Discover Ulrichen

Ulrichen is a village in the Valais municipality of Obergoms. There are several different ways to shape your trip here: cross-country skiing, hiking and cycling routes, church art and the history of pass traffic. The rail connection from Brig also offers a practical starting point for planning. If you are looking for a hotel in Ulrichen, you can first consider whether your trip will focus more on winter activities, a tour or cultural sights.

Getting there and seasonal context

Regional trains operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway take you from Brig to Ulrichen in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check the current timetable for your specific travel date; this journey time is provided as a guide for route planning. Ulrichen is located at 1,346 m above sea level, providing a clear indication of the altitude to factor into your trip.

For the 1991–2020 climate normal period, the annual mean temperature is 4.2 °C. January is the coldest month at −7.2 °C, while July is the warmest at 14.6 °C. On average, the year includes around 189 frost days and 49 ice days, as well as 19.4 summer days. These long-term figures help put the seasons into context, but do not describe the weather on any particular travel day.

Cross-country skiing and group activities

Gommer Sport rents out equipment for skating and classic cross-country skiing by the day, week or season in Ulrichen. A temporary closure is currently indicated for the rental service, so check its operating status before travelling. The Nordic Centre is located on the former army site, where cross-country ski races in almost every category are held. The race programme may change. If you are travelling for a race, check the date.

Another way to enjoy your stay is the treasure hunt in Ulrichen. This discovery trail features riddles and quiz questions and is offered as a two-and-a-half-hour activity for groups and families. As the current format of the activity may change, check before planning to make sure the duration and format still suit you.

Hiking and cycling routes with different itineraries

The hike along the Gries Pass mule track starts in Ulrichen. This historic mule track is a path once used by traders, pilgrims, smugglers and mercenaries. For today’s hike, bear in mind that mountain conditions may affect access, so check the conditions before setting out.

The cycling routes also differ in their starting and finishing points. The Nufenen cycling route starts in Ulrichen and ends at Nufenen Pass; seasonal road conditions may affect its use. The Valais Panorama Bike route, by contrast, runs from Alp Gämschfax over Üerlichergale and descends along a forest road to Ulrichen. When choosing a ride, you can therefore distinguish between setting off from Ulrichen towards Nufenen Pass and finishing in Ulrichen after a descent over Üerlichergale.

Pass history and church art

Zum Loch was once home to a Suste, a transit warehouse on the historically important Grimsel–Gries pass road. The historic mule track and this former role connect the village’s history with the pass traffic of bygone times. The parish church of St. Nicholas combines a Neo-Gothic architectural style with distinctive interior decoration: the nave vault is painted with musical angels.

The present-day Chapel of St. Anne at Zum Loch was built in 1683. Its altar is considered the earliest dated altarpiece in the Goms region and shows a strong Régence influence. Ulrichen thus brings together different historical and art-historical points of interest: the pass history at Zum Loch, the Neo-Gothic parish church and the chapel’s altar.

Food production is also part of the local scene: NOVENA makes fresh mountain pasta in Ulrichen at 1,350 m above sea level. It is sold exclusively through retailers and the food-service industry.

Discover more destinations: Grafschaft, Binn, Lax, Blitzingen, Reckingen, Ernen, Niederwald, Fieschertal.

For the regional travel overview: Goms.