The Turtmanntal (Turtmann Valley) is one of Switzerland’s most untouched and romantic valleys. With impressive tongues of ice converging at the Turtmann Glacier, the valley has the appearance of a place lost in time. The «Stafeln», rows of huts that were used as stages on the cattle route to the high summer grazing pastures until the mid 1970s, have long been transformed into weekend chalets without compromising the authentic character of the valley. The pastures are grazed by the native Eringer (Hérens) cattle. The cattle used to be driven to the alp pastures in three stages: from the valley to the fore-alps, from there to the first Stafel, then to the middle Stafel and in high summer to the highest Stafel.

Gruben is the largest Stafel, nestling in the around 10 kilometre-long Turtmanntal at an altitude of 1822 metres. The intact and unspoilt alpine landscape is home to a rich flora and fauna. At over 2000 metres altitude, this area has the highest tree line in Europe. The narrow V-shaped valley is dominated by the untamed Turtmanna mountain stream. At the valley entrance at Turtmann, a 42 metre-high waterfall cascades from the rock face above.

Gruben/Meiden is the starting point of several hiking and climbing routes. The Turtmannhütte cabin at 2519 metres altitude has panoramic views. Although the valley and Gruben Stafel are only inhabited in summer, the cabin can also be reached in winter on skis via the Chandolin/St Luc ski region, Bella Tola (3025m) and Borter Pass.