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The last steps on the steep ascent of the Lötschenpass (photo: Jonathan Williams)

WALK 10

Lötschenpass Hut (2690m) – Selden (1552m) – Kandersteg (1176m)

Distance10kmGrade3Time4½hrsHeight loss1514mAdditional mapLS 263T Wildstrubel 1:50,000Return transportTrain, Kandersteg–Goppenstein via the Lötschberg TunnelAccommodationGfällalp (berghaus), Selden (hotels), Kandersteg (hotels)LocationNorth and northwest of the Lötschenpass

The Lötschenpass has been used as a trading route between the Valais and canton Bern since at least medieval times, and this walk follows a section of that route. On the north side of the pass the way is exposed in places, and there’s a glacier to cross. The route over this is usually marked in summer and is fairly obvious. Even so, caution is advised.

From the hut cross the pass and follow the marked way as it descends a series of rock terraces before getting onto the Lötschengletscher. Study the route across and follow the marker poles. There may be a few crevasses, but these should be easily stepped across. On reaching the far side the path then descends steeply, keeping well to the left of the Leilibach stream, and leads directly to Berghaus Gfällalp (1847m: accommodation, refreshments, tel 033 675 11 61), from where you gain a very fine view of the Gasterntal’s upper reaches and of the Kanderfirn at its head. Continue down the slope, the path edging closer to the stream, and eventually reach the bed of the unspoilt Gasterntal beside the Kander river. A Himalayan-style suspension bridge takes you across the river to the hamlet of Selden (1552m: 2hrs: accommodation, refreshments). There are two inns here, both of which have dormitory accommodation as well as standard bedrooms: Hotel Steinbock (Tel 033 675 11 62) and Hotel Gasterntal-Selden (Tel 033 675 11 63).