recommended route
The Panoramic Hike: Panoramic Alpine Trail Lötschental
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Höhen-Panoramaweg LauchernalpPhoto: Sandra Stockinger, Lötschental Tourismus
Hike Europe's highest winter hiking trail more than 3,000m above sea level.
Open
easy
Distance 0.4 km
0:30 h
40 m
40 m
3,125 m
3,085 m
Located at Lauchernalp, the Panoramic Alpine Trail is the highest winter hiking trail in Europe (3,111 - 3,020m above sea level). Starting from the upper Gletscherbahn gondola mountain station, the trail leads to a unique viewpoint overlooking more than 40 4,000m peaks. The route begins behind the upper Gletscherbahn gondola mountain station, where a wide easy track leads down to the viewpoint, parallel to the ski slope. Two panorama boards erected on a small plateau overlooking the precipice describe the surrounding peaks. Return the way you came, then take the gondola and then the three-seater chair lift to Stafel. From here you can walk down or take the six-seater chairlift back to the Lauchernalp mountain station.
Author’s recommendation
This is a very unique panorama, so make sure you do this hike in good weather.
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
3,125 m
Lowest point
3,085 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety 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.
Tips and hints
More information about the destination:
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
Start
"Hockenhorngrat" mountain station (3,082m) (3,082 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'623'779E 1'142'101N
DD
46.429834, 7.748001
DMS
46°25'47.4"N 7°44'52.8"E
UTM
32T 403808 5142568
w3w
///scrapped.boom.enjoyable
Destination
"Hockenhorngrat" mountain station (3,082m)
Turn-by-turn directions
Hockenhorngrat – Schilthorn Plateau - Hockenhorngrat
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
The postbus runs every hour from Gampel/Steg or Goppenstein to Wiler ("Wiler, Seilbahn" postbus stop). Take the cable car up to the Lauchernalp, then continue on a 6-seater and a 3-seater chairlift to Gandegg mountain station and then take the Gletscherbahn gondola to the Hockenhorngrat.Getting there
Drive into the Lötschental from Goppenstein, past the villages of Ferden and Kippel as far as Wiler to the valley cable car station. Take the cable car up to the Lauchernalp, then continue on a 6-seater or 3-seater chairlift to the Gandegg mountain station and then take the Gletscherbahn gondola to the Hockenhorngrat.Parking
You can park your car in the outdoor car park or in the indoor car park beside the cable car valley station (not free).Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'623'779E 1'142'101N
DD
46.429834, 7.748001
DMS
46°25'47.4"N 7°44'52.8"E
UTM
32T 403808 5142568
w3w
///scrapped.boom.enjoyable
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
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)
Status
Open
Reviews
Difficulty
easy
Distance
0.4 km
Duration
0:30 h
Ascent
40 m
Descent
40 m
Highest point
3,125 m
Lowest point
3,085 m
Statistics
Maps and trails
- 1 Waypoints
- 1 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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