recommended route
Binntal Schaplersee-Weg
Hikes
· Valais
-
Schaplersee LakePhoto: Landsschaftspark Binntal, Landsschaftspark Binntal
The approx. 5-hour walk from Binn to Schaplersee is a scenic but little-used hike with the option of returning to either Fäld, Heiligkreuz or Binn.
moderate
Distance 7.9 km
3:25 h
849 m
710 m
2,226 m
1,401 m
The picturesque village of Binn, with its arched bridge dating back to Roman times, is part of the Binntal Valley Nature Park. The valley is known for its untouched nature as well as for its minerals, which is why it is a popular destination for those in search of minerals. Don’t miss the idyllic Schaplersee, located below the Binner Stockhorn at an altitude of 2237 meters above sea level in the midst of lush alpine meadows in a basin bordered by the Stockhorn to the east and the Hirli to the west. A very worthwhile destination, this beautiful mountain lake may well be blanketed in snow in July, and offers a panoramic view over the Saflischpass, Breithorn, Twingischlucht, Eggerhorn, along with the Schweifegrat with the Fülhorn, Rappehorn, Turbehorn and the Hohsandhorn.
Author’s recommendation
Stop for a snack in Binn and at the end of the tour in Fäld or Heiligkreuz.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Schaplersee, 2,226 m
Lowest point
Binn, 1,401 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
1 km
Forested/wild trail
0 km
Path
6.8 km
Rest stops
Albrun BinnBärgkristall Inn & Restaurant
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion 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.
For mountain hikes:
- 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.
For high-altitude hikes:
- Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Tips and hints
View the tour with the departure from Fäld on SwitzerlandMobility:
More information about the destination:
Start
Binn (1,400 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'657'199E 1'134'905N
DD
46.363090, 8.181890
DMS
46°21'47.1"N 8°10'54.8"E
UTM
32T 437067 5134715
w3w
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Destination
Fäld
Turn-by-turn directions
From Binn (departure also possible from Fäld or Heiligkreuz), walk towards Wilere, where you’ll reach the parish church of St. Michael, a building that can be seen from afar. Continue along the stone houses and follow the Reckibach to the edge of the forest. Very steep in places, the trail to Schaplerstafel begins here. From here, turn left into the forest towards Salzgeb a pine forest that is gradually replaced by larch trees. On arrival at the Hockbode plateau, at 2,100 metres above sea level, the view opens up onto a magnificent setting. Only one more climb to Schaplersee at 2,237m remains. The return journey passes through Hockbode, Dri Stafle, Mässerchäller and ends in Imfeld or Binn.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Scheduled train to Fiesch (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), then take a Post Bus to Binn.
Detailed train and Post Bus times on cff.ch and Bus Alpin services at: busalpin.ch.
By road
A9 motorway to Brig followed by the cantonal road to Lax. Shortly after Lax, turn right and follows signs for Ernen / Binn. Park at either the start or finish of the walk and use the Bus Alpin to complete the loop.
Parking
Large car parks just outside the villages of Binn and ImfeldCoordinates
SwissGrid
2'657'199E 1'134'905N
DD
46.363090, 8.181890
DMS
46°21'47.1"N 8°10'54.8"E
UTM
32T 437067 5134715
w3w
///outhouse.lawfully.upsetting
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Get the the Valais/Wallis hking map to discover the best hikes in the region.
The Binn tourist office can provide you with a range of informative documents and brochures about hiking in the destination.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo maps 1:25'000: 2516 Aletsch
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)
For certain walks:
- Swimwear
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
7.9 km
Duration
3:25 h
Ascent
849 m
Descent
710 m
Highest point
2,226 m
Lowest point
1,401 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Photos from others