Hikes

Ascent of the Torrenthorn

Leukerbad

2/6°

Closed

Find your source of happiness on the nearly three-thousand-meter-high summit of the Torrenthorn.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

6.84 km

Duration

3:00 h

Description

The starting point of the hike is at Rinderhütte, the mountain station of the Leukerbad gondola lift. The ascent goes over the alpine meadows of Torrent, where cows, sheep, and goats graze during the summer.

The hiking trail gradually leads through the Rinderhalte towards the west ridge. Hikers are regularly accompanied by the whistling of marmots here.

At an altitude of about 2700 meters, the lush grassland slowly transitions to rocky terrain. From the ridge, you have a great view of the Majingalp and the impressive mountain slope "Montanji", which is known especially for the steep Gemmi wall and extends eastward to the Bernese Balmhorn at the cantonal border.

After about 1.5 additional kilometers, you reach the summit of the Torrenthorn, also known as the "Rigi of Valais". From the summit, you have a complete 360° panoramic view and, in clear weather, can admire peaks such as Jungfrau, Bietschhorn, Monte Leone, Weissmies, Mischabel group, Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, Grand Combin, and even Mont Blanc.

For the return, the direct path over the ridge and via the historic Hotel Torrent back to the Rinderhütte is recommended. The hike can be extended via various descent routes: the route over the ridge southwards to Schafberg climbs another summit before descending via the alpine route (white-blue-white marking) to the Rinderhütte. Another alternative is to descend northwards at Rinderhalde to Majingalp and complete the return along the Dala valley to Leukerbad.

Highlights of the hike:

View summit Torrenthorn with great panoramic views of Valais, Bern, and, in good visibility, the French Alps.
Numerous options to extend the route with different descent variants.

Turn-by-turn directions

Take the gondola lift to the Rinderhütte mountain station, where the path ascends through the alpine pastures to the Rinderhalte. The route then leads over the west ridge to the summit of the Torrenthorn. The descent of the described route initially follows the ridge, before turning left just before the Rinderhalte, descending across the pastureland. The path passes the Torrenthorn Hotel and also descends towards Rinderhütte.

Start

Rinderhütte, mountain station gondola lift (2312m)

Destination

Rinderhütte, mountain station gondola lift (2311m)

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Author's recommendation

After the long hike, you deserve some relaxation: unwind in the warm thermal waters of Leukerbad

Technical information

Altitude

2997m

2312m

Ascent

+690m

Descent

-690m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Leuk is accessible by train (SBB); then the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) runs to the starting point in Leukerbad. Train and bus timetables are available at sbb.ch.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: Motorway A1 to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; car shuttle Kandersteg – Goppenstein; direction Gampel; Leuk – Leukerbad

From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk – Leukerbad

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 towards Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk – Leukerbad

Parking

Various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Parkings in Leukerbad: Sportarena parking garage, Rathaus parking garage, Leukerbad parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.

Equipment

Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site can possibly cause changes to the route. We do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

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 signs and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

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

For high alpine hikes:

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

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit from this, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.

Assess your own abilities and fitness carefully. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.

Additional information

The tourism office in Leukerbad provides you with informational material and brochures for hiking in the destination and can give detailed information about the route.

Preparation for a hike

Status of facilities