Hikes

Over the Albinen ladders from Leukerbad to Albinen

Leukerbad

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The oldest via ferrata in Switzerland—actually the Alps—since 1781. Traverse the adventurous Albinen ladders on the historic trade route between the villages of Albinen and Leukerbad.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

6.26 km

Duration

2:00 h

Description

The highlight of the hike is traversing the eight wooden ladders that served to overcome the once only connection between Albinen and Leukerbad. In Albinen, you will find one of the typical Valais villages with traditional sun-darkened chalets. The two-hour hike from Leukerbad to Albinen is only suitable for hikers who are free from vertigo.

The hike begins in the village of Leukerbad, which you leave heading south. Through the Lochwald forest, the hike leads to the start of the adventurous passage over the Albinen ladders. The ladders were formerly the only connection between Leukerbad and Albinen. Primarily agricultural goods were transported over the preserved ladders. It is not proven but likely that the ladders were a continuation of the Gemmi crossing from the Kandertal to the Rhone valley.

The ladders overcome a height difference of around 100 meters and end at the valley station of the Flaschen-Torrentalp gondola. The restaurant Flaschen also invites you for a short refreshment break.

Afterwards, the path leads partially through the forest, partially over fields and meadows above the hamlet Dorben towards Albinen. Albinen is a typical mountain village with numerous well-preserved Valais mountain farmhouses and barns. Only the village church was built in a modern style, as it was destroyed by an earthquake. The population lived mostly self-sufficiently until the 20th century. The access road was only built in the 1960s.

The careful use of the ground has led to an extremely dense development. Because the gable ends of all homes face the valley, the external appearance of the village has remarkable uniformity and belongs to nationally significant village images.

From Albinen, the hike can either continue towards the two mountain villages Guttet-Feschel and Erschmatt or return to Leukerbad. To avoid retracing the same return path, the described route leads back via Torrentalp to the spa village. Via another adventurous descent, the Wolfstritt, you reach the village of Leukerbad again.

Highlights of the hike:

The adventurous Albinen ladders, originally the only connection between Leukerbad and Albinen.
The original mountain village Albinen with its well-preserved wooden houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Turn-by-turn directions

The path leads past the Torrentbahn valley station to the Leiterngraben. After overcoming eight ladders, you reach Flaschen and the valley station of the gondola that takes you to the Rinderhütte on Torrent. From here, follow the path further above the paved road towards Albinen. If you feel like it and have the strength, you can continue the hike through the Höhenwald towards Guttet-Feschel and Erschmatt after a well-deserved refreshment, or take the return route via Torrentalp back to Leukerbad. Alternatively, you can take the bus back to Leukerbad or down to Leuk.

Start

Leukerbad, village square (1402m)

Destination

Albinen (1269m)

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Author's recommendation

If you are not free from vertigo and want to avoid the ladders, you can switch to the road at the foot of the ladders and walk through the tunnel. A little further, you will meet the hiking trail to Albinen.

Technical information

Altitude

1554m

1270m

Ascent

+185m

Descent

-317m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

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

Approach

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

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

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

Parking

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

Parking in Leukerbad: Sportarena parking garage, Town Hall parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.

Equipment

Using the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. We take 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 on «Print» at the top right of the page.
Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions—for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Be considerate of other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy 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 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 being alone if possible.
Do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Observe warning signs indicating dangers along riverbanks, waterways 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. To ensure that all users benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior enables everyone to pursue their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.

Assess your own abilities and fitness well. The use of the various routes is generally at your own responsibility.

Additional information

The Leukerbad tourist office provides you with informational material and brochures for hiking in the area and can give detailed information about the route.

Preparation for a hike

Status of facilities

Literature

The tourist office in Leukerbad provides informational material and brochures for hiking in the destination and can give detailed information about the route.