Leuk sun mountains
Gampel-Bratsch-Jeizinen
0/11°
Scenic hike through the regional nature park Pfyn-Finges from the mountain village Jeizinen along the sunny south flank of the Rhone Valley to Leuk. Discover the village of Erschmatt with its Rye Centre as well as the satellite ground station above Leuk.
Difficulty
EasyLength
11.64 kmDuration
3:20 h
Description
The hike begins in the mountain village Jeizinen at 1500 m above sea level, reachable from Gampel by cable car. After about 20 minutes, you reach the historic little village of Engersch with its narrow main street and charming wooden chalets arranged around it.
Then follows the steep descent towards Erschmatt. In the area of Undri Zälg, you pass the variety garden of the Rye Centre Erschmatt. Old cultivated plants, especially rye, are grown here.
Rye used to be the main cereal cultivated in the Valais mountain villages. Due to its robustness against cold temperatures, it could be grown in Valais up to 2000 meters altitude. Rye was used to prepare Valais rye bread. The rye bread was usually baked in large village ovens that were fired up two to three times a year. The typical bread could be stored for several months.
Again, a steep descent follows to the Feschelschlucht, whose "High Bridge" spans the Feschelju about 100 meters lower. The 16th-century bridge has a similar legendary story as its counterpart in the Schöllenenschlucht and is also called the Devil's Bridge.
Via Obere Lichten, you reach Brentjong above Leuk, mainly known for its satellite ground station, which accordingly stands out. In the 1970s, the station was considered a technical marvel. After it was sold to a US company, suspicions arose that it was used for espionage. Besides the current owner from Germany, the Swiss federal government also operates intelligence activities here.
At the end of the hike, you descend along vineyards into the historic small town of Leuk. Besides the charming village center, a visit to the castle restored by the star architect Mario Botta is worthwhile.
Highlights of the hike:
- Village of Erschmatt with Rye Centre and numerous activities around Valais rye bread.
- High Bridge or Devil's Bridge spanning the Feschelbach between Erschmatt and Leuk.
- Historic small town Leuk and the satellite ground station above.
Turn-by-turn directions
After starting in Jeizinen, the route leads via the little village of Engersch to Erschmatt. In the area of Undri Zälg, you pass one of the variety gardens of the Rye Centre Erschmatt and then cross the mountain village before descending to the High Bridge over the Feschelschlucht.
Via Obere Lichten, you reach the satellite ground station in Brentjong. At the end of the hike, you descend through the steep vineyards into the small town of Leuk. The hike ends at Leuk train station, located below the town on the banks of the Rhone.
Start
Jeizinen, cable car mountain station (1520m)
Destination
Leuk, train station (623m)
Author's recommendation
Besides the variety garden, the Rye Centre offers a range of activities around rye: for example, the baking experience where you can prepare, bake, and take home your own rye bread. You can also order old rye varieties from Erschmatt and cultivate them in your own garden.
Technical information
Altitude
1523m
623m
Ascent
+230m
Descent
-1125m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Regular regional trains along the Simplon line to Gampel. From there either on foot or by bus to the valley station of the Gampel – Jeizinen cable car.
Approach
Coming from Sion or Brig: motorway A9 or cantonal road 9 to Gampel.
Coming from Bern: motorway A6 to Spiez, then cantonal road towards Kandersteg. Use the car shuttle from Kandersteg to Goppenstein. Then cantonal road to Gampel.
Parking
Parking at the valley station of the Gampel-Jeizinen gondola. Follow the local parking guidance system in Gampel.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion