Zermatt-Täsch Railway Trail (Nr. 50)

The path leads through a variety of terrain, across forest, meadows and pastures. Here the star attractions are the trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn – and, just before 9 am and just after 5pm, the Glacier Express with its panoramic carriages. As walkers approach the large marmot colony, the furry rodents whistle in alarm and disappear into their burrows (the noise of the trains, however, does not disturb them at all). Hikers only have to sit still for a while for the charming creatures to appear again.

At the Air Zermatt heliport on the way out of Zermatt, weather permitting, walkers can watch the movements of the helicopters. The dramatic take-offs and landings are often a matter of life and death. On occasions, a helicopter will return from a mission with the mountain rescuer still balancing on the landing skid.

• Alpine columbine and other mountain flowers, depending on season

• Marmots

• Barbecue site with picnic area

• Appropriate for children from age 4