Hikes

Brudelhorn

Brudelhorn

Münster

-6/-2°

Closed

Hike up the panoramic Brudelhorn for sweeping views of upper Valais. Ascent via the wild and remote Lengtal to the west, descent to the valley of the young Rhône.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

14.49 km

Duration

6:00 h
Brudelhorn
Ausblick auf das Dorf Ulrichen
Distelsee

Description

The summit of the Brudelhorn (2,791 m) offers one of the finest panoramic views of the Obergoms, the valley of the young Rhône. Way below, hikers see the picturesque villages of the valley, strung in a line along the sparkling river like pearls on a necklace.

This exhilarating summit hike reveals two faces of the peak – beginning with its eastern flanks. The ascent is made easier by the choice of starting point: a remote postal bus stop at an altitude of nearly 2,000 m on the road to the Nufenen Pass. Close by, an ancient stone bridge bears witness to a much older mule trail that for centuries provided one of the major alpine crossings, via the nearby Gries Pass.

Our trail, however, branches off westwards, climbing the wild Lengtal valley before reaching the sparkling waters of the Distelsee (2,587 m). A short final climb of another 200 vertical metres leads to the summit and an enchanting panorama.

Hikers then retrace their steps along the ridge for about 400 m before beginning the descent proper: this time down the mountain’s northern slopes. The trail drops steadily through a boulder-strewn landscape before reaching lush pastures along the Merezebach stream. Lower down, the trail descends through forest and open meadows to cross the young Rhône opposite a picturesque village of sun-bronzed wooden houses and dazzling white churches and chapels: Münster, capital of the Goms.

Like the other villages of the valley, it blossomed in the 17th and 18th centuries through trade via the alpine crossings. The busy traffic came to an end with the construction of the Simplon and Gotthard pass roads and the Gotthard railway in the 19th century, but these villages have retained all their historical charm.

 

Highlights:

  • Exhilarating summit hike, glorious panoramic views
  • Experience of two contrasting valleys: wild Lengtal to the east and historical Rhône valley

Turn-by-turn directions

Starting point for the hike is the Ladstafel postal bus stop on the road from Ulrichen up to the Nufenen Pass. The trail crosses the old stone bridge spanning the river below before leading up the Lengtal valley opposite. 

The trail up to the Brudelhorn, and beyond down to Münster, are clearly marked throughout.

On the way down to the Rhône valley, walkers have the choice of branching off the trail as described to finish the hike at other nearby villages instead, such as Geschinen or Reckingen.

Many of the villages have their own cultural trail. In addition, an audio trail devoted to climate and renewable energy runs the length of the valley, from Oberwald to Mörel. Ideal for exploring by electric bike; hire of audio equipment (free) from Münster tourist office, hire of bikes also available locally.

Start

Ladstafel (1923m)

Destination

Münster (1359m)

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Author's recommendation

Taste the local speciality «Gommer Cholera», a savoury cake made of leek, onions, potatoes, apples and cheese. The restaurants «Croix d’Or et Poste» and «Landhaus» in Münster serve you this local dish.

Technical information

Altitude

2790m

1327m

Ascent

+980m

Descent

-1540m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Frequent CFF train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then train to Ulrichen (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), change on to postal bus (Nufenen Pass service) to Ladstafel. You can travel to the Goms valley coming from Zurich or Lucerne as well. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Approach

A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley via Münster to Ulrichen. Take turning for Nufenen Pass and continue as far as Ladstafel. You can travel to the Goms valley coming from Zurich or Lucerne as well.

Parking

Limited parking at Ladstafel; better to park in Münster (car park at south-west entrance to village), and travel to start of walk by public transport (train to Ulrichen, postal bus to Ladstafel).

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

For all hikes: 

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Best practice guidelines

Preparing your hike

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourist office in Obergoms has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1250 Ulrichen

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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