Hikes

Chapel trail and Bodmeri irrigation channel in Visperterminen

Visperterminen

12/16°

Inspiring ascent of a “sacred mountain” via a series of historical chapels, followed by a delightful walk along an irrigation channel. A descent through forest and pastures completes the loop.

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

The tradition of the “sacro monte”, or “sacred mountain”, evolved from the late-15th century in the region between Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy. Visperterminen has its own version: a sequence of ten historical chapels leading up to a hauntingly beautiful pilgrimage chapel in the forest dedicated to the Visitation of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

Over the centuries, believers would walk from one rosary chapel to the next, stopping at each to pray. Each chapel contains life-size sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Christ; the pilgrimage church contains one of the oldest playable organs in existence, believed to date from the 16th century. Today, the climb up to the pilgrimage chapel offers one of the most uplifting and beautiful walks in Valais.

The next stage of our round walk follows one of the region’s historical irrigation channels – known in Upper Valais as “Suonen”. Our circuit joins the Bodermi, built in 1915, at Muttji, where the water emerges from a tunnel that has brought it from the neighbouring Nanztal valley. The Bodmeri still carries water from early April to mid-September.

The trail leads through the forest to an intersection with an older Suone that the Bodmeri replaced: the Niwa. This was one of the most spectacular Suonen in Valais, and our hike follows it for a short distance: look out for the ancient warder’s hut, the “Hüoterhüsi”, and the old walkways and conduits.

Clearings in the forest offer gorgeous views of the Rhône valley and the snowy peaks beyond. The trail leaves the irrigation channel to turn south, leading gently downhill through forest and pastures back to Visperterminen.

Highlights

Uplifting walk via ten historical chapels to a beautiful pilgrimage chapel in the forest
Next: a gentle, level walk along a working irrigation channel

Turn-by-turn directions

The circuit begins in the village with a zig-zag climb up the chapel trail, roughly below the course of the Giw chairlift. From the pilgrimage chapel at the end, our route climbs a little higher through the forest before striking northwards to join the Bodmeri irrigation channel at Muttji.

Our route leads northwards along the Bodmeri as far as its intersection with the disused Niwa channel, and then follows this a short distance before heading back south to Visperterminen.

Start

Visperterminen, chairlift Giw (1376m)

Destination

Visperterminen, chairlift Giw (1376m)

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Author's recommendation

After the hike, enjoy a glass of wine grown in Visperterminen’s vineyards, the highest in Europe. The local Heida is known as the “pearl of alpine wines”, made from a native white grape. Heida is often served with a cold platter of local cheeses and Valais air-dried meat.

Technical information

Altitude

1688m

1335m

Ascent

+353m

Descent

-353m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Train to Visp, then postal bus to Visperterminen. Find full timetable information at www.sbb.ch.

Approach

Different possiblities to access Visp by car:

Lötschberg car shuttle train, then drive to Gampel and take the main route to Visp.
Furka (pass or car shuttle train), then drive through the Goms valley to Brig and then to Visp.
A9 motorway via Sion and Sierre, then main route to Visp.

Turn off in Visp and follow signs for Visperterminen.

Parking

Parking at the chairlift in Visperterminen. Follow the local car park routeing in Visperterminen.

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, top right, 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