Cultural history trail Grafschaft

3.09 km long
Difficulty: easy
Condition: very easy
Theme trail
  • 0:55 h
  • 3.09 km
  • 129 m
  • 76 m
  • 1,305 m
  • 1,387 m
  • 82 m
  • Start: Selkingen, Selkingerstrasse
  • Destination: Ritzingen, Feldkapelle
Do you know the difference between a granary and a barn? What does "büüchä" mean and where does the term Grafschaft, which is used for the three mountain villages of Selkingen, Biel and Ritzingen, actually come from?

The objective of the cultural history trail is to bring the local people and guests closer to their homeland or holiday resort in an inviting way. Starting in Selkingen, the trail first leads through the alleys to Biel and finally to Ritzingen. The final point of the autodidactic tour is "in the heart of the world", as this location of the chapel Ritzingenfeld is affectionately called in the vernacular.

The free brochure on the culture trail contains explanations of the villages and their utilitarian and sacred buildings, but also takes up topics such as population and their customs. It also contains a list of further literature for all those who would like to delve deeper into the culture and history of the Goms valley. The little booklet is available at the tourist information offices in Reckingen, Münster and Oberwald.

Good to know

Pavements

Unknown
Street
Asphalt
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Starting point Selkingen, Selkingerstrasse - SELKINGEN - Prefäktehüs (1) - Vorschutz Haus (2) - Haus mit Andreaskreuz (3) - Ursprüngliches Heidehüs (4) - Hochbarockhaus (5) - Renaissancehaus (6) - Fennerhüs (7) - Pfisterhüs (8) - Stockmühle (9) - Markuskapelle (11) - Ritzhaus (12) - Antoniuskapelle (13) - BIEL - Stadelgruppe (19) - Heidehüs (20) - Heustadelgruppe (18) - Vorschutzhaus ( 23) - Posthüs (23) - Grafehüs (21) - Pfarrhaus (16) - Schlosshubel (17) - Pfarrkirche (14) - Friedhofskapelle (15) - Lawinendenkmal (24) - RITZINGEN - Nothelferkapelle (25) - Annakapelle (26) - Rundbogentor (27) - Doppelhaus (28) - Stadel (29.1) - Speicher (29.2) - Stallscheune (29.3) - Feldkapelle (30)

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Stop at an Inn

  • Suitable for Pushchair

Equipment

We recommend:
  • Waterproof footwear and walking sticks
  • Hat and warm protective outdoor clothing
  • Sun protection
  • Detailed map or information material

Directions & Parking facilities

From Brig follow cantonal road No 19 (Furkastrasse) for 26 km to Biel (VS). The Goms valley is also easily accessible from direction Zurich / Lucerne via Andermatt – car transport Furka.

The Alpine passes Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen are closed in winter.

Public parking spaces are available in the vicinity of the railway station Biel (VS) or in the villages of Selkingen, Biel (VS) or Ritzingen. Follow the local parking guidance system.
The regional trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway take you from Brig to Biel (VS) in 58 min. The Goms valley is also easily accessible from the Zurich / Lucerne via Andermatt and the Furka base tunnel.

The timetables for all trains and busses can be found at www.sbb.ch.

Additional information

Literature

You will find the following brochures in the tourist information offices, at the sales points of the Loipe Goms as well as in most hotels and restaurants in Obergoms:
  • Summer and winter map of the Goms valley
  • Holiday companion (summer + winter)
  • Broschure Kulturweg Grafschaft (D/F)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The churches and chapels of the Goms valley invite you to pause, draw strength, say a prayer or just enjoy their beauty. Come in!

Safety guidelines

The use of the snow shoeing trails is at your own risk. Oberg

The use of the theme trails is at your own risk. Obergoms Tourismus AG disclaims all liability and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

Local conditions may entail changes to routes.Take a map with you or download the complete description of the route with a large-scale map.

Carry additional sun protection with you. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, especially in winter, even when the sky is overcast.

oms Tourismus AG disclaims all liability and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

Local conditions may entail changes to routes.Take a map with you or download the complete description of the route with a large-scale map. Use only signposted paths and observe all markings and signs - for your own safety, for the protection of the landscape and in respect for wildlife. Be considerate of other users. Take your rubbish and that of others with you.

Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Adequate clothing and provisions (food and drink) are very important. If the weather is unstable, it is better to turn around early. Carry additional sun protection with you. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, especially in winter, even when the sky is overcast.

Plan your tour carefully and in detail. Inform yourself in advance about the current conditions (avalanche danger, cross-country ski runs, winter hiking trails, snow trails and road conditions) and weather conditions. The winter sports report provides you with valuable information from the region.

Map

  • Hiking map, Rotten Verlag, 1:25‘000
  • National maps 1:25'000 Swisstopo: 1250 Ulrichen / 1270 Binntal

Nearby

Location and Contact

Cultural history trail Grafschaft
3989 Blitzingen