The summit of the Brudelhorn (2,791 m) offers one of the finest panoramic views of the Obergoms, the valley of the young Rhône. Way below, hikers see the picturesque villages of the valley, strung in a line along the sparkling river like pearls on a necklace.
This exhilarating summit hike reveals two faces of the peak – beginning with its eastern flanks. The ascent is made easier by the choice of starting point: a remote postal bus stop at an altitude of nearly 2,000 m on the road to the Nufenen Pass. Close by, an ancient stone bridge bears witness to a much older mule trail that for centuries provided one of the major alpine crossings, via the nearby Gries Pass.
Our trail, however, branches off westwards, climbing the wild Lengtal valley before reaching the sparkling waters of the Distelsee (2,587 m). A short final climb of another 200 vertical metres leads to the summit and an enchanting panorama.
Hikers then retrace their steps along the ridge for about 400 m before beginning the descent proper: this time down the mountain’s northern slopes. The trail drops steadily through a boulder-strewn landscape before reaching lush pastures along the Merezebach stream. Lower down, the trail descends through forest and open meadows to cross the young Rhône opposite a picturesque village of sun-bronzed wooden houses and dazzling white churches and chapels: Münster, capital of the Goms.
Like the other villages of the valley, it blossomed in the 17th and 18th centuries through trade via the alpine crossings. The busy traffic came to an end with the construction of the Simplon and Gotthard pass roads and the Gotthard railway in the 19th century, but these villages have retained all their historical charm.
Highlights:
- Exhilarating summit hike, glorious panoramic views
- Experience of two contrasting valleys: wild Lengtal to the east and historical Rhône valley
Author’s recommendation
Track types
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
More information about the destination:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Starting point for the hike is the Ladstafel postal bus stop on the road from Ulrichen up to the Nufenen Pass. The trail crosses the old stone bridge spanning the river below before leading up the Lengtal valley opposite.
The trail up to the Brudelhorn, and beyond down to Münster, are clearly marked throughout.
On the way down to the Rhône valley, walkers have the choice of branching off the trail as described to finish the hike at other nearby villages instead, such as Geschinen or Reckingen.
Many of the villages have their own cultural trail. In addition, an audio trail devoted to climate and renewable energy runs the length of the valley, from Oberwald to Mörel. Ideal for exploring by electric bike; hire of audio equipment (free) from Münster tourist office, hire of bikes also available locally.
Note
Public transport
Frequent CFF train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then train to Ulrichen (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), change on to postal bus (Nufenen Pass service) to Ladstafel. You can travel to the Goms valley coming from Zurich or Lucerne as well. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.Getting there
A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley via Münster to Ulrichen. Take turning for Nufenen Pass and continue as far as Ladstafel. You can travel to the Goms valley coming from Zurich or Lucerne as well.Parking
Limited parking at Ladstafel; better to park in Münster (car park at south-west entrance to village), and travel to start of walk by public transport (train to Ulrichen, postal bus to Ladstafel).Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
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
Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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