Hikes

Dala-Raspille cultural trail

Leukerbad

2/12°

Open

Hike along the dramatic Dala Gorge down to the vineyards above the Rhone. Along the way, you pass charming villages and learn about their fascinating history and the region’s top wines.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

16.23 km

Duration

3:00 h

Aussicht auf den Pfynwald und die Varnerbrücke

Description

This dramatic hike captivates with its variety: culture and history, spectacular mountain worlds, dramatic gorges, as well as wine-growing villages with views over the wild Rhone in the regional nature park Pfyn-Finges.

The hike can be divided into two scenic parts. It begins in the thermal spa town of Leukerbad with a descent through the Dala valley. Further down, the path leads through the vineyards of two of the most charming wine villages in Valais. The hike ends just before the German-French language border in the wine village of Salgesch.

The trail is marked as a cultural route. The Romans used the route to reach the most abundant thermal springs in the Alps in Leukerbad. For centuries, the Dala valley was an important trade route between the Bernese Oberland and Valais. The first package tour in Switzerland, organized by Thomas Cook, passed through the Dala valley in 1863 and is now known as the multi-day hike "Via Cook."

A section of the hike follows the no longer used railway track, where trains ran between Leuk and Leukerbad from 1915 to 1967. However, traffic slowed down in the valley as early as 1913 when the Lötschberg Tunnel opened and shifted transit traffic.

The second part leads through the vineyards of Varen, known for its naturally grown Pinot Noir. Then you reach Salgesch, where one of the two locations of the Valais Wine Museum is located.

Highlights of the hike:

Thermal spa town Leukerbad – the most abundant thermal springs in the Alps
The wild Dala valley with the Roman road, historic villages, and picturesque chapels
Wine villages Varen and Salgesch with great views of the wild and branching Rhone

Turn-by-turn directions

The hike starts at the sports arena in Leukerbad and is easy to follow thanks to clear signage. To the right of the Dala, the trail leads out of the valley to Inden. About one kilometer past the historic village, the path turns right towards Varen. The route runs along the edge of the Varnerwald and leads via Bärde down to the wine village of Varen.

To shorten the hike, the route can be ended in Varen. By bus (changing in Leuk), you can get back to Leukerbad (about 1h 25). The connections from Salgesch are better; in 40 minutes you can reach Leukerbad via Leuk.

In Varen, take a small detour and hike to the church on the hill to enjoy a great view of the wild Rhone and the Pfynwald in the background. Afterwards, the route leads through the seemingly endless vineyards to Salgesch.

In Salgesch, one of the locations of the Valais Wine Museum is located about 800 meters from the train station. The second location is in Sierre, and the fascinating vine educational trail connects the two sites.

Start

Leukerbad (1381m)

Destination

Salgesch (576m)

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Author's recommendation

Plan enough time in Varen and/or Salgesch to taste the excellent local wines directly in the wineries.

Technical information

Altitude

1401m

577m

Ascent

+230m

Descent

-850m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), then take the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Travels) to the starting point in Leukerbad.

Approach

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

From Geneva: Autobahn A1 to Lausanne; towards Sion/Sierre; Leuk – Leukerbad

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

Parking

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

Parking in Leukerbad: Sports arena car park, Town Hall car park, Torrent car park, Leukerbad Therme car park, Alpentherme car park.

Equipment

Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on-site may cause changes to the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

For all hikes:

Carry a map with you. Download the complete 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 toward other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
Plan your hike carefully: take into account 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 unstable 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 watercourses 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. So that all users can benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect towards 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 skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is always at your own risk.

Additional information

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

Preparation for a hike

Status of facilities