Turtmanntaler Aussichtsweg
Overview
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Distance 13 km
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Duration 4 h 25 min
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Ascent 800 m
Intro
The name says it all: with views of the stunning Turtmann Glacier and the mountain range on the other side of the valley, the high-altitude trail leads through the pristine landscape to Holustei. After the descent through the forest, the route follows the lovely Turtmänna creek back to Gruben/Meiden.
Description
The unspoiled Turtmann Valley is situated between the Turtmann Glacier in the south and the Rhone in the north. It is the western-most German-speaking southern valley in the Valais. Clusters of Alpine huts are perched on the valley floor and on the slopes. Once used to summer the cattle, they have mostly been converted to holiday chalets. But there is also the baroque chapel in Meiden from the early 18th century and Hotel Schwarzhorn in Gruben/Meiden where the loop trail starts.
The trail first leads in the direction of Augstbordpass with several switchbacks through the forest. Shortly after Alp Grüebu Mittelstafel it branches off in southern direction and into the valley. Here on the panoramic trail the name says it all: at the end of the valley the hikers catch sight of Turtmann Lake and the glacier which originates at the north-western slope of Bishorn. On the other side of the valley are Meidhorn, Turtmannspitze and Les Diablons. The latter is the southern-most peak of the mountain range that separates the Turtmann Valley from Val d’Anniviers and forms the German/French language border. Through the untouched landscape the trail continues above the forest to Holustei. Herdsmen once used the large hollowed-out boulder for protection or to sleep in. The view from the Holustei chapel to the Turtmann Glacier is stunning. Turtmann Hut is the starting point for Barrhorn (3610 m), one of the Alps highest hiking peaks, where no climbing equipment is needed.
The trail now descends relatively steeply through larch and pine forests. Near Vorder Sänntum it reaches the Turtmannä, a Rhone tributary, originating from the Turtmann Glacier at 2300 m. Across mountain pastures the trail approaches the Blüomatt Alp with cheese-making shop and show dairy. In the Blüomatt-Stube, you can try Turtmann Valley cheese and other dairy specialities. Across the Turtmänna and past the small chapel, forming the border between the hamlets of Gruben and Meiden, the road leads back to the starting point.
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 |
Gruben
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Gruben
|
| Direction |
Round trip
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| Ascent |
800 m
|
| Descent |
800 m
|
| Distance |
13 km
|
| Duration |
4 h 25 min
|
| Duration back |
4 h 30 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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Quick Facts
Route number
