Hikes

Tour du Val d'Anniviers: Hike of the five 4000-meter peaks (stage 2)

Hotel Weisshorn

St-Luc

Scenic ride with the funicular, astronomical themed trail, a historic hotel, and great views of the "Couronne Impériale" with its five 4000-meter peaks.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

15.68 km

Duration

4:35 h

Description

St-Luc is known for its clear views, sunny location, and starry nights. Therefore, there is a publicly accessible observatory above the village where the sun can be observed during the day and the stars at night. 

The hike begins near the observatory at the upper station of the funicular. The route initially follows the Planet Trail: here you experience our solar system reduced to human distances. The sun and planets are displayed as artworks along the path. Each meter on the path corresponds to a distance of one million kilometers in the universe. At this scale, pedestrians travel through the universe on the Planet Trail at three times the speed of light.

About 1.5 kilometers before the end of the themed path, you reach a special historic jewel: the Weisshorn Hotel, built in 1882 at a remote viewpoint at 2337 m above sea level. Today the atmospheric hotel is accessible in summer on foot or by mountain bike and in winter with snowshoes or touring skis.

The hike continues southwards, leading high above the Val d’Anniviers into the Val de Zinal. The "Couronne Impériale" now towers before you with its five 4000-meter peaks. The surrounding glaciers complete the great view at the end of the valley. 

At the end of the hike, a steep descent follows down to Zinal. The village is also the finish of the famous mountain race Sierre-Zinal, also known as the race of the five 4000-meter peaks. The hike finishes following the last section of the race, which runners often describe as the most beautiful mountain race in the world.

Highlights of the hike:

  • Ride on the funicular in St-Luc, astronomical observatory and Planet Trail.
  • Weisshorn Hotel with spectacular views and the legendary blueberry cake.

Turn-by-turn directions

The hike begins at the upper station of the funicular in Tignousa at 2186 m above sea level. Follow the signs of the Planet Trail, which runs roughly at the tree line. The themed path ends about 1.5 km past the Weisshorn Hotel at 2337 m above sea level.

The hike continues southwards. First through barren terrain, once you reach the Val de Zinal, the gentle descent begins. About an hour from the hotel, you reach the alpine pastures of Barneuza at 2211 m above sea level. From there you enjoy a great view of the village of Zinal as well as the Mottec hydroelectric power plant.

From there the path continues south into the valley before it zigzags steeply down to Zinal.

Start

St-Luc (Tignousa upper station) (2183m)

Destination

Zinal (1670m)

Author's recommendation

The Anniviers Liberté Pass includes a 50 percent discount on the funicular and free travel on the post bus as well as other activities.

Technical information

Altitude

2427m

1670m

Ascent

+322m

Descent

-985m

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
  • Fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Train to Sierre, then post bus towards St-Luc and change in Vissoie. At the end of the hike, take the bus from Zinal to Sierre and change again in Vissoie. Detailed timetables for trains and post buses can be found at sbb.ch. 

Approach

Motorway A9, exit 29 (Sierre-Est), follow signs to Val d’Anniviers.

Parking

Park in Vissoie, take the post bus to St-Luc to start the hike there. At the end of the hike, take the post bus back from Zinal to Vissoie.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headwear
  • Sun protection
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Walking sticks (optional)
  • Printout of the trail (click "Print" to download)  

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais according to the law on recreational traffic routes. The use of the routes and information on this website is the responsibility of the respective user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

The mountains are a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and create unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. To allow all users to benefit from this, it is essential to share this space with respect towards nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to carry out their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Traveling the various routes is basically at your own risk.

For all hikes:

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

For mountain hikes: 

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in overcast weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: Take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts and seasonal dependencies.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In case of unsettled weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes: 

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating danger along riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Proper behavior on the trail

Preparing for a hike

Additional information

Further information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism office in St-Luc provides you with informational material and brochures for hiking in the destination.

Maps

Topographic maps SwissTopo 1:25,000: 1307 Vissoie and 1327 Evolène

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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