T4 - [CH] Lötschenpass traverse from Lauchernalp (Lötschental) to Kandersteg

05Jul Sat
09:15

 Wiler (Lötschen), Lauchernalp Talstation

Organized by:  James Kirchner
 Repeat event
Route

Lötschenpass traverse from Lauchernalp (Lötschental) to Kandersteg

 Download GPX Route Details 

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Description

This is one of my all-time favorite one-day hikes anywhere in the Alps, traversing from the exquisite Lötschental across the high, barren Lötschenpass to the spectacular Gasterntal. 

This traverse is frequently done from North to South, but we will go from South to North instead, because it's easier (less up, more down) and even more scenic this way.

Most of the route is above treeline and it's rated T3+ by the SAC, so it is not suitable for beginners or for street shoes. If you need to know more about the SAC's "T" scale for hiking routes, see: https://www.sac-cas.ch/fileadmin/Ausbildung_und_Wissen/Sicher_unterwegs/Sicher_unterwegs_Wandern/2020_Berg_Alpinwanderskala_EN.pdf 

We will aim for a moderate pace (~400 m per hour uphill).  Bring rain gear (you never know...) and sufficient food and water for your needs.  Hiking poles will be helpful, because the descent to Gasterntal is long. 

By public transport: SBB to Goppenstein and Postbus to Wiler Seilbahn, then take the Seilbahn to Lauchernalp. The right connection from Zurich HB is IC1 leaving 06:32 (sorry....) from track 32.  We are going early because mountain weather becomes less predictable later in the day, particularly in the summer.  And because we want to enjoy the trip rather than hurry through it!

By car: Parking is available near the Wiler Seilbahn station... but note that this is a one-way hike!  So if you are coming from the north, it is more practical to park in Kandersteg and then take the SBB from Kandersteg to Goppenstein and the Postbus to the Wiler Seilbahn.  

To shorten the end of the hike by 10 km, bus service to Kandersteg is available from Selden in Gasterntal; see https://kander-reisen.ch/busbetrieb/kandersteg-gasterntal/ for details. Reservations are required, at +41 33 671 11 72... but note that mobile phone connectivity may be poor or nonexistent in Gasterntal itself. The last bus leaves Selden at 16:10.  Otherwise, from Selden to Eggischwand (first bus stop in Kandersteg) is 7 km and to Kandersteg SBB is 10 km (this is already included in the .gpx and length calculations for the trip).

Whatsapp link for planning, queries etc...: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LKQyf4HroMgIZeFLFWRlL0?mode=ac_t



Disclaimers: I have done this route many times before, but I am not a certified guide and all participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being.  This includes being prepared for all weather conditions, having adequate supplies, and ensuring your physical readiness for the hike.

Each participant is responsible for navigating themselves on the suggested route, or altering it according to their abilities and the conditions they encounter. You must have the necessary skills, experience, and equipment to independently complete the hike.

By participating in this hike, you agree to release the organizer from any liability for injuries, accidents, or other incidents that may occur. You participate at your own risk and responsibility.

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