Hikes

Turtmanntaler Aussischtsweg

Turtmanntal mit Turtmanngletscher und Bishorn

Turtmanntal

-5/0°

This loop around the Turtmann valley follows a high trail along the eastern slopes of the valley. After the descent through the forest, the route follows the lovely Turtmänna creek back to Gruben/Meiden.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

12.65 km

Duration

6:30 h
Turtmanntal mit Turtmanngletscher und Bishorn
Turtmannhütte SAC
Stechfest am Alpaufzug im Turtmanntal

Description

Starting point for the hike is the bus stop in Gruben/Meiden. From here, the path zig-zags steeply up through the forest to the alpine pastures of Grüobu Mittelstafel. Above the treeline, the hike follows a flattish trail southwards up the Turtmann valley. Eventually, at an altitude of about 2,300 metres, the path leads above the Turtmannsee lake – actually formed of two reservoirs, used to generate electricity. These provide water for the Gougra hydroelectric power station, primarily fed by reservoirs in the Val d’Anniviers. From here, you enjoy a superb view of the Brunegg and Turtmann glaciers, the 4,153-metre Bishorn and the dramatic Barrwand cliffs.

The trail now descends relatively steeply through larch and pine forests above the lake and drops down to lead along the crest of the dam between the two reservoirs. The trail continues in the floor of the valley along the creek until you reach the end point at Meiden.

Time your hike to coincide with the annual ascent or descent of the cattle to/from the high pastures and see the traditional cow fights at Gruben/Meiden.

Turn-by-turn directions

Gruben-Gigi Oberstafel-Gruben

Starting point for the hike is Meiden, the final bus stop in the Turtmann valley. A steep climb up the eastern side of the valley accesses a trail that leads southwards, high above the valley floor. Then you descend to the Turtmannsee lakes. Cross the dam of the upper reservoir and then follow the gently trail along the creek back to Gruben/Meiden.

Start

Meiden (1822m)

Destination

Meiden (1822m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

If you want to do more, extend your hike with a detour to the Turtmann mountain hut, built in 1928 and renovated several times since. Turtmann Hut is the starting point for Barrhorn (3610 m), one of Europe’s highest hiking peaks, where no climbing equipment is needed.

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 services to Turtmann. Continue by cable car to Oberems, and then by bus into the Turtmann valley. The bus runs infrequently from June to September.

Approach

Cantonal road to Turtmann; then via Unterems and Oberems to Meiden in the Turtmann valley.

Parking

Large car park in Gruben/Meiden.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility: 

More information about the destination: 

Literature

Das Tourismusbüro in Turtmann stellt Ihnen Informationsmaterial und Broschüren zum Wandern in der Region zur Verfügung. 

Maps

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

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

Other itineraries

19.31 km 4:50 h Difficult
Trail running

Via Valais Turtmann Hut - Randa (Stage 7)

Turtmanntal

Nach einem Abstieg von mehr als 2000 Höhenmetern taucht der Weg ins Mattertal ein
The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais

Search