Hikes

Chapel path Visperterminen and Bodmeri Suone

Visperterminen

1/7°

The inspiring ascent leads along several historic chapels up to the forest chapel above Visperterminen. Afterwards, you hike along the Bodmeri Suone and through the forest back down to Visperterminen.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

9.33 km

Duration

2:45 h

Waldkapelle Visperterminen aus dem 17. Jahrhundert

Säulen der Waldkapelle in Visperterminen

Kapelle auf dem Kapellenweg in Visperterminen

Wegkapellen des Kapellenwegs in Visperterminen

Description

Each hamlet in Visperterminen has its own chapel and along the footpaths from the valley to the peaks, smaller chapels or wayside shrines line the way. The so-called Sacri Monti originated in Piedmont and Lombardy. In Visperterminen, a series of ten historic chapels leads up to the forest chapel "Mary’s Visitation." Over the past centuries, the faithful walked from one rosary chapel to the next. Today, the hike to the pilgrimage site is one of the most beautiful hikes in Valais.

The second part of the circular hike leads along one of the historic Suones. The "Bodmeri" was constructed in 1915 and begins in Muttji, where water is led through a tunnel from the Nanztal to Visperterminen. The Suone is still used from early April to mid-September.

The path then leads to the junction with the Niwa, an older Suone replaced by the Bodmeri. The hike follows the Niwa for a short section, where hikers pass the Hüoterhüsi, the former guardhouse.

The hike continues through the forest and through clearings, glimpses of the Rhone valley and the high peaks can occasionally be seen. Now the path leaves the Suone and leads south back to the village of Visperterminen.

Highlights

Ascent along ten historic chapels to the forest chapel.
Pleasant hike along the Bodmeri Suone.

Turn-by-turn directions

The path begins in the village of Visperterminen and leads zigzagging along the chapels uphill. Upon reaching the forest chapel, the hike continues a bit further through the forest uphill before the Bodmeri Suone is reached in a northern direction.

At the junction with the Niwa, the path follows this old Suone for a short distance before the descent towards Visperterminen begins.

Start

Visperterminen, Giw chairlift (1376m)

Destination

Visperterminen, Giw chairlift (1376m)

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Author's recommendation

Enjoy a glass of Visperterminer wine after the hike, grown in the highest vineyard in Europe. The local Heida wine is also known as the pearl of Alpine wines. The white wine is often served with a Valais platter.

Technical information

Altitude

1688m

1335m

Ascent

+353m

Descent

-353m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Visp. Then post bus to Visperterminen. Detailed timetables for trains and post buses can be found at sbb.ch.

Approach

There are various ways to get to Visp:

Lötschberg car shuttle to Gampel and canton road to Visp.
Furka (pass and/or car shuttle) and via Goms - Brig to Visp.
Motorway A9 via Sion and Sierre and canton road to Visp.

Then follow the signs to Visperterminen.

Parking

Parking lot at the chairlift in Visperterminen. Follow the local parking guidance system in Visperterminen for this.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

For certain hikes:

Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains are 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. So that all users can benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect towards nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to pursue their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.

For all hikes:

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

For mountain hikes:

Carry 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 conditions.
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 your hiking route. If possible, avoid going alone.
Do not go on 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.

Travel safely

Preparation for a hike