recommended route
Leuker Sonnenberge
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View to the Illgraben and the village SustenPhoto: Marco Schnyder, CC BY-ND, Valais/Wallis Promotion
The hike begins in the mountain village of Jeizinen at an altitude of 1,500 m, accessible from Gampel by cable car. After about 20 minutes’ walk, you reach the historical hamlet of Engersch with its narrow main alley lined with charming wooden chalets.
From here, the path descends steeply to Erschmatt. In the Undri Zälg area, you pass the gardens of the Erschmatt rye centre, where ancient varieties of cultivated plants and in particular rye are grown.
Rye was once the main cereal cultivated in the mountain villages of Valais. Because it can withstand very cold temperatures, rye could be cultivated up to altitudes of 2,000 m in Valais. The rye was used to make Valais rye bread, which was baked in large village ovens that were lit just two or three times a year. This typical bread could be kept for several months.
Another steep descent leads to the Feschel gorge, spanned by the Hohe Brücke (“High Bridge”) about 100 vertical metres above the foaming Feschelju river. Also known as the “Devil’s Bridge”, it was built in the 16th century and is the focus of legends similar to those surrounding its famous namesake in the Schöllenen gorge near the Gotthard.
The hike continues via Obere Lichten to Brentjong, above Leuk, best known for its satellite ground station, visible from far away. In the 1970s, this station was regarded as a technological marvel. After its sale to an American company, many suspected it was used for spying. Today, alongside the current owner from Germany, the Swiss federal government also undertakes intelligence-gathering activities here.
To finish the walk, you descend past vineyards to Leuk. As well as the historical and picturesque town centre, it is worth visiting the castle, restored by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta.
Highlights:
- The village of Erschmatt and its rye centre, with many activities relating to traditional Valais rye bread.
- The “Devil’s Bridge” across the Feschel gorge between Erschmatt and Leuk.
- The historical town of Leuk and the satellite ground station above.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Rest stops
Roggen Zentrum mit Roggen StubeSafety 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 destinations:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Starting from Jeizinen, the route leads via the hamlet of Engersch to Erschmatt. In the Undri Zälg area, you pass one of the cultivation gardens of the Erschmatt rye centre and then pass through the mountain village before descending to the “Devil’s Bridge” across the Feschel gorge.
You continue via Obere Lichten to reach the satellite ground station in Brentjong. At the end of the walk, you descend through steep vineyards to the town of Leuk. The hike finishes at Leuk railway station, located below the town on the banks of the Rhône.
Note
Public transport
Regular regional trains along the Simplon line to Gampel. Continue either on foot or by bus to the base station of the Gampel–Jeizinen cable car.Getting there
From Sion or Brig: A9 motorway or cantonal road 9 to Gampel.
From Bern: A6 motorway to Spiez, then cantonal road to Kandersteg. Take the car transporter service from Kandersteg to Goppenstein, continue on the cantonal road to Gampel.
Parking
Parking at the base station of the Gampel–Jeizinen cable car. Follow the parking signs in Gampel.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
- 10 Waypoints
- 10 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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