4 days in Upper Valais: between hikes and unique overnight stays
Article updated on 03.08.25
Upper Valais, located in the German-speaking part of the canton, is home to several remote and preserved valleys — wilder than other regions of Valais. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to hike in peace, far from the crowds and summer heat.
This 4-day itinerary offers a variety of landscapes: a mountaintop hut in the Lötschental, a panoramic crossing to the thermal baths of Leukerbad, and a night under the stars in Grächen. And the best part? It’s all easily accessible by public transport.
Day 1: First alpine immersion in the Lötschental
🥾 2.9 km | +110 m / -125 m elevation gain
⛰️ Option: Hike up to Lötschenpasshütte from Kummenalp (5.5 km and +845 m)
📍 Kummenalp
🚩 Start at Lauchernalp (accessible by cable car from Wiler)
🛏️ Overnight at Gasthaus Kummenalp
The adventure begins in the beautiful Lötschental. From Wiler, a cable car (included in the MagicPass) quickly takes you to Lauchernalp at 1900 m. From there, a short 2.9 km hike leads to Kummenalp, through blooming alpine pastures and traditional chalets.
Lauchernalp is worth a stop, with its charming alleys lined with wooden chalets and refreshing fountains. The small Hockenalp chapel, perched facing the peaks, offers a stunning viewpoint.
The day ends at Gasthaus Kummenalp, a friendly mountain inn where dinner is also available. The atmosphere is simple and authentic—perfect for a quiet first night at altitude. A gentle start, ideal for acclimatizing and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Lötschental.
Lauchernalp to Kummenalp on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Lötschenpasshütte
For the more athletic, you can extend the hike up to Lötschenpasshütte, a 5.5 km climb with +845 m elevation gain (about 2 hours), rewarded with a stunning sunset over Bietschhorn and Lötschbergsee.
Hiking route to Lötschenpasshütte on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Day 2: Crossing via Restipass to Leukerbad
🥾 11.8 km | +780 m / -550 m
📍 Restipass
🚩 Departure from Kummenalp to Leukerbad
🛏️ Overnight at Walliserhof
This stage connects the Lötschental to Leukerbad by crossing the Restipass (2620 m). The trail gradually climbs to the pass, with several streams along the way for refreshment. From the pass, views open on both valleys and Lake Wysse, perfect for a picnic break.
The path then gently descends to Rinderhütte, the arrival station of the Torrentbahn cable car, which makes it easy to reach Leukerbad village (MagicPass valid).
Restipass hike on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Once in the village, the Walliserhof hotel offers warm accommodation just steps from the thermal baths. Perfect to relax after hiking, with direct access to the spa facilities.
Dinner can be enjoyed at the Alpenblick restaurant, part of the hotel, serving simple and generous local cuisine in an authentic alpine atmosphere.
Day 3: Suspension bridge and unique night in Grächen
Thermal springs suspension bridge
🥾 2.8 km | +165 m / -165 m
📍 Thermal springs suspension bridge
🚩 Departure from Leukerbad village
Before leaving the resort, a short hike leads to the suspension bridge over the Dala gorges. Suitable for all, including children and those with reduced mobility, this easy loop reveals a wilder, more mineral side of the village.
Thermal springs suspension bridge on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Heading to Grächen
📍 Grächen
🚩 Cable car from Grächen to Hannigalp
⛰️ Option: Hike 3.1 km | +500 m, no descent
🛏️ Overnight at Bubble Suites by Adventurly
From Leukerbad, head to Grächen by public transport. Although the journey includes several connections, it’s straightforward and well signposted: a bus from Leukerbad to Leuk train station, then trains to Visp and St-Niklaus, followed by a postal bus directly to Grächen. The total travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours, the perfect time to relax and enjoy the Valais landscape through train windows.
Once in Grächen, the village invites a stroll: well-kept wooden chalets, breathtaking valley views, and a cozy alpine atmosphere.
To reach Hannigalp, two options:
- Sporty: hike the mountain trail (3.1 km, +500 m elevation gain, approx. 1h15-1h30 walk)
- Relaxed: take the cable car from the village center (quick and effortless)
At Hannigalp, experience a unique night. The Bubble Suites by Adventurly offer an unusual stay at 2100 m altitude: sleep under the stars, warm and cozy, facing the peaks. Fondue dinner can be ordered and delivered in a basket. The setting is completely disconnected, with the sky as your ceiling and mountains as your backdrop.
Day 4: Final hike: Hannigalp to Grächen
🥾 8.1 km | +450 m / -950 m
📍 Heidnische Tossu
🚩 Departure from Hannigalp to Grächen
This last day features a panoramic route back down to Grächen. The trail starts at Hannigalp and climbs to Heidnische Tossu (2512 m), offering a grand panorama perfect for a snack break overlooking the peaks.
The descent follows a rocky path and forest, with a stop at Lake Z’Seew before returning to the village, a quiet spot with open views, perfect to look back at the ridges you came down from.
Heidnische Tossu on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
A peaceful Upper Valais itinerary
This 4-day route is a wonderful way to (re)discover Valais differently: quieter, cooler, and far from crowds. The combination of hiking, wellness, and unique accommodations makes it an ideal alternative to a more classic trek.
Upper Valais is less touristy than other Swiss German areas but still very well connected by train and bus, perfect for a simple, cool, and peaceful getaway with friends, as a couple, or with family.
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