The Findlerweg, trail number 49, is the classic walk down from the Sunnegga side of Zermatt through the hamlet of Findeln. It starts at Sunnegga, at 2,288 metres, runs past the lake at Leisee and the traditional hamlet of Findeln, and ends at Winkelmatten at about 1,650 metres, a descent of roughly 615 metres over 3.9 kilometres. The tourist board gives about one hour and ten minutes in this direction and about two hours in reverse, and grades it moderate, T2. Matterhorn views open up from the start, with the surrounding four-thousanders of the Valais Alps behind, and the open forest on the lower section is a welcome change from the high pastures. Findeln itself is a cluster of old wooden buildings with a small chapel dedicated to James the Elder, and the tourist board calls its terraces some of the most beautiful spots in the Matter Valley, so a stop for lunch or a drink is part of the experience. There are restaurants along the way and the trail is listed as suitable in every month, though snow changes the character in winter.
What sets this walk apart is that the hard work is done by the lift. You ride the funicular up to Sunnegga and then simply walk down, with the Matterhorn in front of you for much of the first stretch. That makes the Findlerweg one of the best options for visitors who want a real mountain walk without a long climb, and it works equally well for families with older children, couples and anyone whose knees prefer descents. The reverse direction is a harder, slower climb of about two hours, so most people go downhill.
Findeln is the highlight. The hamlet has stood here for centuries, and its wooden houses, stables and chapel give a sense of the older, farming Zermatt that sits just above the modern resort. The terrace restaurants take advantage of the view, and the pace of a long lunch here is part of why the Findlerweg is so popular. Because the terraces are busy in peak weeks, it helps to arrive a little before the usual lunch hour or to book ahead if a particular place matters to you.
Practicalities
Wear good footwear, bring poles if you like them for the descent, and carry rain protection and sun cover, because the weather can change quickly at Sunnegga. A GPX track and a tour sheet are available from the tourist board for those who like to navigate by phone. In winter the area is also served by marked winter hiking routes, but conditions vary, so check the current trail status and follow the signed winter paths rather than the summer route if snow is lying.
The walk combines naturally with the Five Lakes Walk, since both begin from the Sunnegga side, or you can treat it as a relaxed half-day by itself.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided downhill walk from Sunnegga through the hamlet of Findeln to Winkelmatten, with a lunch stop on a terrace.
Best time
Clear days for the Matterhorn views; the trail is listed for every month but winter snow changes the route.
How long
About one hour and ten minutes of walking for the 3.9 kilometre route, two to three hours with a meal.
Tips
Take the funicular up, walk down, wear sturdy shoes and book or arrive early at Findeln in busy weeks.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers who want Matterhorn views and a good lunch without a big climb.
- Families
- Fine for children who can manage a 3.9 kilometre descent and a steady path.
- Couples
- A relaxed, scenic walk ending with a long lunch on a terrace.
- Pair with
- The Five Lakes Walk, which starts from the same side of the valley.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
How long is the Findlerweg?+
The route is 3.9 kilometres from Sunnegga to Winkelmatten and takes about one hour and ten minutes downhill, or about two hours in reverse.
Where does it start and end?+
It starts at Sunnegga at 2,288 metres, passes Leisee and Findeln, and ends at Winkelmatten at about 1,650 metres.
How hard is it?+
The tourist board grades it moderate, T2. The route is mostly downhill, with about 615 metres of descent.
Is there somewhere to eat?+
Yes. Findeln has terrace restaurants with Matterhorn views, and there are restaurants along the way. Opening hours vary by season.
Can I walk it in winter?+
The page lists every month as suitable, but snow changes conditions, so check the trail status and use marked winter paths where snow is lying.
