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Gourmet Goms Valley Walk

Day 1 - Arrive in Goms
After a panoramic rail journey into the mountains, we meet you at the station in Obergesteln and take you to the hotel (5 minutes). Time to relax over a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Day 2 - TheUpperGoms 9km/5.5mi/3hror12km/7.5mi/4hr
All walkers start out together today with a stroll across the valley floor and a gentle climb across the flower-covered hillside.  The easier option is to descend to Geschinen – where you can peer into the woodcarver’s shop to admire his intricate artwork – before a riverside stroll by the Rhone takes you to Münster.  The more energetic walkers climb into the wild and rocky Minstigerbach valley – a fabulous place for a picnic.  Everyone takes the little red train for the nine minute ride back to Obergesteln.

Day 3 - Obergesteln Circular Walk 11km/7mi/4hr
From the hotel a path through bluebell-dotted pine woods leads to the charming little village of Oberwald; it’s right at the upper end of the valley and overlooked by majestic peaks towering to more than 3000m. Then there’s a choice of routes (all with scenic picnic spots) depending on your energy level – and how soon you want to get in the jacuzzi and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace while you admire great mountain views.

Day 4 - Obergesteln to Blitzingen 11km/7mi/3hror13km/8mi/4hr
Today you walk from the Upper to the Lower Goms, with a relaxed start by train to Münster.  From there it’s a choice - the easier route meanders along above the river before crossing to Gluringen, a picturesque village with pretty church. The longer route winds along the Gommer High Level Path, in and out of striking side valleys and past characterful mountain cafés. There are tremendous views towards the snow-capped Weisshorn as you near the Hotel Castle perched high on the hillside.

Day 5 - The Blitzingen Circular Walk 13km/8mi/3.5hror16km/10mi/5hr
The valley narrows at Blitzingen before opening out to broad mountain views as you approach the sunny, wonkey timber-built village of Bellwald set high on an alp. Its warren of narrow flower-filled alleys are a delight to explore. You can take the chairlift up to enjoy a sky-high picnic amid clover and buttercups before rambling back down through Niederwald, the birthplace of César Ritz.

Day 6 - Villages of the Lower Goms 9km/6mi/3hrto13km/8mi/4hr
Today offers a splendid walk through villages unchanged for centuries on the south-east side of the river.  Explore lovely Mühlebach with its traditional Valaisian wooden buildings dating from the 14C. Then it’s on to Ernen, Village of Culture and Music, which features murals and friezes on the Tellenhaus – and gasthofsfor welcome refreshments!

Day 7 - Eggishorn and the Aletsch Glacier - Various distances
A tremendous finale to your week begins with a ride by cable car to the top of the Eggishorn at 2926m (9600ft), where you will be overwhelmed by the vista. There are full-length views of the mighty Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe, and a 360º panorama which includes Eiger , Jungfrau, Finsterhorn and Matterhorn - superb picnic spots right beside the glacier.

Day 8 - Depart Goms