Cross-country skiing

Herz-Loipe Obergesteln - Geschinen

Langlauf im wunderschönen Gommer Hochtal

Obergoms

-7/1°

If this track makes your heart beat just a little faster, that is exactly our intention. The Herz-Loipe, specially designed for those with heart conditions, is also suitable for beginners.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

5.16 km

Duration

1:00 h

Signalisierte Herzloipe ist ohne grosses Gefälle

Schnee, Berge, Bäume, Loipen, Langläufer/In

Description

The Herz-Loipe in Switzerland were launched specifically for heart patients through a collaboration between the Swiss Heart Foundation and Loipen Schweiz during the winter of 2015/2016. The track is short with no incline and is designed to encourage heart patients to remain physically active. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to try cross-country skiing. The perfectly groomed Herz-Loipe stretches across the picturesque, snow-covered plain between the mountain villages of Obergesteln and Geschinen, and is part of the Sonnenloipe with which it can easily be combined if desired.

Turn-by-turn directions

The Herz-Loipe begins at Obergesteln station and crosses the winter hiking path at the village exit, where you may also encounter walkers. The route passes through the Matte, following the Tällibach stream to Flaxeie. From there, it continues to Ulrichen, passing by a traditional farm. The trail then runs parallel to the hiking path and crosses the Geschinerbach before finally ending at Geschinen station.

Start

Obergesteln, train station (1352m)

Destination

Geschinen, train station (1341m)

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Author's recommendation

With a valid Loipepass from Loipe Goms, you can travel for free on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway between Oberwald and Fiesch – even without cross-country skiing equipment.

Technical information

Altitude

1353m

1338m

Ascent

+3m

Descent

-14m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

By train from Monthey, Martigny, Sion, Sierre and Visp: Exit in Brig. Then take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn regional train (R43). After 1h17, exit the train in Obergesteln.

The Goms valley is also easily accessible from Zurich / Lucerne via the Andermatt- Furka tunnel.

Relevant timetables for all connections can be found at www.sbb.ch

Approach

From Brig follow cantonal road No 19 (Furkastrasse) for 38,7 km to Obergesteln.

The Goms valley is also easily accessible from Zurich / Lucerne via the Andermatt – Furka car transport.

The Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen alpine passes are closed in winter.

Relevant timetables for the Furka car transport can be found at www.matterhorngotthardbahn.ch

Parking

Parking spaces near the cross-country skiing track are available around the railway station or in the village of Obergesteln. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Equipment

We recommend:

Good cross-country skiing equipment
Suitable clothing depending on the weather (waterproof and windproof) warm clothing
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Hydratation
Good sun protection, even in cloudy weather. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, especially in winter.

Safety information

The use of the trails is at your own risk. Obergoms Tourismus AG and Loipe Goms disclaim all liability and assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

Be considerate towards other cross-country skiers. Every cross-country skier, especially on downhill runs, must adapt speed and behaviour to his/her skill and the current visibility. On the classic and free skating tracks always overtake skiers on the right hand side with an appropriate safety distance. If you stop, step out of the cross-country skiing slope.
The winter sports report keeps you informed about the current conditions (avalanche danger, cross-country skiing, winter hiking trails, snow trails and road conditions).
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature, take with you waste from others.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
Assistance in case of accidents is a matter of course. To alert the rescue service, dial No. 144

Additional information

Winter sports report at www.goms.ch/en/winter-sports-report
Time table www.sbb.ch
Telephone number rescue service: 144
Winter hikers, snowshoe hikers and dogs are not allowed to enter the cross-country skiing slopes.

Literature

You will find the following brochures in the tourist information offices, at the sales points of the Loipe Goms as well as in most hotels and restaurants in Obergoms: