Mountainbiking

Photo gallery

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Hiking in

Raron
Walliser Sonnenweg
Walliser Sonnenweg
Stage 3, Gampel–Ausserberg
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Cycling in

Raron
Rhone Route
Rhone Route
Stage 3, Brig–Sierre
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Mountain biking in

Raron
Valais Alpine Bike
Valais Alpine Bike
Lunggi Trail
Moosalp Plateau Bike
Raron
Raron

Raron

The castle church towering over the Rhonetal (Rhone Valley) in the Rilke village of Raron is evidence of the one-time dominance of the district capital. Today, Valais culture can be discovered in the old lanes and annual cow-fighting contests in a nearby village.
Raron was once the seat of a powerful noble family and it is still possible to find traces of aristocratic rule in this peaceful village on the Rhone. In the 15th century, local architect Ulrich Ruffiner converted the castle ruins into the famous castle church of St. Romanus. The church still stands majestically on a rock towering above the village. Poet Rainer Maria Rilke also fell under the spell of this special place and chose the graveyard of the castle church as his final resting place. One of his works can be read on his gravestone: «Rose, oh pure contradiction, joy of being no-one's sleep, under so many lids.» In addition to the church building and poet Rilke, the Museum auf der Burg is also dedicated to Iris von Roten, a local pioneer of equal rights for women.

However, it's not only the legacy of Iris von Roten, but also the Felsenkirche (church in the rock) of St. Michael that lend a modern touch to the old village. The Felsenkirche was hewn out of the rock on which the castle church also stands. The two buildings represent an impressive contrast between ancient and modern architecture. The Felsenkirche St. Michael is the largest church in Europe to be built entirely inside a rock.

Cow fights take place several times a year in the hamlet of Goler near Raron. With their horns blunted, the fights are mainly a pushing contest. The powerful Eringer cows battle it out to decide which one is the strongest and thus the «queen of queens ». The exciting duels and folkloristic ambiance make the cow fights a unique spectacle.

Located at the foot of the Bietschtal valley, the municipality of Raron belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The colourful vineyards and wild Bietschtal valley are the region's scenic highlights. The Culture Trail to Ausserberg runs alongside drystone walling and offers an insight into the fauna and distinctive building styles on this sunny slope.

Highlights

  • Castle church with Rilke's grave - not only place of historic importance but also a wonderful excursion destination with views over the Rhonetal (Rhone Valley).
  • Felsenkirche - modern building entirely inside a rock.
  • Cow fights - the queen among the powerful Eringer cows is chosen every year in Goler near Raron.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch - Raron is the gateway to the wild Bietschtal valley.
  • Cultural Trail - path from Raron via St. German to Ausserberg, with cultural attractions.
The castle church towering over the Rhonetal (Rhone Valley) in the Rilke village of Raron is evidence of the one-time dominance of the district capital. Today, Valais culture can be discovered in the old lanes and annual cow-fighting contests in a nearby village.
Raron was once the seat of a powerful noble family and it is still possible to find traces of aristocratic rule in this peaceful village on the Rhone. In the 15th century, local architect Ulrich Ruffiner converted the castle ruins into the famous castle church of St. Romanus. The church still stands majestically on a rock towering above the village. Poet Rainer Maria Rilke also fell under the spell of this special place and chose the graveyard of the castle church as his final resting place. One of his works can be read on his gravestone: «Rose, oh pure contradiction, joy of being no-one's sleep, under so many lids.» In addition to the church building and poet Rilke, the Museum auf der Burg is also dedicated to Iris von Roten, a local pioneer of equal rights for women.

However, it's not only the legacy of Iris von Roten, but also the Felsenkirche (church in the rock) of St. Michael that lend a modern touch to the old village. The Felsenkirche was hewn out of the rock on which the castle church also stands. The two buildings represent an impressive contrast between ancient and modern architecture. The Felsenkirche St. Michael is the largest church in Europe to be built entirely inside a rock.

Cow fights take place several times a year in the hamlet of Goler near Raron. With their horns blunted, the fights are mainly a pushing contest. The powerful Eringer cows battle it out to decide which one is the strongest and thus the «queen of queens ». The exciting duels and folkloristic ambiance make the cow fights a unique spectacle.

Located at the foot of the Bietschtal valley, the municipality of Raron belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The colourful vineyards and wild Bietschtal valley are the region's scenic highlights. The Culture Trail to Ausserberg runs alongside drystone walling and offers an insight into the fauna and distinctive building styles on this sunny slope.

Highlights

  • Castle church with Rilke's grave - not only place of historic importance but also a wonderful excursion destination with views over the Rhonetal (Rhone Valley).
  • Felsenkirche - modern building entirely inside a rock.
  • Cow fights - the queen among the powerful Eringer cows is chosen every year in Goler near Raron.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch - Raron is the gateway to the wild Bietschtal valley.
  • Cultural Trail - path from Raron via St. German to Ausserberg, with cultural attractions.

Arrival and return Raron

Adresse

Tourismus Raron-Niedergesteln
Bahnhofstrasse
3942 Raron
Tel. +41 (0)27 934 31 00
info@raron-niedergesteln.ch
www.raron-niedergesteln.ch

Services

Hiking in

Raron
Walliser Sonnenweg
Walliser Sonnenweg
Stage 3, Gampel–Ausserberg
Show all

Cycling in

Raron
Rhone Route
Rhone Route
Stage 3, Brig–Sierre
Show all

Mountain biking in

Raron
Valais Alpine Bike
Valais Alpine Bike
Lunggi Trail
Moosalp Plateau Bike