Discover Gampel: Trails, views and culture

Gampel is in Upper Valais, in the Leuk district of the canton of Valais. At the southern entrance to the Lötschental, the Lonza forms the eastern boundary of the village and, at the same time, the boundary with neighbouring Steg. This gives you several concrete starting points for planning your trip: trails by the water, views across the Rhône Valley and cultural attractions in the village. If you are looking for a hotel in Gampel, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your plans.

Natural surroundings and trails by the water

The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park stretches from Gampel to Sierre. In Gampel, two described trails follow waterways: the «Untere Wasserleitung» loop starts at the Milimatte fire station on the path towards Jeizinen and returns to the valley floor by way of the vineyards. The sound of flowing water accompanies this loop as well as the «Obere Wasserleite» trail.

The Obere Wasserleite starts above the «Zu den Spitzen Steinen» chapel and can be followed as far as Niedergampel. The routes therefore differ in their stated destinations: the Untere Wasserleitung loop returns to the valley floor, while the Obere Wasserleite leads to Niedergampel. You can take the starting and ending points into account when choosing, without confusing the two trails.

The «Zu den Spitzen Steinen» chapel dates from 1941 and is considered a landmark of Gampel-Bratsch. From there, it offers sweeping views of Gampel, Niedergampel, Steg and the Rhône Valley. A footpath connects Gampel and Niedergampel and also serves as a school route. This is distinct from the hiking trail from Gampel to Bratsch: it offers lovely views and, thanks to its sunny location, is also used in winter. Winter conditions can vary; check them before setting out on a hike.

Cultural landmarks in the village

The Walk of Stars runs along the newly redesigned Neue Strasse. It starts by the pharmacy in Gampel and continues west. The Walk of Stars was created to mark the 30th anniversary of Open Air Gampel. Every year, one of the festival’s headliners is invited to unveil a new star; the person involved may vary.

The «Fiirvogl» fountain is another of Gampel’s named cultural landmarks: it was named after a song by singer Sina. Along with the Walk of Stars, it offers another point of interest if you are interested in cultural connections in the village. The two attractions represent different kinds of connections: a fountain with a name linked to a song, and a trail featuring stars unveiled by headliners.

Animals, mini golf and sports

The Allegro farm, also known as the livestock protection centre, is located in Gampel and Jeizinen at 1,550 m above sea level. The farm is home to horses, sheep, donkeys, cattle and active livestock guardian dogs. It regularly invites school classes and groups to experience the animals in their natural surroundings. If you are planning a group trip, this activity is a separate option to consider when planning your stay.

The Nifo-Filzanlage is a mini golf course that has been operating for more than 20 years at Lampertji 6, 3945 Gampel. It is wheelchair accessible; the facility also has shaded seating and a kiosk serving refreshments. Sports available at the sports ground in Gampel include beach volleyball and basketball. There is also a running track and a football pitch. This means you can plan mini golf and the various sports as different activities during your stay in the village.

Getting there and connections to Jeizinen

Gampel is accessible by car and public transport. If you travel by train, take the train to Gampel-Steg station and then continue by bus to the village. While services are operating, connections are available on the Leuk–Turtmann–Gampel/Steg–Visp bus route (timetable field 12.491) and the Steg–Gampel–Hohtenn–Goppenstein–Blatten–Fafleralp PostBus route (timetable field 12.591), including at the Gampel-Dorf and Steg «Bäckerei» stops. Bus services and timetables may change; check the current times before travelling.

The Gampel–Jeizinen LGJ cable car takes passengers from Gampel to Jeizinen in less than nine minutes. Check the timetable and operating conditions before travelling. This lets you distinguish the train and bus journey from the short cable car ride and plan around whichever connection suits you.

Discover more destinations: Salgesch, Inden, Erschmatt, Oberems, Gampel-Bratsch, Ergisch, Leuk, Turtmann

Back to the overarching travel guide: Leuk.