Lötschberger South Ramp

10.38 km long
Difficulty: easy
Condition: very easy
Great panorama
Hike
  • 3:30 h
  • 10.38 km
  • 184 m
  • 377 m
  • 672 m
  • 900 m
  • 228 m
  • Start: Eggerberg train station
  • Destination: Brig train station
Hike along the popular Lötschberger South Ramp, which follows the over 100-year-old Lötschberg railway line from Eggerberg to Brig. Discover the fascinating history of the railway line accompanied by a great view of the Rhone Valley.

When the pioneering Lötschberg Tunnel was opened in 1913, the first year-round connection between Valais and Bern was established. Together with the Simplon Tunnel, a fast and comfortable journey through the Alps became possible.

The section south of the Lötschberg summit tunnel from Kandersteg to Goppenstein is one of the region’s most popular hikes: the Lötschberger South Ramp was extended by another section during the 100-year anniversary celebrations of the line’s opening and now runs from Lalden station further to Brig.

The described hike starts in Eggerberg, west of Lalden, about 200 meters above the valley floor. From here, the hike follows the sunny southern flank of the Rhone Valley before the final descent down into the alpine town of Brig. Since the opening of the Lötschberg base tunnel in 2007, the railway line has become much quieter. 400 meters further below the mountain, Intercity and freight trains pass through the new base tunnel at speeds up to 250 km/h.

The first section of the hike runs quite close to the railway line. It passes above the Brigerbad thermal baths, one of the largest thermal baths in Switzerland with 12 indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and a spa.

From here, the path continues above the railway line. It first passes below the Safran village of Mund and then follows the "Driestneri" irrigation channel, which was formerly used as a water supply for fire emergencies on the Lötschberg line.

Shortly before reaching Naters, the path passes an old underground fortress. Today there are two museums inside: one about the military history of the fortress; the second about the Swiss Guard in the Vatican. Naters is the Swiss municipality which has sent the most mercenaries to the Vatican.

The South Ramp is mostly hiked towards Brig; but it is also very appealing in the opposite direction.

Highlights of the hike:

  • Themed trail with information panels explaining the 100-year history of the Lötschberg railway line.
  • Sunny location with great views of the Rhone Valley.
  • Two fascinating museums in Naters as well as the alpine town of Brig with its historic charm and Mediterranean flair.

Valais/Wallis Promotion
Valais/Wallis Promotion

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The hike begins at Eggerberg train station – the path is clearly signposted.

The first section briefly follows a road above the railway line before crossing it after about 1.7 km. The route then runs close to the railway line above the villages of Lalden and Brigerbad in the valley floor. When you are above the thermal baths in Brigerbad, you cross the railway line again and continue the hike above the track towards Brig. The access to the historic fortress with its museums is a few minutes to the right of the marked route.

The entire Lötschberger South Ramp runs about 27 km from Hohtenn station via Eggerberg to Brig.

The South Ramp is also part of the Valais Sunny Trail, a four-day hike along the southern flank of the Rhone Valley from Crans-Montana to Brig.

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Stop at an Inn

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Printed hiking trail description (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Directions & Parking facilities

Motorway A9, from Sierre take Canton road 9 to Visp. Shortly before Visp turn left and follow the signs to Eggerberg.
Paid parking available at Eggerberg and Brig train stations. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then with the "RegioExpress" to Eggerberg. Detailed train timetables can be found at fahrplan.bls.ch

You can hike the Lötschberger South Ramp as a whole or in sections. Starting points are the stops Hohtenn, Ausserberg, Eggerberg, Lalden, and Brig.

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourism office in Brig and BLS provide you with informational materials and brochures for hiking in the destination.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Take your time and travel the historic railway line by train. The section between Hohtenn and Brig offers beautiful views (about 20 minutes travel time, runs hourly).

Safety guidelines

Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Traveling the various routes is fundamentally at your own responsibility.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays can be very strong at high altitudes, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal conditions.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid hiking alone.
  • Do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers along riverbanks, watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Map

SwissTopo maps: 1:25,000: 1288 Raron / 1289 Brig

Nearby

Location and Contact

Lötschberger South Ramp
3939 Eggerberg