dossier

Secret Goms Valley Walk

SECRET GOMS VALLEY WALK  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel Hubertus ***+
Obergestein Days 1+2+3

The Hotel Hubertus is located on the outskirts of Obergesteln, just a few minutes walk from the tiny station. With views over the valley and the village, it has walking trails both in front and behind it so you can walk from the door. It is a typical chalet style hotel with two 4 storey buildings connected by a lobby/lounge area that has a central fireplace surrounded by comfy sofas. Bedrooms are spacious and light, with pine decoration and modern chrome bathrooms. Each room has a hairdryer, direct dial phones, central heating and a television with access to cable channels in French and German - CNN is the only English option. Each room has a towelling robe for use when you head down to the pool and all rooms have village or hillside views.

Further details on the hotel website.

Sunday  Arrive in Obergesteln

After a panoramic mountain rail journey, we meet you in Obergesteln and take you (5 mins) to the hotel where you’ll spend the next three nights. Time to relax over a welcome cocktail before dinner .

Monday  The Upper Goms  9km/5.5mi/3hr or 12km/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.

Tuesday  Obergesteln Circular Walk  10km/6mi/3hr

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. After lunch ou circle round the valley and back to the hotel with plenty of time to get in the jacuzzi and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace while you admire great mountain views.

Wednesday   Obergesteln to Blitzingen  11km/7mi/4hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr

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.

Hotel Castle  ****
Blitzingen Days 4+5+6+7

The Hotel Castle is set quite high above the valley floor, giving it panoramic views in both directions. The building is chalet style with sloping roofs and external wooden balconies, there is a beautiful sun terrace outside, and bedrooms are all suites, with one bedroom (twin beds), a lounge, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. Fridges, television, telephones are in the bedrooms.

Further details on the hotel website.

Thursday  The Blitzingen Circular Walk  13km/8mi/4hr or 16km/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.

Friday  Villages of the Lower Goms  13km/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 gasthofs for welcome refreshments!

Saturday   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 .

Sunday  Depart Blitzingen

WALKING DETAILS

Paths, which can be quite narrow, are well-made and very well signposted. They are sometimes rocky with exposed tree roots, so walking boots are essential.

Note: Some ski lifts/cable cars do not operate in early/late season when alternative walks will be proposed.

For extra nights we recommend either of the hotels as follows.