Guttet-Feschel: Rhône Valley Views and Village History

Guttet-Feschel lies at an altitude of 1,000–1,300 m on a sunny terrace, with views stretching across the entire Rhône Valley. The dry climate and many sunny days shape the area. In Feschel, the landscape continues with a distinctive hill spur.

Landscape and Forest Reserve

The “Feschilju” forest reserve includes forests within its boundaries in the municipalities of Guttet-Feschel and Leuk. It covers a total area of 41.55 ha. The reserve is intended to contribute to the biodiversity goals of Forest Policy 2020. The views across the valley and the protected forest areas thus represent different aspects of the municipality’s natural environment.

Village History and Architecture

Guttet was first mentioned in a document in 1261, and Feschel in 1267. The two former municipalities merged in 2000. The village center of Feschel is located in the municipality of Guttet-Feschel, is of national importance and is listed in the ISOS inventory. The houses in Feschel are built using the timber construction typical of the region.

The Chapel of St. Anthony also tells of the area’s long history: according to historical documents, it was built in 1499. It was dedicated to St. Michael until 1669, and to St. Anthony from 1669 onward. The chapel is attached directly to the municipal building and forms the end of a long row of houses. Inside, a Baroque altar with several statues forms its centerpiece.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The Winter Trail from Albinen to Feschel offers views across the Rhône Valley all the way to Feschel. In winter, a difficult stage of the Valais Sun Trail runs from Guttet through Feschel to Albinen. It is 8.2 km long, takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, and has 313 m of ascent and 335 m of descent. Check current trail conditions before setting out. Another route associated with the Guttet-Feschel area is described as an easy circular hike on the sunny side of Valais. It is 10.6 km long, takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, has 471 m of ascent and descent, and is marked as closed. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes longer than the winter stage of the Sun Trail.

Cycling routes also offer a variety of experiences. The Guggerhubel Bike Tour follows a singletrack through the Hewald and continues to Guttet-Feschel; the Hewald was destroyed by a fire in 2003. The “Landscape & Authenticity” cycling route passes through a variety of cultural landscapes and offers views of the Rhône Valley. From Jeizinen, a cycling route follows the hillside to Erschmatt and/or Feschel/Guttet.

If you are planning to travel by public transport, you can use the “Guttet, Dorf” stop as a reference point. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Wiler, Niedergampel, Leukerbad, Oberems, Gampel-Bratsch, Varen, Unterems, Salgesch

Return to the main travel overview: Leuk.