruckenweg Furi has the suspension footbridge that soars 90 vertical meters above the Gornerschlucht gorge. The view down to the foaming water of the Gornera river reveals the tremendous natural forces at work. Starting in Furi, the trail leads through the hamlet and then up to the pioneer landscape with larch trees. A wooden walkway leads over a small stream. The path then continues through bushes, a small patch of moorland and a landscape of rocks, rubbles and screes. The 100 meter long suspension bridge, made of a lattice and cable of steel, leads from one side of the valley to the other. It’s completely safe to cross, but still requires a little courage and a fairly good head for heights. Once on the other side, walkers find themselves once again in an idyllic mountain forest with larches, Swiss stone pines and squirrels. This easy walk starts at Furi and ends at Furi with total distance of 2.90 kilometers taking approximately an hour. The highest point on this walk is at 1964 meters with an ascent of 180 meters and descent of 180 meters. This thrilling walk is great for children who love to test their fears safely. You can go to the Gletschergarten Dossen or Dossen glacier garden to see what a glacier normally conceals such as boulders polished smooth, glacial mills and strange rock formations. Children who love stones and minerals will definitely have the best time here. There is also a playground and a nice barbecue site nearby for the entire family to enjoy with the magnificent views of the alpine mountain with the surrounding of the alpine forest.
