Lötschental is the largest northern tributary valley of the Valais. It is part of the western Raron district Swiss Canton of Valais.
places
The valley includes the four municipalities:
Other goals
In addition to the places mentioned above, the Lauchernalp ski area is a popular destination in the Lötschental. The Lötschentaler Museum documents culture and everyday life in the Valais side valley. 54 chapels, churches and wayside shrines invite you to be discovered on pilgrimages and pilgrimages. The southern and eastern parts of the valley belong to the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn area, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 13, 2001 and thus belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage.
background
Nestled between the Bernese and Valais Alps, the Lötschental extends for around 30 kilometers from the Lötschenlücke to 3,173 meters above sea level. to Gampel at 634 meters above sea level and an area of 146.2 km². The locations of the Lötschental are at an altitude of 1,375-1,920 meters above sea level. along the Lonza River, which is the namesake of the international chemical company Lonza Group AG, which was founded in Gampel in 1897. The 3,934 meters above sea level Hohe Bietschhorn, which is located southeast of Blatten, is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a landmark of the Lötschental. The first ascent in 1859 during the "golden years of alpinism" by the Englishman Sir Leslie Stephen laid the foundation for tourism in this Valais side valley. Thanks to the Bietschhorn, the Lötschental benefited from a relatively early touristic development. The fact that this development, albeit an early one, was somewhat hesitant can be explained with several arguments. One reason for this is the strong focus on agriculture, which served as the economic basis until the 1950s. In addition, there are the many avalanche trains, which make it difficult to expand the building zones at various points in the valley and also often ensure that the valley is isolated in winter. From a tourist point of view, there is another reason that should not be underestimated: the Lötschental does not have four thousand meter peaks.
For a long time the Lötschental was almost undeveloped in terms of traffic and was considered to be the most secluded valley in the Valais. It was only accessible in summer via the mule track through the Lonza Gorge. It was only through the construction of the Goppenstein train station that the journey through the Lonza Gorge, which was threatened by avalanches, could be avoided. However, the road between Goppenstein and Ferden is also in an avalanche train, so that a tunnel was cut into the avalanche cone before construction. Due to the seclusion for centuries and the strong onset of tourism after the First World War, many old customs have been preserved here. The Tschäggättä - the Lötschental wooden masks are well known. Traditionally, the figures walk through the villages at Mardi Gras, spreading fear and respect. It wasn't until 1913 that the valley was connected to the north with the Lötschberg railway tunnel all year round.
Around 1970 the winter sports options, especially on the Lauchernalp, were expanded. As a result, tourism developed in the valley and today there are 150,000 to 200,000 overnight stays per year.
language
- A special Alemannic dialect, which also differs from the dialect otherwise spoken in Valais. However, written German is spoken and learned at school, so communication in German is usually possible without any problems.
getting there
The beautiful Lötschental, which is located between the Bernese and Valais Alps, is easy to reach both by car and public transport.
By car
For those arriving by car, it is advisable to use the car transport service from Kandersteg to Goppenstein. The journey in the car transport takes around 15 minutes and takes place between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. every half hour, at xx.50 and xx.20. The first connection leaves Kanderstag at 5:50 a.m., the last at 11:50 p.m. Kandersteg can be reached via Interlaken / Spiez or Visp / Sion / Steg, depending on the starting point. In the case of cars, caravans and mobile homes, a price of CHF 22.00 (Mon-Thu) and CHF 27.00 (Fri-Sun and on public holidays) must be expected for car loading. (As of March 2014). The exact timetable and further information:Car loading station
With the public transport
If you prefer to travel by public transport, the SBB RegioExpress will take you comfortably from Bern to Goppenstein once an hour. From there there is a connection to a post bus, which will take you directly to the Lötschental. From Bern, the Lötschental can be reached in around 1.5 hours, from Zurich and Basel in around 3 hours.
On-site mobility
By bus
The famous PostBus runs every hour between Goppenstein and Blatten in the Lötschental. On the way, travelers have the opportunity to get off at numerous stops. The bus runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. During the day, the bus usually leaves Goppenstein station at every hour 03. From June 7th to October 26th, travelers can travel as far as the Fafleralp. However, an additional fee is required for travelers with flat-rate tickets (GA, day pass, Swiss Pass) for the route between Blatten and Fafleralp. (As of March 2014).
By car
The bottom of the Lötschental can be easily accessed by car. Parking garages in the villages of Ferden Kippel and Wiler as well as other public parking spaces are available to guests. In the summer months, the Lauchernalp is also accessible by car, but it is a toll road. A driving permit must be obtained at the valley station of the Wiler - Lauchernalp cable car.
Mountain railways
From Wiler, in the middle of the Lötschental, the cable car brings visitors up to 1968m above sea level. M. Lauchernalp, from where numerous hiking trails start in summer. In winter, winter sports enthusiasts can push their way up even further via a chair and cable car. The Hockenhorngrat at 3111m above sea level. M. serves as the start for rapid descents on numerous slopes. The operating times of the Laucherenalpbergbahn start at 8:25 a.m., in the winter months the train runs from Wiler to the Laucherenalp every 20 minutes. In summer, the gondola leaves Wiler twice an hour at xx.25 and xx.55. The cost of a ski day pass is CHF 53. Single trips to the Laucherenalp in summer and winter cost CHF 16 and return CHF 22.40. (As of March 2014) Current information at: [1]
Discount cards
Adventure card Upper Valais
The Erlebniscard is a multi-day pass for two, three or five days of your choice, on which tourists have free travel on the BLS route Brig-Kandersteg and the PostBus route Lötschental, as well as on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and all other PostBus routes in Upper Valais. Holders of an Adventure Card receive a 50% discount on the ascent / descent Wiler - Laucherenalp. The costs for an adventure card are CHF 99, 129 or 179 for five days. (As of March 2014) More information at: [2]
Lötschental hiking and leisure pass
The trip to Wiler-Laucherenalp is free with the Lötschental hiking and leisure pass. This can be solved for a week or three days. Also included is the PoatAuto line through the Lötschental and entry to the indoor swimming pool in Steg, the mini golf course in Wiler and the Lötschentaler Museum in Kippel. More information at: [3]
Junior card
Children under the age of 16 can travel free of charge on the train and bus network throughout Switzerland with a Junior Card, which costs CHF 30.- accompanied by their parents, provided that the parents have a valid ticket. More information at: [4]
RailAway offers
In summer and winter, visitors can benefit from cheap offers with Rail Away. The combination of a journey and a ski pass resp. Ascent and descent you receive up to 20% discount. You can find more information about the offers at: [5]
Tourist Attractions
The Lötschtalgemeinden Blatten, Ferden, Wiler and Kippel belong to the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn - area which 2001 by the UNESCO World Heritage was declared. This area was placed under nature protection and an unspoilt historic village center still characterizes these communities today.
- Sawmill Walche / village oven, 3919 sheets. Tel.: 41 (0)27 939 13 63. Free guided tour every Monday (approx. 1 hour), meeting point: 5 p.m. at the reception of the Hotel Edelweiss, Blatten. The Säge-Mühle-Walche dates back to 1756 when Blatten and its hamlets were not yet trading because of their remote location. The bakery is still going on 4 days a year.
- Lötschental Museum, Museumsweg 1, 3917 Kippel. Tel.: 41 (0)27 939 18 71. Open: June-October, Tue-Sun 2 p.m.-5 p.m., 26 Dec. to March 31: Wed, Thu, Fri 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.Price: Adults CHF 5.-, children CHF 1.-. The masks, traditional costumes and grenadiers on display provide an insight into the traditional and customary world of the Lötschental.
- A. Nyfeler Gallery, 3917 Kippel. Tel.: 41 (0)79 527 13 77. Visits by appointment on Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat. Gallery with watercolors, ink drawings and oil paintings by the artist Albert Nyfeler. The gallery is located in the painter's former studio.
- Tschäggättä. Barrel night custom; between the Catholic holiday "Maria Lichtmess" and the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. After work, the mystical figures appear in the lanes of the Lötschental with their sheep and goat skins, the oversized, brightly painted masks made of Swiss stone pine, the loud cowbell around their loins and a stick in their hands. The highlight of this event is the Lötschental parade on Saturday night.
activities
winter
Lauchernalp ski area
- Lauchernalp ski area. Tel.: 41 (0)27 938 89 99. The Lauchernalp ski area offers 55 km of well-developed ski slopes at an altitude of up to 3,111 meters above sea level. It is therefore very snow reliable and offers a suitable descent for every skill level. The ski area is an insider tip, especially for Freerider and Touring skier. In connection with a visit to the modern Anenhütte, this makes the hearts of winter friends beat faster.Open: Operating times of the gondola to Lauchernalp-Staffel daily 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
| Surname | phone | Altitude |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Σ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ski area Lauchernalp - Lötschental | 41 (0)27 938 89 99 | 1,400 - 3,111 m | 2 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 17 | 18 | 25 | 80 km |
Further winter offers
- Paragliding: Gleitflug.ch Lorenz Indermühle. Tel.: 41 (0)79 422 85 87.
- Cross-country skiing: Lötschental cross-country skiing center. Tel.: 41 (0)27 939 13 20.
- Snow sports school: Snow sports school Lötschental - COOL SCHOOL. Tel.: 41 (0)27 939 16 11.
summer
In the Lötschental you can also live well in summer. The valley and the surrounding mountains offer many sports activities for all ages and fitness levels.
Rays
- Around the Peter Tscherrig Anenhütte. Tel.: 41 (0)79 864 66 44. there are many crevices and caves in which to go Find rock crystals can. A "spotlight set" for children can be rented for a day at the hut. Radiance is a unique experience for young and old.
Monster scooter
- The Monster scooter can be rented at the Lauchernalp valley and mountain station. The cost of a family ticket including train journey is CHF 50.00. A fast route to Wiler is waiting for the driver.
More summer offers
- Climbing gardens: Various climbing gardens around the Anenhütte, Tel. 41 (0) 79 864 66 44
kitchen
Gastro Guide
in the Gastro Guide (2013) 23 restaurants are presented by Lötschental Tourismus. In addition to the peculiarities and specialties of the respective restaurant, their coordinates are also listed.
Gourmet half-fare card
- Lonza restaurant, in the Lötschental (Wiler). The restaurant is participating in the “Gourmet Half-Fare Card” project together with six other restaurants throughout Upper Valais. The Gourmet Half-Fare Card can be obtained from all partner restaurants and costs CHF 250 (as of March 2014). The owner of such a gourmet half-fare card can eat for two in all participating restaurants (currently 7) and only needs to pay for one person. The only condition: You have to eat the same thing twice - regardless of the price segment. The gourmet half-fare card is valid for two years.
Some highlights
For registered skiers there is Lötschenpasshütte. fondue fun every Wednesday for CHF 25.00 per person. The crowning glory: everyone has the opportunity to get hold of a Mister title and become “Mister Lötschenpass 2014”.
Local specialties can be found in the Dorfkeller restaurant. enjoy. A selection of 17 different fondues (from CHF 17.00) and 16 cheese slices (from CHF 15.00) reflects the Valais passion for cheese.
The new, modern furnished Zudili panorama restaurant. offers a breathtaking view of the Bietschhorn. In addition to a large self-service area with a sun terrace, you can also dine in the served area.
nightlife
- Bar - Hotel Petersgrat, Dump. The proverbial nightcap mentality reigns supreme in the hotel's own bar, the meeting point for night owls from Lötschental.Open: Fri Sat 11.59pm - 3.01am.
- Tschäggättu Pub, Wiler. A pub bar with a cozy atmosphere, mood music, karaoke, darts, sports videos and the Internet. If you are feeling peckish there is pizza and other hearty snacks.
public holidays
Holidays apply as in other Catholic regions of Switzerland.
In the Lötschental, Corpus Christi, one of the highest Catholic holidays, is celebrated with a procession of the so-called "Herrgotts-Grenadiers" committed. There is even a short one Contribution of Swiss television. Since time immemorial, the Herrgotts grenadiers have been part of the procession together with the women in the neat Lötschental costume on high church holidays. A piece of lived culture that is still celebrated today with a lot of love and honor and is gladly shared with guests. Further appearances of the grenadiers: Blessing Sunday and church dedication festivals in the individual villages.
security
In Lötschental there is a regional security service (RSD), which is responsible for all four communities. Above all, he takes on fire-fighting duties. He also operates an information service for dangerous situations in winter and summer. This can be called up by phone on the one hand and subscribed to via SMS on the other. Here go to the instructions.
Almost the entire valley floor of the Lötschental is seriously threatened by avalanches, and houses and streets are repeatedly damaged in winter. Therefore, an avalanche warning service was set up for those interested, which - like the security service - can be accessed by SMS or telephone. The avalanche service is composed of experts from all Lötschental communities and assesses the dangerous situation objectively. Here go to the instructions.
The civil protection of the Lötschental is part of the supraregional civil protection organization of the region Visp organized and is intended for the areas of protection, care and support. It fulfills the following tasks:
- Provision of the protective infrastructure and the means to alert the population
- Care of people seeking protection
- Protection of cultural property
- Support of partner organizations in disasters and emergencies
- Help in the logistics of the valley
- Stakes in favor of the community
climate
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The Lötschental is influenced by the humid climate of the Northern Alps and the drier Mediterranean climate of the Southern Alps. It is surrounded by two mountain ranges and therefore forms a relatively closed valley. This means that the Lötschental is rarely exposed to stronger winds. Usually the natural slope winds predominate, which result from the topography. An exception are southwest wind currents from the Rhone Valley, which can occur depending on the weather.
As in the adjacent climate diagram of Ried (municipality Leaves) can be seen, the temperature is only above 10 ° C in midsummer. The mean temperature is 4.7 ° C. Snowfall is very common, the long-term average snowfall time is 138 days. As a result, avalanches are a major threat to the entire valley. Avalanches with damage consequences occur again and again.
