UBC October 2024 -Lötschental

Since I have started to pepper the October season with our travel blogs, I would like to tell you more about the Löschental. You may remember that we had just arrived when a sheep gave birth to two lambs. 

Let's start at the beginning though. We had to get there first, and how did we do that?

The "Autoverlad" is a unique transportation system that allows cars and other vehicles to be loaded onto a train, which then transports them through the mountains. This particular route, between Kandersteg and Goppenstein, runs through the Lötschberg Tunnel, a 14.6km (9-mile) tunnel through the Swiss Alps.

Here’s how it works: drivers park their cars on open train carriages, and instead of navigating the steep, winding roads over the mountains, they sit inside their vehicle as the train takes them through the tunnel. While it’s definitely a time-saver, relaxing isn’t always easy—the tunnel is long and pitch-black, with only the sound of the train echoing through the darkness. Once you emerge on the other side, though, you can simply drive off and continue your journey, avoiding the challenging alpine roads.

The Lötschental is a picturesque valley in the Swiss Alps, known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional villages, and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of glaciers and mountain peaks. 

If I say stunning I mean it, have a look!

In the “lowlands”, as we call the heavily populated, flatter part of Switzerland where I live, it had rained heavily the day before, which of course means that the mountains were covered in snow at higher altitudes. Isn't it just gorgeous? 

The river Lonza originates in the Lötschental, fed by the Langgletscher glacier's meltwaters. It flows through the valley, adding to the region's dramatic landscape before joining the Rhône River. 

In case you missed my lamb post, here's the link. It my personal the highlight of the trip!

The traditional Swiss chalets and "Gaden" (granaries) are characteristic features of the local architecture. The chalets, typically made of wood and set on stone foundations, are beautifully weathered by time and the alpine climate. 

The "Gaden" are smaller, elevated storage huts used to keep grain, dried meats, and other supplies safe from moisture and rodents. These granaries are built on stilts with flat, round stones at the top to prevent pests from climbing up. 

Switzerland is famous for its extensive, well-marked network of hiking paths, which crisscross the country, including the Alps. These trails range from easy walks through valleys to challenging alpine routes, all meticulously maintained and signposted.

What sets Swiss "Wanderwege" (hiking trails) apart from other places' is the country's commitment to making the outdoors accessible for everyone. Trails are clearly marked with yellow signs that indicate distances and times, making it easy for hikers of all levels to navigate. This network connects mountain huts, scenic viewpoints, villages, and even railways, allowing for seamless exploration of Switzerland's natural beauty. It’s a way of life for many Swiss people, who often hike as a regular activity, and it attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

This bird of prey is of course not real. Someone has artistically carved it, and all visitors can admire it up close. 

"Steinmännchen" are small, human-like cairns or stone piles that hikers often build along trails, creeks, or on mountain summits in the Alps, including in Switzerland. These stacks of stones have a long tradition and serve multiple purposes.

Originally, they were used as trail markers in rocky, hard-to-navigate areas, helping hikers find their way when formal signage was absent. Over time, building them has become a symbolic activity for many hikers, representing a moment of connection with nature, a way of leaving a mark without causing harm, or simply a fun challenge.

The crystal-clear waters of Grundsee, reflecting the alpine landscape, create a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain. Finding this hidden gem at the end of the valley made for a magical end to our hike!

As stunning the views were - my personal highlight at the end of the hike was a large glass of “Hugo”, a refreshing cocktail that’s popular in Switzerland and other parts of Europe. It’s made with prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, mint leaves, and lime. Light, sweet, and slightly fizzy, it's a perfect drink for relaxing after a hike, especially on a sunny day! 

We were very lucky with the weather. Look how cloudy and foggy the next morning greeted us.

This small region was wonderful to explore. More ambitious hikers could hike up to the actual glacier. For us, the walk to the lake was just enough. Apart from that, there is also a mini golf course, but it only has limited opening hours in the fall. So it was a good time for us to move on. 

Would you enjoy exploring a less touristy but beautiful area like this one?