Lötschental – between the Valais and Bernese Alps

The magical valley is home to a unique tradition that has been handed down for generations: the Tschäggättä. For local people, these symbolise a connection with their homeland and pride in their history and culture.

These mysterious carnival figures, clad in enigmatic wooden masks and surrounded by an air of the mystical, are a fascinating element of the local carnival celebrations in Lötschental. The Tschäggättä perform during carnival, a time of celebration and merriment that takes place every year from Candlemas until "Gigiszischtag" (which is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday). But while most carnival figures are cheerful and colourful, the Tschäggättä carry with them an aura of mystery and strangeness. With their hand-carved wooden masks made of Swiss stone pine, often decorated with grim or grotesque faces, they embody the dark secrets of winter and the ancient tradition of driving away evil spirits.

For the inhabitants of Lötschental, the Tschäggättä are more than just figures in an old tradition. For local people, they symbolise a connection with their homeland and pride in their history and culture. They remind people that roots are deep and that the heritage of their ancestors is still relevant today. And while the world around them is changing, the Tschäggättä remain firmly rooted in the heart of Lötschental, ready to banish the spirits of winter and spread the joy of carnival.

It is precisely to preserve this tradition that the Tschäggättu custom is celebrated only in Lötschental and only during carnival season.

Experience the fascinating tradition of the Chinigrosslini in Lötschental. Let yourself be seduced by the witty words of the Goigglär as the Chinigrossli dances through the alleyways and the bells ring. A magical experience for the whole family that you won't want to miss.

The Chinigrosslini perform in Lötschental on the Saturday before Epiphany. The king and his two servants (the "Goigglär" or jugglers) set off after dark. The Chinigrossli jumps and prances through the alleyways, ringing the bells of his outfit. The Goigglär draw the audience's attention to the handsome king with witty and seductive words. The group pays a visit to the families of the village dignitaries, while the youth choir (Stärnsingär) sings the Old and New Year's songs in front of their windows. The group is generously welcomed with refreshments everywhere, and the parade ends around midnight.

The Chinigrosslinun is one of the oldest traditions in Valais and continues to enjoy great popularity in Lötschental. But even in Lötschental, the custom is no longer organised regularly, and only depending on whether young people are willing to take part. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this unique tradition and experience an unforgettable evening. 

Follow the winter hiking trail from Blatten to the first bridge. The trail then leads left along the Lonza to Kühmatt, where it rejoins the marked winter hiking trail. The trail leads up gentle hairpin bends to the Fafleralp parking lot. After the Gletscheralp, turn left to the Guggialp - an ideal place to enjoy the peace and quiet. The trail then descends again to Fafleralp, where you pass the hotel and return to the winter hiking trail through a small wood. From Kühmatt, the idyllic trail leads to Eisten and finally back to Blatten.

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From the post bus stop in Blatten, you first cross the bridge into the village center. From there, follow the road to the north, pass the school and community center and continue in the direction of Weissenried. In the hamlet of Weissenried is the chapel of St. George, whose altarpiece of the dragon slayer St. George is worth a brief visit. From Weissenried, strap on your snowshoes and follow the road to Tellistafel. Here you are on the edge of the Blatten wildlife sanctuary, which may not be entered.

For the way back, follow the path to the right of the stream, pass the Bildstöckli Firt and return to Blatten.

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This impressive and beautiful snowshoe tour takes you from the Hockenhorngrat mountain station, past the Hockenhorn, down to the Lötschenpass at around 2700 meters above sea level. After a well-deserved break in the cozy Lötschenpass hut, the tour takes you back up to the Hockenhorngrat at 3100 m above sea level.

For an unforgettable experience, please note the following information: This route leads through high alpine terrain and is only accessible in good weather conditions. We recommend starting at 10.30 a.m. at the latest (from Wiler 10.00 a.m.) on the Hockenhorngrat. The way back from the Lötschenpass hut should be started by 1.30 pm at the latest. The last departure from the Hockenhorngrat to Wiler is at 3.50 pm. It is also possible to spend the night in the Lötschenpasshütte.

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Not far from the post bus stop Blatten (Lötschen), village, and directly above the large parking lot, the trail begins on a wide area. This is the ideal place to warm up and do a few laps. The trail then leads over the Lonza and slightly uphill towards Fafleralp. After the bridge at Eisten, you have the choice of either following the valley trail or returning through a small wood. If you opt for the valley trail, you can take an additional loop that includes a short ascent. From there you can enjoy a wonderful view of Blatten. The way back finally leads between barns to the starting point.

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Idyllic cross-country ski trail from Blatten to Fafleralp through the UNESCO World Heritage Site 

The start of the trail is near the “Blatten Dorf” post bus stop and the large parking lot. The route is initially flat as far as Kühmatt, where you can visit the baroque Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. This chapel, an important place of pilgrimage in the valley, was built between 1646 and 1663 under Prior Bartholomäus Indergassen and impresses with its special atmosphere. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquillity of this place and pause for a moment. After another flat section, the route winds its way up to the Fafleralp. Once at the top, a loop through the untouched nature of the UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits you. Back on the Fafleralp, you return to Blatten along the same route.

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The cross-country ski trail in Wiler offers a varied route for cross-country skiers. It leads through the picturesque village of Wiler and the surrounding countryside. The trail is suitable for both classic cross-country skiers and skaters. The starting point is at Lonzastäg in Wiler. From the post bus stop "Wiler (Lötschen), Dorf", you can reach it on foot in around 8 minutes.

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