Oberwald: Steam Train, Museums and Trails in Goms

In Oberwald, historic railways, local history and mountain trails come together. If you are considering Oberwald as a destination, you can plan your stay around whether you would most like to experience the Furka Mountain Line, the museums or a hike.

Furka Mountain Line and getting oriented

Historic steam train rides on the Furka Mountain Line operate seasonally between Realp, Gletsch and Oberwald through an impressive high-alpine landscape. The journey is therefore part of the travel experience itself. As operating schedules may vary, it is advisable to check the timetable before planning. At Oberwald station, an underpass connects the DFB station with the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway station.

You can also put your arrival into geographical context: if you reach Oberwald via the Furka or Grimsel Pass or through the Furka Tunnel, you arrive at the first village in Goms. This is helpful when considering different destinations for your trip to Goms and deciding whether Oberwald is a suitable base for train rides or hikes.

Local history and museums

The Oberwald Local History Museum offers insight into life in the village in the past. “Toni's ski and local history museum” offers another perspective on the region’s everyday history. It illustrates more than 100 years of skiing history and displays tools, furniture, clothing, school materials, toys and other objects from rural everyday life in Upper Valais. The two museums have different focuses: one looks at life in Oberwald in the past, while the other combines skiing history with rural everyday culture.

St. Christopher Chapel also adds to the picture of local history. It was built in 1768. Its altar is attributed stylistically to the sculptor and painter Johannes Trubmann, who came from Küsnacht. The construction date and attribution make the chapel a specific historical landmark, while the museums offer insights into everyday life and skiing history.

Hiking between Gletsch and Oberwald

A hiking trail follows the historic Furka Mountain Line from Gletsch to Oberwald. The route is downhill overall and considered relaxing. With a little luck, you may see the steam train along the way, the Rotten Viaduct or a train emerging from a spiral tunnel in the rock. There are also views of Obergoms and a section beside the young Rotten, which is narrow and partly steep. The railway, valley views and trail conditions all shape the hiking experience here.

For planning your time, the route is listed as 5.6 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It includes 178 metres of ascent and 566 metres of descent; its highest point is at 1,775 metres and its lowest at 1,368 metres. These details give you several ways to assess the hike, not just its length. Check the trail conditions before setting off.

Climbing and winter trails

At the Wolfspfad climbing garden, you will find routes on grippy gneiss graded from 5a to around 6b. Route details may change due to maintenance work, so it is a good idea to check the latest conditions before climbing. The hiking trail to the foot of the climbing garden starts directly behind the church. If the road is closed or you are travelling by public transport, the garden is about a 20-minute walk from there; access conditions may vary seasonally.

In winter, the Oberwald–Münster Sonnenloipe runs for 8.80 kilometres from Oberwald station to Furkastrasse in Münster. It is rated easy, has practically no gradient and is suitable for beginners in cross-country skiing. As a seasonal offering, its availability depends on snow and weather conditions. It offers a different way to experience the stretch between Oberwald and Münster than the hiking trail from Gletsch to Oberwald.

The “Rhonequelle” winter experience offers a descent along the route from the source of the Rhône to Oberwald, by sled or ski-bike. The gentle slopes are considered undemanding; night rides beneath the starry sky are particularly atmospheric. The activity is seasonal and may be subject to weather-related changes. If you are choosing between winter outings, the cross-country ski trail and the descent differ both in activity and route: the trail ends in Münster, while the descent leads to Oberwald.

A culinary addition

On the “Goms pleasure route,” guests can put together their own three-course menu of starter, main course and dessert at selected restaurants. Participating establishments and how the service is organised may vary; check the details before planning. This lets you include a restaurant visit in your trip alongside rail travel, culture and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Ernen, Ulrichen, Lax, Niederwald, Obergesteln, Fiesch, Grafschaft, Binn.

Return to the overview of the region: Goms.