recommended route
The Jolischlucht gorge
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St-Romanus castle church overlooking its rock counterpartPhoto: Thomas Andenmatten, Brig, CC BY-ND, Peter Salzmann, alpevents.ch
Discover the right bank of the Rhône on a hike into untamed nature, leading through the impressive Joli gorge.
This route passes through an inaccessible area and is therefore closed. Current information
closed
moderate
Distance 8.7 km
3:12 h
462 m
458 m
1,094 m
633 m
Overlooking the village of Raron, St-Romanus castle church with its old rectory is perched imposingly on a rocky outcrop above the Saint-Michael Church, which is cut directly into the rock. This historic area is home to the tomb of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Shortly before the Church of St. Roman, the path to the "Lötschberger" branches off towards the southern ramp. After walking for nearly two hours stop for a break and some refreshment the Rarnerchumma self-service. From there the trail continues to the unspoilt Jolischlucht gorge, visible from the Rhone valley. Hikers will also have a view of the wildly raging gorge from the 20-metre high suspension footbridge. Thrills and adrenalin guaranteed!
Author’s recommendation
Listen to the audio play the “Tuff von Gestelnburg”, which, over the course of 13 stations, brings to life the story of the incessant feuds of Middle Age lords on the streets of the old village of Niedergesteln and among the ruins of Gesteln castle.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Ritzibodo, 1,094 m
Lowest point
Raron, 633 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
0.2 km
Forested/wild trail
6.8 km
Path
0.9 km
Road
0.8 km
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
Raron (638 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'627'932E 1'128'397N
DD
46.306398, 7.801206
DMS
46°18'23.0"N 7°48'04.3"E
UTM
32T 407688 5128789
w3w
///offices.fluctuate.perplexed
Destination
Niedergesteln
Turn-by-turn directions
From Raron station, head north and take the cobbled path heading up to the castle church. Halfway up, take a left turn and walk along the pastures until you reach the Lötschberger railway line. A rest area featuring benches and tables is a great spot to take a break and admire the view of Rhône Valley in all its glory. Next, follow the Lötschberger line north until you reach the natural bridge over the Bietschbach stream. Once you’ve passed the Rarnerkumme restaurant, the path will lead you into a pine forest and then through fragrant junipers up to the side of the Joli gorges. Cross the road and follow the bisse until you reach the suspension bridge. Continue along the wooden planks through a 30-metre-long tunnel, and then along Stägeru bisse, which you will follow for the next kilometre or so. Lastly, follow the signs showing you the way down towards Niedergesteln.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
From Geneva or Brig/Visp, take a train to Raron station.Getting there
From the main road coming from Sierre or Brig/Viège, follow the signs to Raron station.Parking
Parking spaces are available at Raron train station.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'627'932E 1'128'397N
DD
46.306398, 7.801206
DMS
46°18'23.0"N 7°48'04.3"E
UTM
32T 407688 5128789
w3w
///offices.fluctuate.perplexed
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Raron provides you with hiking brochures of the region.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopoMaps 1:25'000: 1288 Raron
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
Status
closed
Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
8.7 km
Duration
3:12 h
Ascent
462 m
Descent
458 m
Highest point
1,094 m
Lowest point
633 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 2 Waypoints
- 2 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others