Hiking & nature

Experience Lauchernalp

Lauchernalp, viewpoint and hikers’ heaven

At an altitude of 1969 m above sea level, the Lauchernalp provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The Lauchernalp is also the ideal starting point for a number of hikes, be it the Lauchernalp alpine adventure trail for families or the somewhat more ambitious Lötschental high-altitude trail to Fafleralp.

Give yourself a culinary treat in the panorama restaurant Lauchernalp, as you tuck into a plate of home-made “Älplermagronen” or shepherd’s macaroni while enjoying the beautiful Valais landscape from the panoramic terrace.

By public transport, you can reach Lauchernalp from Bern in just 110 minutes. From Bern, the train takes you directly to Goppenstein. From there the post bus takes you to Wiler, valley station.

Family hikes

Hiking fun for the whole family. The family activities on offer in Lötschental are just as diverse as its nature and culture.

Loichi Ball Path

The wooden balls for the ball runs are available at the following places for CHF 5.00 / piece:

Ticket office, valley station of cable car, Wiler
Tourist Info Lötschental, Wiler
Recreation centre Gsteinät, Wiler
Ticket office, mountain station of cable car, Lauchernalp
Panoramic Restaurant Lauchernalp

Hiking route	Lauchernalp–Wiler (Gsteinät)
Distance	approx. 5 km
Duration	approx. 1.5 hours, pure hiking time
Elevation difference	+ 85 m / - 655 m
Degree of difficulty	easy
Sights along the way	Alpine Village playground beneath the Lauchernalp and playground at the «Gsteinät» recreation centre in Wiler
More information	Route description

Alp experience

On the adventure trail, young and old explorers can experience life on the alp with all their senses in a playful way.

Hiking trail	Circular hike Lauchernalp–Hockenalp–Staffel–Lauchernalp
Distance	2.1 km
Duration	2 hours, pure walking time 60 minutes
Elevation difference	+ 139 m / - 139 m
Level of difficulty	easy
Catering options	Rest area with barbecue between Lauchernalp and Hockenalp
Sights along the way	View over the entire Lötschental, the Lötschenlücke and the imposing Bietschhorn
Further information	Directions and maps

Legendary trail

Solve the mystery along the various stations of the Legendary trail and receive a prize at the end of the trail.

Hiking trail	Lauchernalp mountain station–Fafleralp
Distance	9 km
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes
Elevation difference	+ 360 m / - 565 m
Level of difficulty	medium
Catering options	Rest area with barbecue on the Black Lake Hotel Fafleralp Restraurant Tellialp Panorama Restaurant Lauchernalp
Sights along the way	Steeped in legend, the idyllic Black Lake invites hikers to bathe in the summer.
Further information	Directions and maps

Hike alongside carved tree figures

The hiking trail from the mountain station to Wiler winds down through the cool Baanwald forest into the village of Wiler below. Discover various carved tree figures in the Baanwald.

Hiking trail	Lauchernalp mountain station–Wiler, valley station
Distance	4.4 km
Duration	1 hour 15 minutes
Elevation difference	+ 85 m / - 655 m
Level of difficulty	easy
Catering options	Panorama Restaurant Lauchernalp Restaurant Lonza, Wiler Hotel Restaurant Sporting, Wiler
Sights along the way	Alpine Village playground beneath the Lauchernalp and playground at the «Gsteinät» leisure centre in Wiler
Further information	Hiking app and elevation profile

Hiking classic

The Lauchernalp is the starting point of a section of the well-known Lötschental Höhenweg (high trail). You can walk the trail either to the Fafleralp (9 km, 2 hours 45 min.) or to Goppenstein (11 km, 4 hours). Discover one of the most famous hiking routes in Valais.

With the RailAway package you benefit from a 10% discount on the cable car ride:

Lötschental high trail

For the brave

Breeze down from the Lauchernalp mountain station to the Wiler valley station below on a Monster scooter. Benefit from special prices when you combine a cable car ride with the scooter rental. An action-packed excursion for the whole family.

Monster scooter riding in Lötschental Valley

Availability

While many destinations already end the season in mid-October, the mountain railroads on Lauchernalp remain open until the end of October. Ideal to enjoy the golden autumn in Valais longer and to experience the magnificent nature from its most beautiful side.

Operating hours Wiler-Lauchernalp aerial cableway

8 June to 27 October 2024 08.25–18.25 hours
13 July to 18 August 2024 08.25–20.25 hours

Subject to change without prior notice

Timetable for the Wiler–Lauchernalp cable car

Rates

CHF 20.00 Adults, one-way
CHF 30.00 Adults, return
CHF 10.00 Concession*, one-way
CHF 15.00 Concession*, return

* GA, Half-Fare Card, children 6–15.99 years, Junior Card, and Children's Travel Card are valid.

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration

How to get there

Take the RegioExpress Bern – Spiez – Kandersteg – Brig – Domodossola to Goppenstein, then the post bus to the stop «Wiler (Lötschen), Talstation». Then the cable car takes you to Lauchernalp in 4 minutes.

Timetable & tickets

Food & Drink

The following restaurants offer a well-deserved snack or thirst-quencher:

Rest places and barbecue areas

On the Alpine experience trail between Lauchernalp and Hockenalp, right next to a small biotope, there is a barbecue area. A grill, wood, and water are available.