Lötschental

Switzerland

Lötschental is in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland. The larger villages are: Ferden, Kippel, Wiler and Blatten. It is also an access point to the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO heritage site.

The Swiss German spoken in this valley is quite different from the variants spoken in other parts of the Valais.

The lower village of Kippel

  • Tschäggättä. The Lötschental valley has very unique traditions during the season of Carnival (Usually February). Men dressed in furs and wearing wooden carved masks adorned with cow teeth and carrying cow bells roam through the villages. There is usually one big procession a year, so make sure to check the date first.

Tschäggättä. The Lötschental valley has very unique traditions during the season of Carnival (Usually February). Men dressed in furs and wearing wooden carved masks adorned with cow teeth and carrying cow bells roam through the villages. There is usually one big procession a year, so make sure to check the date first.

Hiking is the biggest appeal of this region. However, there is a ski resort at Lauchneralp, which is accessible by cable car from Wiler.

  • Höhenweg. This trail leads from Fafleralp along the whole valley to Faldumalp. From there the descent goes to either Ferden or Goppenstein (not included in the trail). A highlight of the trail is the scenic Schwarzsee lake.

Höhenweg. This trail leads from Fafleralp along the whole valley to Faldumalp. From there the descent goes to either Ferden or Goppenstein (not included in the trail). A highlight of the trail is the scenic Schwarzsee lake.

Restaurant Nest- und Bietschhorn, Ried 24, Blatten, +41 27 939 11 06. Seasonal. Around Fr. 40 for mains.

  • This is the perfect starting point for an excursion into the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO heritage site. If you take the bus/drive up to Fafleralp and get out at the car park at the end of the road, you are already standing on the edge of the site.
  • From Goppenstein, take a train through the old Lötschberg tunnel to the Bernese Highlands and get out at Kandersteg just north or the tunnel.
  • Or take the same train in the other direction to Brig, the biggest city of the German speaking part of Valais. On the way there, savour the spectacular views as the train descends on the side of the Rhone valley.