Page Type:
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Route |
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Route Type:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Summer |
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Time Required:
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One to two days |
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Overview
Fluealp and Strahlhorn from StellisseThis circular alpine hike starting and finishing in Zermatt can be done in a long day or alternatively in a more leisurely two days staying overnight in the Tasch Hut.
The scenery throughout is spectacular, surrounded by numerous 4000m+ peaks, with the Mattherhorn providing a fantastic backdrop especially in the second half of the route
The route initially takes the uplift cable to Blauherd from Zermatt and then ascends past the picturesque Stellisse lake to Fluealp (hut) with glacial views onto the Monte Rosa and Allalin Groups.
Onwards and upwards from here the highest point reached is the summit of Pfulwe which at 3314m offers a wonderful 360 deg panorama especially to the east towards the Strahlhorn, Rimpfischorn and Adlerhorn.
The return journey descends the Taschalp valley with views onto the Weisshorn and the option of staying overnight in the Tasch Hut. In early summer this high valley is especially picturesque with a beautiful display of alpine flora on show as you descend through the meadows.
From Ottafe, at the bottom of Taschalp, the route joins the Europaweg on a high balcony traverse towards Zermatt and the Matterhorn passing the Weisshorn on the way..things simply don’t get any better than this!
Getting There
Weisshorn and alpine flowers from Taschalp.This is the easy part: Switzerland has the best integrated transport system in the world, use it!
The Glacier Express train route is worth the journey to Zermatt in its own right.
Route Description
Matterhorn reflected in the StelliseeFrom Zermatt take the funicular to Sunnega and then the cable to Blauherd. From here take the south east path heading to Stellisee and then head easily up to the Fluealp hut 2607m.
From here continue heading east on the left side of the moraine until you reach the second of two small lakes and take the left fork in the path heading upwards to the col between Spitxi Flue and Pfulwe.
Turn right at the col and scramble easily to the summit of Pfulwe 3314m.
Descend back to the col and then continue northwards down over the snowfield past a small lake and a steep path down towards the Mellichbach stream and down further still to the Taschalp valley. Follow the stream down through meadows to the village of Ottafe.
From here follow the path heading back up the valley, go over the bridge and turn right to follow the path skirting above the stream and around the Unt Sattla (North West) to join the Europaweg. The Europaweg follows the scenic high level balcony route back to Zermatt via Tufteren.
Essential Gear
Matterhorn from the EuropawagHigh level mountain hiking gear.
An ice axe and crampons early in the season.
External
LINK TO MAP OF AREA