recommended route
Culture Trail (Nr. 36)
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The hamlet of Zmutt at the end of the culture trailPhoto: Pascal Gertschen, Zermatt Tourismus
History fans can follow the traces of rural life in Zermatt on this hike. There are various stations along the themed trail that detail exciting stories from the past.
The culture trail is a project supported by the “Alts-Zermatt” association, which aims to make local history more accessible. From Kirchplatz the trail leads via the Herbrigg into the valley and up to the hamlet of Zmutt.
There are frequent stations along the way with information relating to cultural life of over 100 years ago – including information about a lynx trap, the management of meadows and fields and climate change.
The highlight is undoubtedly the barn on the Herbrigg, which is considered one of the oldest in Europe.
- 14 different info stations with QR codes for additional information
- Culture trail marked by brown signposts
- Basic hiking time: approx. 1.5 hours
- The themed trail is free of charge
- Further culture trails are planned
Author’s recommendation
At the hamlet of Zmutt there is also a culture trail you can follow around the surrounding buildings.
Track types
Rest stops
Z'MuttJägerstube Zmutt
Safety information
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
- Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
Tips and hints
Overview of the individual info stations & additional information (website only available in German)
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Kirchplatz - Herbrigg - Zmutt
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h)
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Kulturweg”.
Public transport
By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.
Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).
By road
Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.
Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.
Parking
Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.
Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
A walking map (1:25000) is available from Zermatt Tourism’s guest information centre, along with brochures containing tips and recommendations.
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Mobile phone with sufficient charge to scan the QR codes
Statistics
- 8 Waypoints
- 8 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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