recommended route
Turtmanntaler Aussischtsweg
Starting point for the hike is the bus stop in Gruben/Meiden. From here, the path zig-zags steeply up through the forest to the alpine pastures of Grüobu Mittelstafel. Above the treeline, the hike follows a flattish trail southwards up the Turtmann valley. Eventually, at an altitude of about 2,300 metres, the path leads above the Turtmannsee lake – actually formed of two reservoirs, used to generate electricity. These provide water for the Gougra hydroelectric power station, primarily fed by reservoirs in the Val d’Anniviers. From here, you enjoy a superb view of the Brunegg and Turtmann glaciers, the 4,153-metre Bishorn and the dramatic Barrwand cliffs.
The trail now descends relatively steeply through larch and pine forests above the lake and drops down to lead along the crest of the dam between the two reservoirs. The trail continues in the floor of the valley along the creek until you reach the end point at Meiden.
Time your hike to coincide with the annual ascent or descent of the cattle to/from the high pastures and see the traditional cow fights at Gruben/Meiden.
Author’s recommendation
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
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More information about the destination:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Gruben-Gigi Oberstafel-Gruben
Starting point for the hike is Meiden, the final bus stop in the Turtmann valley. A steep climb up the eastern side of the valley accesses a trail that leads southwards, high above the valley floor. Then you descend to the Turtmannsee lakes. Cross the dam of the upper reservoir and then follow the gently trail along the creek back to Gruben/Meiden.
Note
Public transport
Regional train services to Turtmann. Continue by cable car to Oberems, and then by bus into the Turtmann valley. The bus runs infrequently from June to September.Getting there
Cantonal road to Turtmann; then via Unterems and Oberems to Meiden in the Turtmann valley.Parking
Large car park in Gruben/Meiden.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
Questions and answers
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