Today’s tour begins at Lauchernalp, on the sunny south-facing slope of the Lötschental. At first, the path continues in north-eastern direction to Weritzalp across fragrant meadows full of flowers and always offering a magnificent view of the valley. After a short passage through the forest, the path drops down to Tellistafel and crosses Gisentella creek. Then it turns off and enters a forest with beautiful larches on the opposite side of the valley. The name Lötschental actually comes from this primeval tree, which made its way from Siberia to the Alps more than a million years ago. The reference “Lötsch” indicates the existence of larches. They do need an abundance of light, but otherwise adjust to the local circumstances. A larch in Switzerland may grow as high as 54 metres and it can last more than 1000 years. In contrast with other conifers, however, larches are green only in the summer. In the autumn they turn yellow and transform the Lötschental into a brilliant golden fairy tale landscape.

If you look at the other side of the valley, the prominent Bietschhorn is sure to catch your eye. The mountain, close to 4000 metres high, as well as large parts of the Lötschental belong to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site Jungfrau-Aletsch. The peaks as well as the glaciers below are under nature protection. Langgletscher, for example, the largest glacier in the valley, flows from Lötschenlücke more than six kilometres down to the foot of the glacier near Fafleralp. However, nature is not all that the Lötschental has to offer. Old customs and traditions are still kept alive in the valley, which once was difficult to reach. One of these is called “Tschäggätä”. During the local Fasnacht (or carnival) scary characters, disguised in masks of Swiss pine, animal skins and cowbells, stroll through the villages amid much noise to drive out the winter.

After two hours on the hiking trail, you pass the two charming Schwarzseen lakes. This is a perfect place to catch your breath and rest for a while. Continue to follow the beautiful path, past the steep rocky cliffs of Honblatta to get to Fafleralp with its small lake. The valley opens up here, the road suddenly widens and after a short walk, you reach Faflermatte, the destination of this leg of the hike.