Hikes

Turtmanntal panoramic trail

Turtmanntal mit Turtmanngletscher und Bishorn

Turtmanntal

The circular hike around the Turtmanntal follows a high path along the western flank of the valley. After descending through the forest, the route follows the idyllic Turtmänna stream back to Gruben/Meiden.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

12.65 km

Duration

6:30 h

Description

The starting point of the hike is the bus stop in Gruben/Meiden. The path leads very steeply and in a zigzag through the forest up to the alp "Grüobu Mittelstafel." Once above the tree line, the path leads flatly southward into the Turtmanntal. At about 2300 meters altitude, you are above the Turtmann lake, which consists of two dammed lakes used for electricity generation. It belongs to the "Gougra" power plant, which mainly produces energy with the reservoirs in the Val d’Anniviers. From here you enjoy a great view of the Brunegg and Turtman glaciers, the 4135 m high Bishorn, and the mighty Barr wall.

The hiking path now descends relatively steeply through larch and Swiss pine forest above the reservoirs. The path then crosses the dam between the two lakes. The route continues along the valley floor following the stream to the endpoint in Meiden.

Complete the hike on the dates of the respective alpine cattle ascent or descent and observe the traditional ring cow fight in Gruben/Meiden.

Turn-by-turn directions

Gruben-Gigi Oberstafel-Gruben

The starting point of the hike is in Meiden, the last bus stop in the Turtmanntal. At the beginning, there is a steep ascent of the western flank up to the high path that leads south above the valley floor. Then the route descends to the dams of the Turtmann lakes. You cross the dam of the upper lake and follow the path along the stream back to Gruben/Meiden.

Start

Meiden (1822m)

Destination

Meiden (1822m)

Author's recommendation

If you want to do more, extend your hike with a detour to the Turtmann hut, built in 1928 and renovated several times since. The Turtmann hut is the starting point for Barrhorn (3610 m a.s.l.), one of the highest hiking peaks in Europe that can be climbed without alpine equipment.

Technical information

Altitude

2365m

1819m

Ascent

+720m

Descent

-720m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regional train connections to Turtmann. Then take the gondola to Oberems and from there the bus into the Turtmanntal. The bus runs irregularly between June and September.

Approach

Cantonal road to Turtmann, then via Unterems and Oberems towards Meiden in the Turtmanntal.  

Parking

Large parking lot in Gruben/Meiden.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is always 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 observe all signposts and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate towards 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 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 unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid being alone.
  • Do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along waterways below dams and reservoirs: Water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Additional information

View this route on SchweizMobil: 

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourism office in Turtmann provides informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination. 

Maps

SwissTopo national maps: 1:25,000: 1307 Vissoie / 1308 St. Niklaus

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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