Lötschberg-Panoramaweg
Overview
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Distance 11 km
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Duration 5 h
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Ascent 1250 m
Intro
The king’s stage: a glacier traverse and climb to the Lötschenpass. A route through a stunning landscape with spectacular close-up views of the Bietschhorn and Mischabel group. Descent to Lauchernalp through glacier-eroded terrain laced with lakes.
Description
Selden is situated in the Gasteretal. It is the starting point of the physically demanding hike across the Lötschen Pass. First, you cross the Kander on a suspension bridge. The source of the river at Kanderfirn is located further up the mountain. The glacier, exposed to the west, starts near Tschingelhorn and Petersgrat. The latter is almost completely covered by ice. At first, the path enters the forest and zigzags steeply uphill to Gfelalp, but mostly in the shade. Along the way you will pass three waterfalls on the Leitibach.
Leaving the tree line behind, you will reach a small alluvial plain of the Leitibach below Schönbühl. A fantastic view of the mountain chain opens up here, including Dolden-, Fründen-, Oeschinen- and Blümlisalphorn, all above 3300 m, and all the way to the Kanderfirn glacier. Continue uphill, across the pasture, and you soon get to Balme at the end of the Lötsche glacier. The hiking time up to this point takes at least 2.5 hours. You then traverse the end of the glacier across a scree slope and approach the glacier. The last steep section follows a short while later: a narrow path up the cliff, secured in part by steel cables. After about 15 minutes, you reach an altitude of 2689 m and there you are, on top of the Lötschen Pass.
The view of the prominent Bietschorn is spectacular. The descent takes you through an area of glacial polishing, interspersed with small lakes. In the distance, you will recognize the mountain chain with the Dom and the peaks of Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn and Matterhorn. It takes about 1.5 hours to get down to Lauchernalp, which is today’s destination. The resort is situated on a sunny plateau above Wiler in the Lötschental and can be reached by gondola.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Selden
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Lauchernalp
|
| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
2500 m
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| Ascent |
1250 m
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| Descent |
700 m
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| Distance |
11 km
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| Duration |
5 h
|
| Duration back |
4 h 25 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
June - October
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, Over a pass, Along a glacier, Over a glacier
|
Quick Facts
Route number
