Lötschberger Südrampe
Eggerberg
6/15°
Extension to the popular trail along the pioneering Lötschberger railway, created to mark the line’s centenary. Fascinating rail history, superb views across the Rhône valley.
Difficulty
EasyLength
10.38 kmDuration
3:30 h
Description
When the pioneering Lötschberg tunnel and railway line opened in 1913, the new route provided the first year-round link between Valais and the Swiss capital. Together with the Simplon tunnel, it offered a fast and comfortable way of travelling across and under the Alps.
The stretch of line south of the tunnel is the setting for one of the region’s best-loved hikes: the Lötschberger-Südrampe («Lötschberg south ramp»). To celebrate the line’s centenary, the trail was extended from Lalden station all the way to the historical town of Brig.
Our hike begins at Eggerberg, just west of Lalden, about 200 vertical metres above the valley floor. From here it traverses the sunny, south-facing slopes until dropping down to the Rhône by Brig. The railway is quieter following the opening of another pioneering line in 2007: the Lötschberg base tunnel, 400 vertical metres lower, which can accommodate trains travelling at up to 250 km/h.
The first stretch of the hike leads fairly close to the railway line until it passes the Brigerbad thermal pool complex down on the valley floor. With its 12 indoor and outdoor pools, its water slides and spa, this is one of the country’s largest thermal spa facilities.
The trail now traces a route some way above the railway line: first below the saffron-growing village of Mund, then along a «Suone» irrigation channel, the Driestneri, created to provide water for the line’s fire prevention installations.
Just before reaching Naters, the trail passes over a former top-secret underground fortress. Today this hosts two museums: one devoted to the site’s military history, and another to the Swiss Guard in the Vatican, for which Naters has supplied more soldiers than any other Swiss municipality.
The south ramp is mostly walked in the direction of Brig, but it is also very attractive in the opposite direction.
Highlights:
- Theme trail with info panels exploring more than a century of pioneering rail history
- Sunny position, open views across Rhône valley
- Two fascinating museums plus Brig: historical charm and Mediterranean atmosphere
Turn-by-turn directions
Starting from Eggerberg railway station, the trail is clearly marked throughout.
The first stretch of path follows a route a short distance uphill of the railway line, before crossing it via a footbridge after about 1.7 km. The trail now follows the line closely as it leads above the villages of Lalden and Brigerbad on the valley floor. As the trail approaches the Brigerbad thermal pool complex, it re-crosses the railway and traces a route uphill of the line all the way to Brig. The entrance to the underground museums in Naters lies a couple of minutes’ walk to the right of our hike.
The full Lötschberger-Südrampe trail leads from Hohtenn railway station via Eggerberg to Brig: a distance of about 27 km.
The full trail also forms the final half of the Walliser Sonnenweg («Valais Sun Trail»), a long-distance hike that leads in 4 day-stages from Crans-Montana to Brig.
Start
Eggerberg railway station (862m)
Destination
Brig railway station (671m)
Author's recommendation
Allow time to ride the entire Lötschberger south ramp by train: a spectacular 20-minute ride each way between Hohtenn and Brig, trains hourly.
Technical information
Altitude
900m
672m
Ascent
+460m
Descent
-650m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then change onto «RegioExpress» to Eggerberg.
Find full timetable information at bls.ch/en. You can hike the Lötschberg south ramp in its entirety or in sections. Starting points are the Hohtenn, Ausserberg, Eggerberg, Lalden and Brig stops.
Approach
A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley to Visp; then follow signs for Eggerberg.
Parking
Car park (fee payable) at Eggerberg railway station; also at Brig railway station at end of walk.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion