Lötschen Pass

From the welcoming houses in the Gasterntal – Selden over the Kander and up many bends to the Gfelalp. Above pastures, the path rises to Schönbühl, swings westward below the glacier break and climbs again to the Balme. Magnificent view eastward over the Kanderfirn to the Jungfrau. The Lötschen glacier (safely passable with hiking boots) is crossed above the break. White-red-white color markings and poles indicate the direction to the lateral moraine, over which a clear path now runs. Over the now to be climbed rocky nose, follow the color markings in the scree – the path cannot be properly maintained because of permafrost and constant earth movements. The steepest part is done and the wide hollow of the Lötschen Pass is reached. Wonderful view from the pass summit of the Valais snow giants, especially the Bietschhorn and Mischabel group. The descent leads into the sun-browned, flower-decorated Ferden with its characterful wooden houses. Descent over rocky areas down the Stierstutz to the magnificently located Kummenalp with mountain inn. Now 700 m down on the right side of the Färdanbach through forest into the sun-browned, flower-decorated Ferden in the Lötschental.

Hiking time:
Selden – Lötschen Pass: 3 1/2 hours
Selden – Lauchernalp: 5 1/2 hours
Selden – Ferden: 5 3/4 hours
From Kandersteg station to Selden, the Gastern bus runs. Timetable

Variant: Kandersteg – Chluse – Gasterntal – Selden (+ 2 1/2 hours) From Kandersteg station, follow the Kander via Bütschels to the Chluse. This impressive gorge forms the entrance to the legendary Gasterntal, which is then crossed.

Variant: Lötschen Pass – Sattlegi – Lauchernalp (1 hr 45 min). From the pass summit always eastward through harsh rock landscape dotted with small mountain lakes, granite block slopes, and sparse sheep pastures. Wonderful panoramic views along the way.

Variant: Lötschen Pass – Kummenalp – Hockenalp – Lauchernalp (Lötschental high trail 2 hours). Pleasant high trail with magnificent views. Avoids the steep descent to Ferden. 

Return journey: From Ferden by bus, from Goppenstein by train. From Lauchernalp by cable car, from Wiler/cable car valley station by bus, from Goppenstein by train.