Chapels along the Lötschental Panoramic Trail
Pilgrim trail
· Switzerland
· closed
The Lötschental Panoramic Trail from the Fafleralp to the Faldumalp is one of the classic routes in our hiking region, however, only very few people know that there are many chapels sited along this route.
closed
easy
16.5 km
4:08 h
841 m
660 m
The hike begins at the Fafleralp where, in the forest close to the Hotel Fafleralp, the Fafleralp Chapel is hidden. This chapel was built in 1959. In the chapel, the visitor's gaze is drawn to a narrow wrought-iron cross behind the altar, which is unusual and inspires many visitors to reflect. The patron saint of the chapel is Saint Bernhard, who is the patron saint of Alpine dwellers, mountain climbers and skiers.
The Panoramic Trail then continues towards the Weritzalp and the Weritzalp Chapel. Originally there was a shrine here in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua, around which a modest timber chapel was later erected. The altar table, made of a stone slab, also gives the chapel a unique aura. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of the poor, married couples, lovers, swineherds and travellers and he is invoked in cases of cattle diseases, lost objects, as well as for good births and good harvests.
The next chapel along the trail is the chapel on the Lauchernalp, which was built in 2002 and is dedicated to Brother Klaus of Flüe. This newest chapel in the Lötschental is particularly striking because of its modern and individual architecture. The next chapel along the Panoramic Trail can be found on the Hockenalp and was built in 1959. Its patron saint is Saint Anne, Mother of Mary. The depiction of Saint Anne, Mother of Mary, and the Christ Child is known as "Anna selbdritt". She is the patron saint of mothers, widows and female workers and is invoked to bless pregnancies as well as against fevers, headaches and stomach aches.
Continuing along the Panoramic Trail, we then come to the Kummenalp. The chapel on the Kummenalp was built in 1951 by Otto Werlen and its patron saint is Mary, Queen of Heaven. There is a depiction of the Ascension of Mary on the altarpiece. The last station on the Lötschental Panoramic Trail is the Chapel of "Maria zum Schnee" (Our Lady of the Snow) on the Faldumalp, which was built in 1923 based on plans by Kaplan Supersaxo. The altarpiece shows a depiction of the entombment of Jesus.
This route can also be walked in the opposite direction.
The Panoramic Trail then continues towards the Weritzalp and the Weritzalp Chapel. Originally there was a shrine here in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua, around which a modest timber chapel was later erected. The altar table, made of a stone slab, also gives the chapel a unique aura. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of the poor, married couples, lovers, swineherds and travellers and he is invoked in cases of cattle diseases, lost objects, as well as for good births and good harvests.
The next chapel along the trail is the chapel on the Lauchernalp, which was built in 2002 and is dedicated to Brother Klaus of Flüe. This newest chapel in the Lötschental is particularly striking because of its modern and individual architecture. The next chapel along the Panoramic Trail can be found on the Hockenalp and was built in 1959. Its patron saint is Saint Anne, Mother of Mary. The depiction of Saint Anne, Mother of Mary, and the Christ Child is known as "Anna selbdritt". She is the patron saint of mothers, widows and female workers and is invoked to bless pregnancies as well as against fevers, headaches and stomach aches.
Continuing along the Panoramic Trail, we then come to the Kummenalp. The chapel on the Kummenalp was built in 1951 by Otto Werlen and its patron saint is Mary, Queen of Heaven. There is a depiction of the Ascension of Mary on the altarpiece. The last station on the Lötschental Panoramic Trail is the Chapel of "Maria zum Schnee" (Our Lady of the Snow) on the Faldumalp, which was built in 1923 based on plans by Kaplan Supersaxo. The altarpiece shows a depiction of the entombment of Jesus.
This route can also be walked in the opposite direction.
Author’s recommendation
Order a free copy of the "Walking and Pilgrimages" brochure from the Lötschental Tourist Information Office or online at www.loetschental.ch/prospekte

Author
Sandra Stockinger
Updated: December 01, 2020
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,125 m
Lowest point
1,770 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
- Plan your tour carefully
- Ensure that you have a full set of appropriate equipment
- Never embark on a tour alone
- Inform friends, relatives, the mountain hut supervisor or the hotel porter of your proposed tour. Report back when you arrive at your destination.
- Keep a constant eye on weather developments
- Adhere to the principle: if in doubt, turn back!
Tips, hints and links
The 1:25,000 scale hiking map is your perfect companion for an unforgettable day's hiking in the Lötschental. Available from the Lötschental Tourist Information Office in Wiler or online at www.loetschental.ch/webshopStart
Fafleralp, parking (1,767 m)
Coordinates:
DD
46.434710, 7.861860
DMS
46°26'05.0"N 7°51'42.7"E
UTM
32T 412564 5142977
w3w
///aquatic.saddens.sculpting
Destination
Faldumalp
Turn-by-turn directions
Fafleralp - Schwarzsee - Tellistafel - Weritzstafel - Lauchernalp - Hockenalp - Kummenalp - Restialp - Faldumalp
Descent options:
- Faldumalp - Ferden: gradually sloping natural path
- Faldumalp - Goppenstein: rather steeper descent via Haselleen
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
The postbus runs every hour from Gampel/Steg or Goppenstein to Fafleralp ("Fafleralp" postbus stop).Getting there
Drive into the Lötschental from Goppenstein, past the villages of Ferden, Kippel, Wiler and Blatten to the Fafleralp car park.
Parking
You can park your car in the Fafleralp car park (not free).Coordinates
DD
46.434710, 7.861860
DMS
46°26'05.0"N 7°51'42.7"E
UTM
32T 412564 5142977
w3w
///aquatic.saddens.sculpting
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Status
closed
Difficulty
easy
Distance
16.5 km
Duration
4:08h
Ascent
841 m
Descent
660 m
Statistics
: h
km
m
m
m
m
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