Hikes

Jolischlucht

Die Burgkirche von Rarogne, die über der Felsenkirche thront

Raron-St. German-Niedergesteln

0/11°

Discover the right bank of the Rhone on this hike through the pristine nature of the impressive Jolischlucht gorge.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

7.95 km

Duration

2:45 h
Die Burgkirche von Rarogne, die über der Felsenkirche thront
Felsenkirche in Raron, Kaverne im Berg
Der Weg zur Schlosskirche von Raron
Brücke mit Blick auf den Bietschbach
Naturbrücke über den Bietschbach
Hängefußgängerbrücke über dem Jolibach.
Hängebrücke über den Jolibach
Hängebrücke über den Jolibach
Wasserweg Stägerusüe im Joli-Tal
Gesicherter Weg entlang des Bisse de Lëgjeru
Romantische Landschaft am Ufer des Bisse de Lüegjeru
Abfahrt nach Niedergesteln
Der Hügel der Burg Niedergesteln
"Der Springer", eine Skulptur von Carl Constantin Weber, die den Kindern von Niedergesteln gewidmet ist, wurde ihnen 2003 offiziell übergeben

Description

Above the village of Raron, the St. Romanus castle church towers directly over the rock church of St. Michael. At this historic site lies the grave of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Just before the castle church, the path to the “Lötschberger” on the southern ramp branches off. After about two hours of walking, there is the first refreshment break at the Buvette by the Rarnerchumma. From there, it continues to the wild Jolischlucht gorge, visible from the Rhone Valley. On the suspension bridge, you get a view into the wildly rushing gorge. Thrill and adrenaline are guaranteed on this 20-meter-high footbridge!

Turn-by-turn directions

From Raron train station, head north and follow a paved path up to the castle church. Halfway there, turn left and hike along the meadows to the Lötschberger southern ramp. At a rest area with benches and tables, you can relax and admire the Rhone Valley in all its facets. Then follow the Lötschberger southern ramp northward to the natural bridge over the Bietschbach. After the Rarnerchumma restaurant, the path leads through a pine forest and then through wonderfully fragrant Sefinen shrubs to the entrance of the Jolischlucht gorge. After crossing the street, follow the irrigation channel to the suspension bridge. Continue on wooden planks through a 30-meter-long tunnel, then along the Stägeru irrigation channel for almost a kilometer. A sign finally shows you the way down to Niedergesteln.

Start

Raron (638m)

Destination

Niedergesteln (643m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Listen to the audio drama “The Tuff of Gestelnburg,” which, over 13 stations, revives the endless disputes of the Barons of Turn in the Middle Ages through the alleys of the old village of Niedergesteln and the ruins of Gestelnburg.

Technical information

Altitude

1021m

635m

Ascent

+430m

Descent

-420m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Insider tip
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From Siders or Brig/Visp, take a regional train to Raron station.

Approach

Coming on the main road from Siders or Brig/Visp, follow the road signs for Raron, station.

Parking

Parking is available at the Raron station.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

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 for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their recreational activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Accurately assess your own abilities and fitness. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. 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 heed all signs and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other path users, plants, and animals. 

For mountain hikes:  

  • Carry additional sunscreen. UV rays at high altitude can be very strong, even in overcast 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 enough 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 your hiking route. If possible, avoid traveling alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Pay attention to warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Being properly prepared

Preparing for a hike

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism office in Raron provides you with hiking brochures for the region.

Maps

National maps Swisstopo 1:25,000: 1288 Raron

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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