Blatten in the Lötschental: Mountain World, Pilgrimage and Suonen
Accommodation in Blatten
Blatten is the rearmost village in the Lötschental. It is the main village of the valley’s largest municipality by area and lies at 1,540 m above sea level; the Bietschhorn defines its landscape. Recent events are also relevant when planning a trip: in May 2025, the village was buried by a major rockslide. It will be rebuilt over the coming years. Check local information about access and paths before visiting.
Suonen, Pilgrimage and Village History
Artificial irrigation using Suonen has a long tradition in Blatten. Alongside the alpine mountain world, the history of water management is one of the village’s cultural themes.
The Baroque Chapel of the Visitation of Mary in Kühmatt is a destination for regional pilgrimages. The present-day chapel was built between 1646 and 1663 under Prior Bartholomäus Indergassen. The construction period places the building in its historical context; its role as a pilgrimage site reflects its religious significance in the region.
A path leads from Blatten along the wild Lonza river to the pilgrimage site of KĂĽhmatt. Meditation boards stand along the route. Thus, both the river and the religious destination are part of the route description. The old village also includes a village oven, a sawmill and fulling mill, and the municipal building. Access to this historic area is restricted following the rockslide; follow local information when planning any visits.
High-Alpine Landscape and Tours
The Lötschenlücke can be reached from Blatten. This high-alpine region offers opportunities to experience the world of glaciers and the peaks of the Aletsch Glacier. Conditions and route safety for high-alpine excursions depend on the season; check the situation before setting out.
Winter Activities and Their Status
The moderately difficult Wiler–Blatten cross-country ski trail is 3.7 km long, connects the villages of the Lötschental, and is listed as closed. A ski tour from the Lauchernalp ski area over the Elwertätsch, at 3,207 m above sea level, followed by a descent to Blatten, is also possible as a high-alpine excursion. Conditions and route safety for this tour also depend on the season. The trail and the ski tour therefore differ not only in activity, but also in their listed status and in the demands they place on tour planning.
Access and Trip Planning
The hiking trails between Eisten (Geriin), Chiematt and Fafleralp remain closed. As of June 26, 2026, a driving permit from the municipality of Blatten is still required to use the emergency road. Category G vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians may not use the relevant section of road because the reaction time is too short. Before travelling, check the municipality’s latest information and the status of the paths relevant to your plans.
If you are looking for a hotel in Blatten, first decide whether the history of pilgrimage, a high-alpine excursion or a winter theme will shape your stay. These priorities call for different plans. So coordinate your travel dates with the applicable access and trail information before making firm plans for excursions.
Discover more destinations: Eischoll, Kippel, Steg, Ausserberg, Unterbäch, Wiler (Lötschen), Ferden, Bettmeralp
Return to the main travel overview: Raron.
