Saas-Almagell between high-altitude trails and Mattmark

Saas-Almagell offers a range of options to consider when planning a trip: hiking trails and alpine scenery, winter activities, and village culture. The Mattmark reservoir is also a destination for excursions.

Village character and culture

Old barns, soothing tranquillity, idyllic corners and a small lake are all part of Saas-Almagell’s typical village character. In the village centre, there is a mini-golf and pit-pat course beside the small lake. This means you can consider a stroll through the village centre and a round of mini-golf as different aspects of a visit to the village.

A cultural landmark in the Saas Valley is the parish church of St. Barbara in Saas-Almagell. Its predecessor was a chapel built in 1692. The present church houses a Baroque high altar dating from 1694, which comes from the workshop of Johann Sigristen in Brig. The two dates refer to different parts of the church’s history: the former chapel and the high altar.

At the Agricultural Museum, Philipp Blumenthal tells stories about everyday life in the past. On display are tools used by families working in agriculture. Visits are possible by request; presentation details may change. Please check in advance before visiting. The museum is another way to explore everyday life in the past, alongside the architectural and art-historical perspective offered by the parish church.

Hiking trails and Mattmark

In summer, Saas-Almagell offers hiking trails. The Almageller Höhenweg is described as a moderately difficult hike covering 11.07 kilometres and taking 3 hours and 15 minutes. The first section follows an alpine flower trail where around 240 flower species are presented, including edelweiss and gentian. What blooms along the trail depends on the weather and flowering season.

An exposed section of the high-altitude trail crosses two suspension bridges, 45 and 60 metres long. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are required for this route. Together, the duration, difficulty and these requirements provide practical guidance for planning. Trail conditions may vary by season; take this into account when choosing the day.

Another excursion destination near Saas-Almagell is the Mattmark reservoir. The trail along the western shore is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Mattmark dam is considered Europe’s largest earth dam; the reservoir, used to generate electricity, lies in a ruggedly romantic landscape. Access conditions may vary by season. For bikers, switchbacks lead through alpine meadows to the natural dam. The pumping station can also be visited at the Zermeiggern power plant.

The Mattmark Bike route is suitable for e-bikes. The described public transport journey takes the train to Visp, the post bus to Saas-Grund and another post bus towards Saas-Almagell/Mattmark. The starting point is at the Dorfplatz Saas-Almagell stop. Check current timetables and connections before travelling.

Winter, ski area and climbing

In winter, the snow-covered sunny terrace of Furggstalden is an inviting place to visit. The neighbouring Furggstalden-Heidbodme ski area is considered particularly family-friendly. This should be distinguished from the information about the Saas-Almagell ski area: it has eight lifts, and the ski runs reach an altitude of 2,400 metres.

Kian’s Adventure Land in Furggstalden is aimed at children. The 200-metre-long course features 40 cartoon characters; other activities include Kids-Skidoo, snow tubing, a treasure map hunt, a children’s slalom, a ski park, a carousel, an igloo cinema and a tipi. These activities complement the winter sports options with a dedicated offering for younger guests.

Boulder Town in Saas-Almagell offers a different activity: around 80 bouldering problems with difficulty grades ranging from III to 7b+. Outdoor climbing conditions and access to the sectors may change; check both before your visit. Take the bus towards Saas-Almagell and get off at the «Alpien» stop to reach Boulder Town. As public transport connections may also change, it is a good idea to check the current route.

Your search for a hotel in Saas-Almagell can start with the experiences that really matter to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Zeneggen, Randa, Saas-Grund, Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Stalden, St. Niklaus, Gasenried.

See the main travel overview: Visp.