Secret Goms Valley Walk, Switzerland

This fabulously scenic independent walking holiday explores the undiscovered Goms Valley in Southern Switzerland close to the Italian border. A long-time favourite with Swiss hikers, it’s a region of outstanding natural beauty and, during your week, you will see some spectacular sites: majestic snowy mountains, thundering waterfalls and the Aletsch, Europe’s longest glacier. But there are minor discoveries too which are just as fascinating: Gothic churches, Baroque chapels, beautiful mountain shrines and charming wooden villages bedecked with flowers.

For much of the route, you’ll be following the well-marked paths alongside the infant River Rhone as it gushes between wooden bridges on its way to Lake Geneva – look out for marmots, red starts and golden eagles circling above. The superb mountain transport system – cable cars, chairlifts and the bright scarlet Matterhorn Gottard Bahn - makes getting around really easy and allows you to choose walking distances to suit how you feel each day.

The places where you’ll be staying are as special as their surrounds and you’ll sample superb menus every evening. You’re sure to appreciate the contrasts between mouth-watering Valais cuisine in Obergesteln with the artistic creations of expert chef (and Everest conqueror!), Peter Gschwendtner, in Blitzingen.

Detailed Itinerary:

Sunday - Arrive in Obergesteln
After a panoramic mountain rail journey, we meet you in Obergesteln and take you (5 mins) to the hotel where you'll spend the next three nights. It’s time to relax over a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Monday - The Upper Goms 9km/5.5mi/3hr or 12km/7.5mi/4hr
All walkers start out together today with a stroll across the valley floor and a gentle climb across the flower-covered hillside. The easier option is to descend to Geschinen - where you can peer into the woodcarver's shop to admire his intricate artwork - before a riverside stroll by the Rhone takes you to Munster. The more energetic walkers climb into the wild and rocky Minstigerbach valley - a fabulous place for a picnic. Everyone takes the little red train for the nine minute ride back to Obergesteln.

Tuesday - Obergesteln Circular Walk 10km/6mi/3hr
From the hotel a path through bluebell-dotted pine woods leads to the charming little village of Oberwald; it's right at the upper end of the valley and overlooked by majestic peaks towering to more than 3000m. After lunch ou circle round the valley and back to the hotel with plenty of time to get in the jacuzzi and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace while you admire great mountain views.

Wednesday - Obergesteln to Blitzingen 11km/7mi/4hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr
Today you walk from the Upper to the Lower Goms, with a relaxed start by train to Munster. From there it's a choice - the easier route meanders along above the river before crossing to Gluringen, a picturesque village with pretty church. The longer route winds along the Gommer High Level Path, in and out of striking side valleys and past characterful mountain cafes. There are tremendous views towards the snow-capped Weisshorn as you near the Hotel Castle perched high on the hillside.

Thursday - The Blitzingen Circular Walk 13km/8mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/5hr
The valley narrows at Blitzingen before opening out to broad mountain views as you approach the sunny, wonkey timber-built village of Bellwald set high on an alp. Its warren of narrow flower-filled alleys are a delight to explore. You can take the chairlift up to enjoy a sky-high picnic amid clover and buttercups before rambling back down through Niederwald, the birthplace of Cesar Ritz.

Friday - Villages of the Lower Goms 13km/8mi/4hr
Today offers a splendid walk through villages unchanged for centuries on the south-east side of the river. Explore lovely Muhlebach with its traditional Valaisian wooden buildings dating from the 14C. Then it's on to Ernen, Village of Culture and Music, which features murals and friezes on the Tellenhaus - and gasthofs for welcome refreshments!

Saturday - Eggishorn and the Aletsch Glacier Various choice of distances
A tremendous finale to your week begins with a ride by cable car to the top of the Eggishorn at 2926m (9600ft), where you will be overwhelmed by the vista. There are full-length views of the mighty Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe, and a 360 degree panorama which includes Eiger, Jungfrau, Finsterhorn and Matterhorn - superb picnic spots right beside the glacier.

Sunday - Depart Blitzingen

Is this trip for you?
This is an Independent Upper 1 to Upper 2 Boot walking holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System). There is a choice of walks every day, all of which are on well-made, well-signed paths. In places these can be narrow, and occasionally it’s uneven underfoot. Although the 1 Boot walks are mostly along the valley sides, the ascents from the valley floor and the undulating nature of the paths make these walks ‘Upper’. There is more ascending/descending on the longer walks.

There are no significant height/balance/vertigo problems, but some of the paths are rather narrow for those who have not done a walking holiday before. If you feel that this may be an issue for you, please call our sales team who will be happy to discuss this with you.

This will appeal to anyone who loves great mountain walking, peace and quiet, striking scenery, pure air and excellent food. This holiday is very good for groups containing guests of different abilities –you can take short cuts or different routes and meet up later for a well-deserved drink!