Discover Randa: Village History and Routes into the High Mountains

When choosing somewhere to stay, both the village surroundings and possible excursions often matter. In Randa, topics range from the history of the rockslide to the residential museum and Baroque church, as well as the Way of the Cross and mountain huts. This gives you the option of planning your stay around village culture, hikes or a mix of both.

Rockslide and Landscape

The Randa rockslide was a three-part event on Längenfluh Mountain in 1991. Around 30 million cubic metres of rock fell within three weeks, dramatically changing the topography of the Matter Valley. Boulders as large as detached houses are still visible on the debris cone today. At the same time, larch trees, pioneers of the Alps, are reclaiming the debris cone. The visible boulders and returning trees represent two different aspects of this landscape: the impact of the rockslide and the subsequent development of the terrain.

Residential Museum, Church and Exhibition

The Lorihiischi residential museum is a historic building dating from the 15th to the 18th century. It offers insights into everyday farming life from the 17th to the 20th century in a Valais mountain village. This provides a different view of the past from the event-based history of the rockslide: the focus is on everyday life over several centuries.

Randa’s enlarged Baroque church dates from 1717; in 1932, J. Salzgeber added its wall paintings. The Roman Catholic church is dedicated to Saint Sebastian and is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of Regional Significance. The high altar was created in 1735 by sculptor Anton Sigristen from Glis.

The Randa Rockslide Exhibition explores the event through photographs, short texts, stories from people affected and newspaper clippings. It is housed in a converted parish stable directly beside the church. Two large openings in the building offer a view of the rockslide. The exhibition has been on permanent display since 2018; check before your arrival whether a visit is possible.

Village Trail and Hikes to Mountain Huts

The Randa Village Trail (No. 133) starts and ends at the railway station and leads through the village. From above, it offers views of the village and the mountain panorama. The trail combines a walk around Randa with views of the village and its surroundings.

The Europahütte lies above Randa, directly on the Europaweg trail between Grächen and Zermatt. It has 42 sleeping places and can be reached from Randa by various routes in around 2 to 2¼ hours. The Kinhütte offers a different high-altitude setting: at 2,584 metres, it is surrounded by the four-thousand-metre peaks of the Mischabel range, on a rocky ridge high above the Kintole Gorge. The route there starts at Randa railway station and leads via Hauspil and Grüengarten. The hut is a starting point for many high-alpine tours and hikes, as well as a stage stop on the Europaweg.

The hike to the Domhütte can also be planned by duration: it takes around 4½ hours from Randa. The hut lies at 2,940 metres below the lateral moraine of the Fescht Glacier. This gives you two different time estimates for hikes to mountain huts: around 2 to 2¼ hours to the Europahütte and around 4½ hours to the Domhütte.

Way of the Cross and Other Activities

The Randa Way of the Cross, with its 14 stations, was built in the summer of 1937 along the path from Fluhbrücke to the chapel and is a popular destination for pilgrims and hikers. From the Way of the Cross, views extend to the peaks of the Dom and Weisshorn and across the mountain scenery of Zermatt, Täsch and Randa. The history of the route, its stations and the views give this destination its distinctive character.

Winter activities in Randa include winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and an ice rink. Another activity is the Randa Treasure Hunt, a family treasure hunt through the village: clues on a treasure map lead to a final riddle and the treasure. It is available in German, English and French and can be played year-round. As programme details may change, check them before your visit.

The 9-hole-plus golf course of the Matterhorn Golf Club lies in the valley between Täsch and Randa, with nine greens and 18 tees. Beginners can also try their first swings at the driving range. Check whether the course and driving range are available before visiting. Another factor to consider when choosing where to stay is the train connection: Zermatt is around 15 minutes from Randa by train.

Discover more destinations: Grächen, Saas-Grund, Gasenried, Stalden, Zeneggen, Staldenried, Zermatt, Visp.

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