The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps. It measures 494 meters in length and takes 10 minutes to cross. The bridge is located above Randa village, near Zermatt in Switzerland.
The only way to get to the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is by foot. Starting at the Randa train station, it takes 1:30 – 2 hours to hike up to the bridge.
When combined with lunch at Europahütte, this pleasant 4-hour circuit hike is a nice outing from Zermatt. Because most of the hike is in forest, this hike is suitable for overcast, or cloudy days.
- Trailhead: Randa, Mattertal, Valais, Switzerland | Google Maps
- Distance: 8.3 km circuit
- Time Needed: 4 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 860 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate (T2)
- Minimum Elevation: 1407 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2267 meters
- Weather Forecast: MeteoSwiss Zermatt
- Where to Stay in Täsch: Hotel Matterhorn Inn (budget)
- Where to Stay in Zermatt: Haus Zer Weidu (budget), Jolimont Apartments (midrange), Hotel Bristol (midrange), Schweizerhof Zermatt (luxury), and The Omnia (luxury)
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hiking Map
To view an interactive map of this Randa hike, take a look at our Zermatt hiking guide.
Essential Trail Info
Hiking Season | This hike is open between May – October, when the bridge is snow-free.
Trail Direction | You can hike the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge trail in either direction. We hiked counter-clockwise, ascending the Höüschbiel Route and descending the much steeper Lärchberg route. If you have sensitive knees, you may want to hike clockwise, so that you ascend the steepest part of the trail.
Difficulty | Moderate (T2). Hikers must be comfortable tackling steep terrain and 860 meters of elevation gain and loss.
Trail Variations | There is an optional detour to Europahütte.
Where to Eat | Europahütte. Cash and card payment accepted.
Responsible Hiking | Do not cross the suspension bridge during a thunderstorm.
Entrance Fee | There is no fee to hike across the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge.
Randa – Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge – Europahütte Trail Description
Randa to Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (Höüschbiel ascent route) (1:30 – 2 hours)
Locate the yellow trail signs near the Randa train station. Walk through the charming village of Randa.
After passing the church, the narrow cobbled road ascends amid timber stilted houses and barns. It’s like stepping into a bygone era.
Soon, trail signage steers you right in the direction of Kreuz, Hauspil Hängebrücke, and Europahütte.
The path leads into a larch and spruce forest. The trail zigzags uphill to various junctions. At every intersection, follow signs to Kreuz, Hauspil Hängebrücke (or Hörspiel Hängebrücke)
The trail ascends steadily for 1 hour, before eventually easing. Weisshorn
Finally level, the highly-enjoyable woodland trail leads to Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in 15 minutes.
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Crossing (10 minutes)
The long bridge spans the Grabengufer ravine, connecting Höüschbiel (2053 m) with Lärchberg (2000 m).
The bridge’s capacity is 250 people.
As you journey across the suspension bridge, there are sensational views of Weisshorn (4505 m), the prominent mountain across Mattertal Valley.
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge to Europahütte (1 hour out-and-back)
Hikers have the option to detour to Europahütte (30 minutes one-way), before completing the circuit trail back to Randa.
From the bridge, the Europahütte-bound trail rises in switchbacks, conquering 188 meters in elevation gain. With the increased altitude, the views of the suspension bridge are even more impressive.
Europahütte (2265 m) is a managed mountain hut along the Europaweg, Tour of Monte Rosa, and the Walker’s Haute Route. If the Europa hut is open, it’s really nice to eat lunch on the terrace on a sunny day, or defrost near the crackling fireplace on a cold day.
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge to Randa (Lärchberg descent route) (1:10 hours)
The descent to Randa is very steep, especially compared to the ascent route. So, please reverse the route, if you have difficulty descending steep trails.
Though surprisingly steep, the trail is also very scenic. The glaciated Weisshorn is visible for much of the descent.
Follow signs to “Randa Dorf.”
The path crosses a meadow to reach the village center.
Follow the familiar road through the village back to the Randa train station.
Where to Stay
Zermatt
Zermatt is packed with hotels, chalets, and apartments. In the town center, we recommend Schweizerhof Zermatt – a Small Luxury Hotel (luxury) and The Omnia (luxury), which enjoys direct elevator access to the heart of town.
Haus Zer Weidu (budget-friendly apartment), SCHLOSS Zermatt – Active & CBD Spa Hotel (luxury), Wellness Hotel Alpenhof (luxury) are all great options near the train station.
Across the Matter Vispa River, you’ll find more standout accommodations like Jolimont Apartments (midrange), Hotel Bristol (midrange), Hotel Daniela (midrange-luxury), Europe Hotel & Spa Zermatt (luxury), and Youth Hostel Zermatt (budget).
Look for accommodation in Zermatt.
Täsch
The village of Täsch is located in the Matter Valley, between Randa and Zermatt. It’s only one stop away from Zermatt on the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway (14 minutes). Those arriving by car must park their vehicle in Täsch and continue the journey to Zermatt by train. Compared to Zermatt, Täsch offers more affordable accommodations and parking.
The good-value-for-money Hotel Matterhorn Inn, standing across from the Täsch Train Station, offers free parking, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a sauna.
Look for accommodation in Täsch.
Keep Reading about Switzerland
Zermatt:
Lake Lucerne Region:
- Lucerne Itinerary for Hikers
- 2-Day Stanserhorn-Engelberg Hike
- Walenpfad Panorama Trail
- Stoos Ridge Trail
Appenzell:
- Appenzell (Appenzellerland) Region Guide
- Appenzell Village: Hotels, Restaurants, and Museums
- Best Hikes in Appenzell
- 3-Day Alpstein High Trail Trek
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