Lötschenpass 2690 m
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Lötschen Pass still attracts plenty of hikers today. It is the oldest pass linking the cantons Valais and Bern. The stunning view of the 4,000-m Valais Alps is a fine reward for the challenging ascent. Magnificent scenic views and glacier pass.
Starting from the welcoming houses in Gasterntal - Selden via the river Kander and with many twists and turns up to Gfelalp. The route to Schönbüel climbs through meadows, heading in a westerly direction towards the glacier calving and climbing onwards to Balme. Magnificent eastern views over Kanderfirn and towards the Jungfrau.
Cross the Lötschen glacier above the calved section where it breaks off (it is safe to cross with mountaineering shoes). White-red-white signs and posts point in the direction of the side moraine and the continuation of a clearly marked route. Continue following the coloured signs as you make the ascent over the rock projection. The steepest section is already behind you as well as the widest depression of Lötschen Pass.The view from the pass to the imposing snow-covered summits of the Valais Alps is stunning, in particular the Bietschhorn and Mischabel mountain chain. Make the descent into sun-soaked Ferden with its wonderful floral displays and traditional wooden chalets.
The descent crosses rocky areas to Stierstutz and the pleasantly located Kummenalp with Alpine guesthouse. Now continue for 700 m on the right bank of Färdanbach stream through the woodland as far as sun-soaked Ferden with its floral displays in Lötschental.
Duration:
Selden - Lötschenpass: 3 1/2 hours
Selden - Lauchernalp: 5 1/2 hours
Selden - Ferden: 5 3/4 hours
The local Gasteretal bus service is available from Kandersteg to Selden. Time table bus Gasterntal
Alternative route: Kandersteg - Chluse - Gasterntal - Selden (+ 2 1/2 hours) From Kandersteg railway station follow the river Kander via Bütschels as far as Chluse. This majestic gorge is the gateway to Gasterntal, which is steeped in myths and legends, and is the continuation of the route.
Alternative route: Lötschen Pass - Sattlegi - Lauchernalp (1 hr. 45 mins.). From the pass head eastwards through the rocky landscape with wild vegetation and interspersed with small mountain lakes, granite rock faces and sparse meadows where sheep graze. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view en route.
Alternative route: Lötschen Pass - Kummenalp - Hockenalp - Lauchernalp (Lötschental valley mountain route 2 hours). Highly recommended mountain hike with magnificent views. Avoid the steep descent to Ferden.
Gastronomy:
Selden, Restaurant Kummenalp, Ferden
Return trip:
From Ferden by bus, from Goppenstein by train.From Lauchernalp by cable car, from Wiler/cable car base station by bus, from Goppenstein by train.