Lötschental – between the Valais and Bernese Alps

The magical valley is home to a unique tradition that has been handed down for generations: the Tschäggättä. For local people, these symbolise a connection with their homeland and pride in their history and culture.

These mysterious carnival figures, clad in enigmatic wooden masks and surrounded by an air of the mystical, are a fascinating element of the local carnival celebrations in Lötschental. The Tschäggättä perform during carnival, a time of celebration and merriment that takes place every year from Candlemas until "Gigiszischtag" (which is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday). But while most carnival figures are cheerful and colourful, the Tschäggättä carry with them an aura of mystery and strangeness. With their hand-carved wooden masks made of Swiss stone pine, often decorated with grim or grotesque faces, they embody the dark secrets of winter and the ancient tradition of driving away evil spirits.

For the inhabitants of Lötschental, the Tschäggättä are more than just figures in an old tradition. For local people, they symbolise a connection with their homeland and pride in their history and culture. They remind people that roots are deep and that the heritage of their ancestors is still relevant today. And while the world around them is changing, the Tschäggättä remain firmly rooted in the heart of Lötschental, ready to banish the spirits of winter and spread the joy of carnival.

It is precisely to preserve this tradition that the Tschäggättu custom is celebrated only in Lötschental and only during carnival season.

Experience the fascinating tradition of the Chinigrosslini in Lötschental. Let yourself be seduced by the witty words of the Goigglär as the Chinigrossli dances through the alleyways and the bells ring. A magical experience for the whole family that you won't want to miss.

The Chinigrosslini perform in Lötschental on the Saturday before Epiphany. The king and his two servants (the "Goigglär" or jugglers) set off after dark. The Chinigrossli jumps and prances through the alleyways, ringing the bells of his outfit. The Goigglär draw the audience's attention to the handsome king with witty and seductive words. The group pays a visit to the families of the village dignitaries, while the youth choir (Stärnsingär) sings the Old and New Year's songs in front of their windows. The group is generously welcomed with refreshments everywhere, and the parade ends around midnight.

The Chinigrosslinun is one of the oldest traditions in Valais and continues to enjoy great popularity in Lötschental. But even in Lötschental, the custom is no longer organised regularly, and only depending on whether young people are willing to take part. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this unique tradition and experience an unforgettable evening. 

This impressive and beautiful snowshoe tour takes you from the Hockenhorngrat mountain station, past the Hockenhorn, down to the Lötschenpass at around 2700 meters above sea level. After a well-deserved break in the cozy Lötschenpass hut, the tour takes you back up to the Hockenhorngrat at 3100 m above sea level.

For an unforgettable experience, please note the following information: This route leads through high alpine terrain and is only accessible in good weather conditions. We recommend starting at 10.30 a.m. at the latest (from Wiler 10.00 a.m.) on the Hockenhorngrat. The way back from the Lötschenpass hut should be started by 1.30 pm at the latest. The last departure from the Hockenhorngrat to Wiler is at 3.50 pm. It is also possible to spend the night in the Lötschenpasshütte.

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At ten information and experience stations, topics including «The Miracle Of Snow» and «Avalanches – The White Peril» are addressed. You can learn where Alpine animals stay in winter, look at snow crystals through a kaleidoscope and guess which pelts belong to which animals at special «feely-boxes». The winter adventure trail is perfect for families and children.

The winter hike starts from the Lauchernalp mountain station, goes up to Hockenalp, and continues to Stafel. Along the way, you'll encounter various information and experience stations. From there, the path descends past the Lauchern chapel back to the mountain station of the cable car.

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The village trail in Kippel is ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to enjoy cross-country skiing in a quiet and relaxed environment. The route leads through the village of Kippel and its immediate surroundings. It offers a marvellous view of the surrounding mountains and the typical Lötschental architecture with its characteristic wooden houses. The trail is suitable for both classic cross-country skiers and skaters. The starting point is the campsite in Kippel. You can reach the campsite on foot in around 7 minutes from the "Kippel, Dorf" post bus stop.

This cross-country ski trail is more than just a link between the two villages of Kippel and Wiler. It is breathtakingly beautiful. This route can be tackled both in the classic cross-country skiing style and in skating style. The starting point is the campsite in Kippel. You can reach the campsite on foot in around 7 minutes from the "Kippel, Dorf" post bus stop.