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Routes Switzerland Gletsch – Oberwald: Alongside the Furka steam train in Goms
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Gletsch – Oberwald: Alongside the Furka steam train in Goms

· 1 review · Hiking Route
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  • Historische Lokomotive der Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke
    Historische Lokomotive der Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke
    Photo: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
Patricia Jasmin Puetgens
on the November 15, 2020

Ich habe diese Strecke mit meinen Kindern gemacht, 16, 15 ...

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Alongside the Furka steam train track from Gletsch to Oberwald.  The trail generally slopes downwards and is relaxing with a great view across Obergoms
easy
Distance 5.6 km
Duration2:30 h
Ascent178 m
Descent566 m
Highest point1,775 m
Lowest point1,368 m

The hike begins in Gletsch, a place where you feel as if you were back in the Belle Époque.  The historical Grand Hotel Glacier du Rhone has never changed its appearance and beckons passers-by to drink a coffee.  We recommend a look inside the Dépendance Blaues Haus where there is an exhibition – ‘Landscape around the Rhone Glacier and a display through the centuries’, which gives an impressive account of the retreat of the glacier.

At the start of the hike a short ascent takes you to the undeveloped side of the valley.  Then you walk towards the valley, the first part is narrow and sometimes steep, following the young Rhone.  With a bit of luck you might see a steam train from the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway passing and appearing between the rocks at the end of the helical tunnel on the Rotten (Rotten: local word for Rhone)  Viaduct.

The trail now continues with a super view above the left bank of the Rhone before climbing briefly towards the Restaurant Rhonequelle.  Why not take a short break at the two, small lakes before tackling the final descent to Oberwald? 

Author’s recommendation

We also recommend a look inside the Dépendance "Blaues Haus" where there is an exhibition – ‘Landscape around the Rhone Glacier and a display through the centuries’, which gives an impressive account of the retreat of the glacier.
Profile picture of Eveline Lindegger
Author
Eveline Lindegger 
Update: September 19, 2022
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Gletsch, 1,775 m
Lowest point
Oberwald, 1,368 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Forested/wild trail 18.46%Path 73.71%Road 7.81%
Forested/wild trail
1 km
Path
4.1 km
Road
0.4 km
Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Restaurant Furka Oberwald
Hotel Restaurant Rhonequelle
Hotel Glacier du Rhône

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:  

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature. 
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

Tips and hints

Are you travelling to the Goms region by public transport? If you are travelling for several days, it is worth using the Adventure Card. This gives you 2-5 days of free travel on a large train and post bus network as well as discounts on mountain railways.

Further information:

  • Train tickets 
  • Erlebniscard
  • Tourist information

Start

Gletsch (1,757 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'670'761E 1'157'189N
DD
46.562243, 8.361497
DMS
46°33'44.1"N 8°21'41.4"E
UTM
32T 451062 5156717
w3w 
///lifted.watchdogs.jetliner
Show on Map

Destination

Oberwald, train station

Turn-by-turn directions

Next, the trail passes the depot and station belonging to the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway going south-west,  walking beneath the Grimsel pass road to the highest point of the tour, where three streams must be crossed.  Finally, at the Bockspiegel helical tunnel, briefly along the pass road, the route crosses to the opposite side of the valley.  After a gentle descent you reach Feldnus point, again crossing the young Rhone. After going over the historic railway line there is a short ascent via Bärfel to Restaurant Rhonequelle. The trail now goes through woodland to Hoflüe and then the final descent to Rätischbach and down to Oberwald.

Public transport

With the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway from Brig to Oberwald and after by Post Bus to Gletsch. 

By road

The hike is a route tour with different start and end points. We therefore recommend travelling by public transport. The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway runs hourly between Brig and Oberwald.

Parking

At the station in Oberwald there is a small number of chargeable parking spaces available. We recommend travelling by public transport.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'670'761E 1'157'189N
DD
46.562243, 8.361497
DMS
46°33'44.1"N 8°21'41.4"E
UTM
32T 451062 5156717
w3w 
///lifted.watchdogs.jetliner
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Illustrated book: "Die Dampflokomotiven der Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke 2018", Prellbock-Verlag. This illustrated book describes the types of locomotives that are used today on the Furka mountain route.

Author’s map recommendations

Swiss topo national maps: 1:25'000: 1250 Ulrichen

Book recommendations for this region:

Show more
All publications

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download) 
  • swimwear
The most beautiful hikes in Switzerland
Valais › Bezirk Goms › Obergoms

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Rating

5.0
(1)
Patricia Jasmin Puetgens 
November 15, 2020 · Community
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Photo: Patricia Jasmin Puetgens, Community
Photo: Patricia Jasmin Puetgens, Community
Photo: Patricia Jasmin Puetgens, Community
Photo: Patricia Jasmin Puetgens, Community
1 comment

Photos from others


Reviews
1
Difficulty
easy
Distance
5.6 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
178 m
Descent
566 m
Highest point
1,775 m
Lowest point
1,368 m
Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Insider tip Linear route

Weather at the route's trailhead

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Excursions and leisure tips for the region

Routes Switzerland Gletsch – Oberwald: Alongside the Furka steam train in Goms
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