Embd: Hiking in a Terraced Mountain Village
Accommodation in Embd
Embd is a steep, terraced Valais mountain village at 1,358 m above sea level. Its distinctive quartz stone roofs define the village, while its winding lanes repeatedly open up views of the surrounding mountains. When looking for a hotel in Embd, consider whether you would most like to experience the village, the hiking trails, or the region’s landscape.
Hiking around Embd
Embd is part of an extensive hiking area. The Gogwärgji Trail leads from Schalb to Embd and through the heart of the Magic Forest. Troll stories written by Embd’s schoolchildren are featured at its seven stops. You can read the stories on signs or listen to them on your smartphone using a QR code. There are several places along the trail to stop and enjoy views of the mountains and the Ried Glacier. Stories, the forest passage, and the views each give this trail its own character.
The Yak Trail offers a different experience: it follows the tracks of the yaks that have called Embd home since 1995, passing old, picturesque hamlets and places where rare plants and animals can be found. The Schalb–Pletschen–Moosalp hike is considered family-friendly and leads from Schalb via the Embd Alpine pasture at Pletschen to Moosalp. The Schalb–Jungen–St. Niklaus hike features narrow paths, forests with diverse flora, and impressive rock faces.
Routes with a mountain pass, high trails, and panoramic views
If you plan your hike around specific stages, there are several routes to choose from. The Schalb–Augstbord Pass–Gruben hike starts in Schalb, passes the Augstbord huts, and crosses the Augstbord Pass before descending to Gruben. The Schalb–Jungu high trail starts in Schalb, above Embd, and follows the heights of the Matter Valley to Jungen. The hike from Embd via Törbel to Zeneggen first crosses Embd’s hamlets and meadows to Törbel, then continues to Zeneggen; it can be extended to Bürchen.
The Augstbordhorn tour also has its own distinct landscape: the section between Embd and Oberems is characterized by villages and agriculture. Typical Valais Eringer cows, black-nosed sheep, and white Alpine sheep continue to graze on the Alpine pastures of the Augstbord region in summer. This regional perspective differs from the specific route descriptions through forests and hamlets or over a mountain pass.
Village life and experiences
The Embd–Schalb adventure railway takes you to a viewpoint at 1,900 m above sea level. Along the way, a treasure hunt challenges participants to complete eight tasks to open the treasure chest at the destination. It is particularly suitable for families with children and school classes looking for an outdoor experience. So, alongside the hikes, there is also a viewpoint and an activity for groups to enjoy.
The local culinary offering includes the Kulinarischer Ă„mbdercher, a culinary hike in Embd organized by an association for many years. Local delicacies are served at eight different stops. The event combines exercise with regional tastings, while each of the hiking trails mentioned offers its own landscapes and route.
Getting here by cable car
The Kalpetran–Embd cable car connects Kalpetran and Embd. If you are planning to use it to reach Embd, it is a good idea to check the timetable. To plan the rest of your stay, consider using a specific route description, the kind of landscape you would like to see, or a culinary event as your focus.
Discover more destinations: Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Saas-Balen, Visperterminen, Grächen, Saas-Grund, Visp, Gasenried.
Back to the main travel overview: Visp.
