Saas Fee is a small village located in the canton of Wallis at an altitude of 1’800 m, which enchants at first sight. The unusual atmosphere of the place is created by the nearby glaciers and the mighty mountain peaks, which can already be seen from the village streets. It is not without reason that Saas Fee is called the “Pearl of the Alps”.

The video for the world-famous Christmas song “Last Christmas” was filmed here.

A superb panorama from Hannig mountain station

The hike starts at Hannig mountain station, from where several four-thousand-metre peaks, such as the Allalinhorn (4’027 m), Alphubel (4,206 m) and the Mischabel mountain range’s Dom (4’545 m) and Täschhorn (4’491 m), are beautifully presented.

Glacial landscape

The route takes you down a mountain slope to Trift and on through the Gand moraine to a unique site with a network of small streams that feed a glacial lake. This tranquil, scree landscape was created by the retreat of the glacier. And the whole area is surrounded by coniferous trees. It looks extremely picturesque.

Then, already heading upwards towards Spielboden, you pass the restaurant “Glaciergrotte”, where you can take a short rest before continuing your ascent.

Local marmots

I must stress that Spielboden attracts not only for its sensational views and proximity to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, but also for its tame marmots.

Well, there are plenty of marmot burrows in the area, which are reportedly so used to the sight of people that they allow themselves to be fed straight from their hand. I didn’t get a chance to try this, as they had all gone into a deep sleep by October. I must admit, however, that I shyly and quietly peeked into their burrows.

The final leg of the route

After descending from Spielboden, the next stage of the trail takes you over ski tracks where you have to watch out for slipping stones and along wooded slopes. Be warned, too, that in autumn, in the shadier areas, you may encounter icy conditions. There are very short stretches covered in ice, but nevertheless great care must be taken on narrow paths. When hiking in autumn, it is also possible to come across an icy waterfall.

Those who want to avoid ice obstacles, however, can take the neighbouring route, which leads down the valley straight to Saas Fee.

Car-free streets

Last but not least, Saas Fee is car-free. So drivers must leave their car in the car park, which is located at the entrance to the village.