Randa, Switzerland facts for kids
Randa is a small municipality (which is like a town or village area) located in the Visp district of the Valais canton in Switzerland. It's a beautiful place nestled in the Matter Valley, surrounded by amazing mountains.
Quick facts for kids
Randa
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Valais | |
| District | Visp | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 54.53 km2 (21.05 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 1,406 m (4,613 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 425 | |
| • Density | 7.794/km2 (20.186/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
3928
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| Localities | Wildi | |
| Surrounded by | Ayer, Oberems, Saas Fee, St. Niklaus, Täsch, Zermatt | |
Contents
Where is Randa?
Randa is found in a special part of Switzerland called the Matter Valley. This valley is famous for its stunning views and high mountains. Randa sits right between two very tall peaks: the Weisshorn and the Dom. The Dom is actually the highest mountain entirely within Switzerland!
Life in the Matter Valley
The Matter Valley is a narrow valley carved by glaciers. It leads up to the famous Zermatt village and the Matterhorn mountain. Randa is one of the small communities you pass through on the way. Life here is often quiet, with people enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities.
The Randa Rockslide
In 1991, Randa experienced a very big natural event called a rockslide. This is when a large amount of rock and earth suddenly slides down a mountain. It happened in two main parts, on April 18th and May 9th.
What Happened During the Rockslide?
Millions of cubic meters of rock fell from the mountainside. This huge amount of material blocked the Matter Vispa river, which flows through the valley. It also covered the main road and the railway line that connects Randa to other towns.
Impact on the Village
Luckily, no one was killed in the Randa rockslide. However, it caused a lot of damage. The river formed a temporary lake, and parts of the village were affected. It took a lot of effort to clear the debris and rebuild the road and railway. Today, you can still see the area where the rockslide happened, reminding everyone of nature's power.
The Glacier Express
Randa is a stop on a very famous train route called the Glacier Express. This train is known as the "slowest express train in the world." It travels through the beautiful Swiss Alps, connecting Zermatt (near Randa) with St. Moritz.
A Scenic Train Journey
The Glacier Express offers amazing panoramic views. Its special coaches have large windows that go up to the roof, so passengers can see all the mountains, valleys, and villages. It's a popular way for tourists to experience the stunning Swiss landscape. When the train passes through Randa, it's a reminder of how important the railway is for connecting these mountain communities.
Images for kids
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The Randa rockslide source and debris deposit seen over the town of Randa.
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Glacier Express at the railway station
See also
In Spanish: Randa (Valais) para niños
