Winter hikes

Blatten - Fafleralp Hike

Rundwanderung Fafleralp

Lötschental

A spectacular circular hike accessible to all through a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

4.72 km

Duration

1:25 h

Description

Starting from Blatten, hike through the snow-clad wintery landscape along the wild Lonza River to Kühmatt where the baroque Mariä Heimsuchung (Visitation of Our Lady) Chapel  is the objective of many regional pilgrimages. Continue your hike towards Fafleralp along a path that winds gently uphill. Enjoy a snack or a coffee accompanied by a home-made fruit tart before heading back to Blatten on the same path.

Turn-by-turn directions

Blatten - Kühmatt - Fafleralp - Blatten

Start

Blatten, Post (1525m)

Destination

Blatten, Post (1784m)

Author's recommendation

Enjoy a quiet moment of peace and meditation at Mariä Heimsuchung Chapel, built during the tenure of Prior Bartholomäus Indergassen, from 1646 to 1663.

Technical information

Altitude

1785m

1525m

Ascent

+263m

Descent

-3m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Way cleared
  • Groomed snow
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From Gampel/Steg or Goppenstein, the PostBus brings you to Blatten every hour. PostBus stop "Blatten, Post".

Approach

From Goppenstein you drive into the Lötschental, past the villages of Ferden, Kippel, Wiler to Blatten, at the old post office.

Parking

You can park your car at the car park by the old post office in Blatten (chargeable).

Equipment

We recommend: 

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

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.

  • 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.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • 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.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Lötschental

 

Order a free copy of the "Cross-country Ski Runs and Winter Hiking Routes" brochure from the Lötschental Tourist Information Office or online at www.loetschental.ch/prospekte

Source

This activity is brought to you by Lötschental Marketing AG. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.