The Suspension Bridge Trail at Furi is a short, memorable circuit that suits walkers who want a thrill without a mountain day. The tourist board lists it as trail number 50, a circular theme trail of 2.9 kilometres that starts and ends at Furi, at 1,867 metres. The route runs from Furi across the suspension bridge, past a fire pit and the Dossen Glacier Garden, and back to the start. It takes about an hour in the main direction, or about an hour and a quarter in reverse, with 175 metres of ascent and descent between 1,826 and 1,965 metres, and it is graded moderate, T2. The bridge is a steel cable crossing of roughly 100 metres, hung about 90 metres above the Gorner Gorge with the Gornera river roaring below. The tourist board calls the crossing safe but says it needs some courage and a head for heights, and walkers who prefer not to cross can take an alternative path. On the far side are larch forest and, with luck, squirrels. The trail is suitable for children from about age four, with a playground and barbecue areas near the start and restaurants along the way.
The main event is the bridge, and it delivers. Steel cables, a narrow walkway and a long drop beneath you make even a short crossing feel like an adventure, yet the structure is designed for walkers and the trail is rated moderate rather than demanding. If heights worry you, the alternative path avoids the crossing entirely, so a mixed group can walk the same loop without anyone being forced. The view down into the gorge is spectacular and gives a high-level counterpoint to the walkways of the Gorner Gorge lower down the valley.
The Dossen Glacier Garden is the quieter highlight. It shows what a retreating glacier leaves behind: polished rock slabs, glacial potholes and odd rock formations that are easy to walk among. Together with the larch forest, the fire pit and the playground and barbecue areas near Furi, this makes the trail a very good family outing, with firewood available for those who want to grill. Restaurants along the way mean you do not need to carry a full picnic, though a drink and a snack are sensible.
Practicalities are simple. Furi is reached from Zermatt by gondola, which is the main cost of the outing, or on foot for those who want a longer day. Wear good footwear, bring hiking poles if you use them, and carry weather-appropriate clothing and rain protection. The page lists the trail across all months of the year, but the bridge itself is closed in winter, so check the status before you set out outside the main walking season.
The trail combines well with a visit to Schwarzsee, which is on the same lift line, or with the Gorner Gorge on the way back to the village.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided circular trail from Furi that crosses a steel cable suspension bridge above the Gorner Gorge and passes the Dossen Glacier Garden.
Best time
The walking season, in dry weather; the bridge is closed in winter.
How long
About one hour for the 2.9 kilometre loop, plus time at the bridge, the glacier garden and a meal.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, bring rain protection and use the alternative path if you are uneasy with heights.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and casual walkers who want a mild thrill and a short, varied loop.
- Families
- Suitable for children from about age four, with a playground and barbecue areas near the start.
- Couples
- A fun shared challenge with a view over the gorge, then a meal at one of the restaurants.
- Pair with
- Schwarzsee or the Gorner Gorge for a second short outing.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, plus the gondola ride to Furi.
Good questions
How long is the trail?+
It is a circular route of 2.9 kilometres that takes about one hour, or about an hour and a quarter in the reverse direction, with 175 metres of ascent and descent.
How high and how long is the bridge?+
The steel cable bridge is roughly 100 metres long and about 90 metres above the Gorner Gorge.
Do I have to cross the bridge?+
No. The tourist board notes that those who are afraid of heights can take an alternative path.
Can children do it?+
The trail is recommended for children from about age four, and there is a playground and barbecue areas near the start.
Is it open in winter?+
The bridge is closed in winter, so the trail is a walking-season outing. Check the status before you go.
