Hikes

Ascent of the Eggerhorn and descent into the Binntal

Binn

-1/1°

Climb from the valley floor of the young Rhone to the panoramic summit of the Eggerhorn and descend into the original Binntal. The hike impresses with an adventurous discovery of the landscapes and villages of the Binntal Landscape Park.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

14.8 km

Duration

6:45 h

Description

This exhilarating hike to the Eggerhorn (2,503 m above sea level) starts in the Rhone Valley and ends with the descent into the wild Binntal. The contrasts along the path as well as the view of the Valais peaks around the two valleys make the hike unforgettable.

The route is entirely within the Binntal Landscape Park, known for its untouched landscapes, geological diversity, and healthy fauna and flora. The historic villages seem almost frozen in time, as they have been largely spared from the construction of modern roads and transport routes. Some of the villages have already received several awards for their well-preserved buildings and structures.

The hike begins in Ernen, one of the first villages in Switzerland to receive the Wakker Prize for the preservation of architectural heritage. Over recent years, Ernen has made a name for itself as a music village by hosting concerts by international classical musicians all summer long.

After the steady climb through the forests above Ernen, the route becomes a little gentler as it ascends over the pastures of Alpe Frid. Then the path gets steeper again, but you are rewarded with the breathtaking panorama from the summit of the Eggerhorn.

Next, the route leads into another world: the original Binntal, which until the construction of the tunnel in 1965 was completely cut off from the outside world during the winter months. The historic arrangement of traditional wooden chalets and barns is full of charm. Our route from the Eggerhorn descends through the pastures and leads to the hamlet of Imfeld (also known as "Fäld"). An alternative route descends more steeply in a zigzag to Binn. Both places belong to the best-preserved historic villages in Valais.

Highlights of the hike

Ernen – historic "music village" with a renowned international music festival
Eggerhorn – exhilarating ascent and panoramic viewpoint
Binntal – original landscape park with charming villages and old wooden chalets

Turn-by-turn directions

From the village center of Ernen, the path steadily ascends through the adjacent forest and then continues up to the high pastures. Then you follow the mountain ridge eastward over open meadows before the route leads through a final forest section up to the tree line. From here, a steep ascent leads up to the summit of the Eggerhorn.

Next, it goes down into the Binntal. The most direct path zigzags down to the village of Binn, a popular alternative route for the hike. However, our route branches off to the left at an altitude of about 2,000 m, crosses the slopes for about 1 km, then drops steeply to the open pastures near Nacke. Here, at about 1,800 m, our path turns left again and then leads eastwards down the slopes to Imfeld.

Start

Ernen (1198m)

Destination

Imfeld (1517m)

Download GPX

Download KML

Author's recommendation

Stay a night in Ernen before the hike, timed with the music festival, which offers chamber music as well as jazz, folk, and literary events.

Technical information

Altitude

2502m

1199m

Ascent

+1419m

Descent

-1101m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Train to Fiesch (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), change to the post bus in Ernen. At the end of the hike, take the post bus back to Fiesch. Complete timetable information is available at sbb.ch.

Approach

A9 motorway and main road through the Rhone valley to Lax, then turn right immediately towards Ernen. At the end of the hike, take the bus back to Ernen.

Parking

Ernen. Follow the local park signage system in Ernen.

Equipment

We recommend:

Good footwear
Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
Headwear
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Picnic
Camera
Binoculars (optional)
Hiking poles (optional)
Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains are a place of joy for sharing and respecting. The mountain world is a place to meet and create unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior enables everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own responsibility.

For all hikes:

Carry a map with you. Download the complete hiking trail description with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
Close gates again after passing through.
Be considerate of other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan your hike carefully: Consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.
Weather conditions can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid being alone if possible.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: Water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Right on the way

Preparation for a hike