Hikes

From Leukerbad to Albinen via the historical Albinen ladders

Leukerbad

13/22°

The oldest via ferrata in Switzerland - or rather in the Alps since 1781. Climb the dramatic sequence of wooden ladders on the historical trade route between the villages of Albinen and Leukerbad.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

6.26 km

Duration

2:00 h

Aussicht auf Albinen mit dem Illhorn im Hintergrund

Die Gassen vom urchigen Bergdorf Albinen

Description

Highlight of this walk is the ascent of a sequence of eight wooden ladders, which once provided the only link between Leukerbad and Albinen. The latter is a traditional Valais village of ancient wooden chalets blackened by sunshine. The two-hour hike from Leukerbad to Albinen is only for those with a good head for heights.

Starting in the village of Leukerbad, the trail leads southwards and through the Lochwald forest to reach the beginning of the thrilling ascent of the Albinen ladders. These once provided the only link between Leukerbad and Albinen, and were primarily used for the transport of agricultural goods. It is also likely – although unproven – that the ladders formed an extension of the Gemmi Pass route linking the Kander valley with the Rhône valley.

The sequence of ladders represents a climb of about 100 vertical metres and ends by the base station of the Flaschen–Torrentalp gondola. Here, the Restaurant Flaschen offers a welcome break for refreshments.

The trail continues, partly through forest, partly through fields and meadows, passing above the hamlet of Dorben before reaching Albinen. This is a typical Valais mountain village with many well-preserved houses and barns. Only the village church is built in modern style, as its predecessor was destroyed in an earthquake. The population was largely self-sufficient until the mid-20th century; the access road was built only in the 1960s.

To make the most efficient use of the land available, locals built their houses very close together. As all the gables of the houses face the same way, across the valley, the village has a remarkably uniform appearance, and is today a heritage site of national importance.

From Albinen, hikers can either continue in the direction of the mountain villages of Guttet-Feschel and Erschmatt or return to Leukerbad. In order to follow a different route back, walkers can return to Leukerbad via Torrentalp and another dramatic passage, the Wolfstritt.

Highlights:

The dramatic Albinen ladders, which once provided the only link between Leukerbad and Albinen.
The unspoilt mountain village of Albinen with its well-preserved wooden houses dating from the 17th and 18th

Turn-by-turn directions

The trail takes you past the base station of the Torrent cable car to reach the bottom of the eight Albinen ladders. Soon after you have climbed up, you pass the base station of the gondola for the Rinderhütte on the Torrent. The trail then leads above the asphalt road as far as Albinen, where you can enjoy some well-deserved refreshments. If you wish, and you have the energy, continue your hike either through the forest towards Guttet-Feschel and Erschmatt or return to Leukerbad via Torrentalp. Alternatively, you can take a bus back to Leukerbad or down to Leuk.

Start

Leukerbad, main village square (1402m)

Destination

Albinen (1269m)

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Author's recommendation

If you don't have a head for heights and want to avoid the ladders, you can switch from the foot of the ladders to the road and walk through the tunnel. A little further on you meet the hiking trail to Albinen.

From Albinen, you can either continue the hike in the direction of the two mountain villages of Guttet-Feschel and Erschmatt or return to Leukerbad. To avoid having to take the same way back, the tour described leads back to the spa village via Torrentalp. Another adventurous descent, the Wolfstritt, takes you back to the village of Leukerbad.

Technical information

Altitude

1554m

1270m

Ascent

+185m

Descent

-317m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Leuk can be reached by train (SBB), then by bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point in Leukerbad.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: A1 motorway to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; Kandersteg - Goppenstein car transport; direction Gampel; Leuk - Leukerbad.

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

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 direction Simplon; car transport Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk - Leukerbad.

Parking

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

Car parks in Leukerbad: Sportarena parking, Rathaus parking, Torrent parking, Leukerbad Therme parking, Alpentherme parking.

Equipment

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

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.

Safety information

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.

Additional information

The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.

Preparing your hike

Status of the facilities

Literature

The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.