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 incomparable tradition of the Lötschental Herrgottsgrenadiere, who have featured in the high church holidays in their smart uniforms for generations. This living culture is cultivated with love and pride. Admire the Herrgottsgrenadiere during the festive processions on Corpus Christi, on Pentecost Sunday or at parish fairs.

These days, the impressive parades of the Herrgottsgrenadiere take place in all the villages of Lötschental, from Ferden to Kippel, Wiler and Blatten. In the morning, they accompany solemn masses and processions, while in the afternoon they proudly present the village and valley flags during the parade with local music societies.
The history of the "red soldiers" goes back to the old mercenary days, when many Lötschentalers proved their skills in foreign service. The splendid uniforms of the Herrgottsgrenadiere, which were worn at royal courts from Versailles to Naples, are a precious legacy of bygone times that is still preserved with reverence today. From the white trousers and scarlet tailcoats to the imposing hats, they reflect the honour and pride of the Lötschental people, who carry on their tradition with dedication.

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. 

It is possible to hike the entire length of Lötschental. You can make your leisurely way from village to village: from Blatten via Ried, Wiler and Kippel to Ferden. Everywhere you'll see the typical, sun-blackened wooden houses and granaries, including in Blatten. Here you can stroll through the village before the hike and marvel at the church and the village oven. Via Ried and Wiler you reach Kippel, where it is worth making a detour to the Lötschental Museum. The section of the trail from Kippel to Ferden is also very beautiful, and there is a lovely (water) playground for children to discover along the way. The 17th-century Platzhaus in Ferden is also well worth a visit: with its size and rich decorations, it bears witness to the wealth of the people of Ferden at that time, which came from trade via the Lötschen Pass.

Show route map

Wild nature as far as the eye can see. Grazing cows, sheep and goats, and if you're lucky, you might even spot Alpine wildlife such as chamois, ibex and marmots. The hike starts comfortably from Fafleralp in the direction of Grundsee and then climbs gently to Guggisee at 2,000 metres. The trail leads over the Guggistafel back to Fafleralp and to Faflersee at 1,800 metres. From there, it climbs gently to Schwarzsee. Before descending to Blatten via Eisten, you can take a dip in the cool water here or simply relax on the lake shore and admire the surrounding mountains.

The old mule track from Gasterntal in Bern to Lötschental in Valais combines all the elements of a magnificent pass hike. A spectacular bus ride over the vertical chasms of the gravel road carved into the rock above the wildly foaming Kander leads to Seiden in the Gasterntal valley. If you wish, you can fuel up in the cosy "Steinbock" restaurant before tackling the winding ascent over the scree-covered residual glacier to the Lötschen Pass. The whole thing is crowned by the view of the imposing pyramid that is the Bietschhorn at almost four thousand metres high. The route then descends steeply. From Laucheralp, the cable car makes the descent easier.   

Show route map

The hike from Lauchernalp to Fafleralp is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic routes in Valais. The trail leads through fragrant forests, across blooming mountain meadows to idyllic picnic spots. On the way, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the glacier-covered Petersgrat and the almost 4,000-metre-high Bietschhorn, which stand out majestically against the lush green of the forests and pastures. 

The route leads along the valley's Legend Trail, showing you the mystical side of Lötschental. A tricky little quiz ensures your children will also enjoy the hike. 

Show route map

The lesser-known but no less beautiful western section of the Lötschental High Trail from Lauchernalp via Hockenalp, Kummenalp, Restialp, Faldumalp and Meiggenalp to Jeizinen high above the Rhone Valley.

Show route map

The Loichitrail offers fun for the whole family. From the top station of the Lauchernalp-Stafel chair lift, the trail first leads through the flat area of the Waldärra. It then winds its way down to the Lauchernalp station. There's plenty for everyone to enjoy on the way, with various jumps where advanced and professional riders can put their skills to the test. The chair lift takes you comfortably back to the starting point of the trail.

Show route map

This varied tour leads from Lauchernalp to Ferden. The approximately 550 metres of altitude difference between Wiler and Lauchernalp can be easily conquered by cable car. Afterwards, the trail leads in constant, gentle ups and downs across the pretty alpine meadows.

After the start on Lauchernalp, you pass Hockenalp with its wooden chapel. The route continues to Kummenal, where a cosy inn invites you to linger. The beautiful wooden chapel on Faldumalp can be seen from afar. Here you can see the entire Lötschental valley from the reservoir to the Lötschenlücke. Then it's down into the valley to Ferden. From Faldumalp, the tour can be extended via Jeizinen to Leukerbad.

Show route map

The route from Lauchernalp to Wiler is ideal for leisure cyclists and families. For pros, the route forms an ideal start or connection to the tour from Leukerbad or Jeizinen.

The starting point is Lauchernalp, and the trail leads via a connecting road to Fieschbiel and Netzbord, where the riding fun begins. From here, a single trail winds its way up to Weissenried, first a little steeper, then flatter. After a short climb, the route continues to the hamlet of Ried, where a restaurant invites you to stop for a bite to eat. The route follows the Lonza River back to the valley station of the cable car in Wiler. The route is not recommended in the opposite direction.

Show route map

An entertaining hiking experience for the whole family

Immerse yourself in the refreshing "Baanwald" forest and discover ten original ball runs. It's an adventure for the whole family! 

The ball trail leads from Lauchernalp through the refreshing "Baanwald" forest down to the "Gsteinät" leisure centre in Wiler. Along the approximately five-kilometre route, ten original ball runs await, which were produced locally and therefore add a unique touch to the 90-minute hike. The wooden balls can be purchased at various locations at a price of CHF 5.00 per ball:

• Ticket office valley station Aerial cableway, Wiler
• Ticket office mountain station aerial cableway, Lauchernalp
• Tourist Information Lötschental, Wiler
• Leisure facilities «Gsteinät», Wiler
• Panorama restaurant Lauchernalp
• Hotel Fafleralp 

The ultimate mountain adventure in the Lötschental mountain

Ready for thrills in the Lötschental mountains? Experience the ultimate mountain adventure with our monster scooters from the mountain station of the Wiler-Lauchernalp cable car.

Discover the ultimate mountain adventure for young and old: the monster scooters are waiting for you right by the mountain station of the Wiler-Lauchernalp cable car, ready for an exciting ride along a well-maintained road to Wiler. Whether as the crowning glory of a hike or as an action-packed excursion – this descent promises pure thrills.

The monster scooter is specially designed for Alpine conditions and can be ridden by anyone (minimum height for children 1.30 metres). Before you set off, treat yourself to a break on the sun terrace of the Lauchernalp Panorama Restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking view.
The last scooters are handed out at 4.30 p.m. (the latest they can be returned to the valley station is 5.15 p.m.). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Lötschental mountains!

Discover the Alpine with all your senses!

On the Lauchernalp Alpine adventure trail with interactive explanations, wooden cows and sound bells, children can discover the treasures of Lötschental in a fun way. 

Children experience a fascinating journey through the past and present of life on the Alp at 14 striking locations. Through interactive slide peepholes, they get vivid explanations of the plants, can milk a wooden cow, practise the typical swing of a scythe and compose their own song on bells. These fun stations are designed to gently familiarise young explorers with the riches of Lötschental and at the same time convey the importance of a multi-layered cultural landscape. The hike with children takes about 1.5 hours, whereby the actual hiking time is about 45 minutes.

Mysticism on the Lötschental Legend Trail

Immerse yourself in a mystical hike from the Lauchernalp mountain station to Fafleralp and enjoy a quiz about legends that has been specially designed for children along the way.

The popular Lötschental Legend Trail, complete with a quiz about legends that has been specially designed for children, is an ideal destination for family outings. This route from the Lauchernalp mountain station to Fafleralp avoids any major differences in altitude and takes the whole family into the fascinating world of myths and fairy tales. QR codes are attached to the tree trunks, and by simply scanning them with your smartphone, you can read the legends conveniently on your own mobile phone. Answer the tricky questions in the legends quiz as you hike. A small reward awaits you for correct answers! The legends quiz and the gift are available from the Lötschental Tourist Information Centre, at the ticket offices of the Lauchernalp mountain railway or at Gastro & Camping Fafleralp.