Bürchen: Hiking Trails and Mountain Views in the Moosalp Region

Bürchen lies at an altitude of 1,360 metres above sea level and is part of the Moosalp Region. The sunny plateau offers panoramic views of the striking Bietschhorn. At the same time, old barns, churches and historic buildings characterise the village; its historically preserved centre has retained its original character. When planning your stay, you can therefore take in both the landscape and the village’s history.

Hiking trails with different themes

The Squirrel Trail is dedicated to the European squirrel: it runs for around 500 metres through a section of forest and features more than 20 information boards and interactive stations. However, if you plan to complete the full circular route, you should allow for the entire distance. It starts at the InfoCenter in Bürchen, includes access and return routes, is 7.5 kilometres long in total and takes about two hours. The figure of around 500 metres therefore does not refer to the full loop. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

The Birch Nature Trail also takes about two hours as a circular hike, but has a different focus: it passes through several hamlets in Bürchen and shares information about birch trees on ten panels. The two trails therefore offer a clear choice of theme: squirrels and interactive stations on one route, birch trees and hamlets on the other.

Another option is the seasonal, bookable Magic Moos Tour, a culinary hiking experience with stops at three restaurants of your choice. The package includes a three-course Moos menu made with regional products. Check current availability and participating restaurants before making plans.

Winter trails and mountain sports

For a snowshoe loop, the Zenhäusern Sport Trail leads through the forests of Bürchen towards Hellela in Zeneggen. The winter hike follows a different route, running directly from Bürchen to the terraced clearing of Hellela and through the Eggwald forest. The two options therefore differ mainly in their routes and activities. Snowshoe trail markings and conditions, as well as winter hiking conditions, can vary by season.

The Paradiesli Trail descends through the forest towards Bürchen and offers views of the Bietschhorn. How clearly the mountain can be seen depends on the weather and visibility. When planning, also take account of snowshoe trail conditions and seasonal lift operations. Cross-country skiing access points are on the Squirrel Trail and in Blatt in Bürchen, as well as in Rohr in Zeneggen; the trails and access points are seasonal.

The Moosalp Region ski area has nine lifts and 25 kilometres of pistes. Check the current figures before making plans, as the infrastructure can change. As a historical reference point for the region, the story of Moosalp Bergbahnen began in Bürchen in 1961.

Village history and other places to visit

The trail to Wandfluh Chapel starts at the large church in Bürchen-Hasel and descends to the chapel near Raron. Check access and trail conditions locally before setting out. Maria-Hilf Chapel is accessible to pilgrims and hikers; if you need to enter the chapel, check locally in advance.

In the village district of Bodmen, Alpen Minigolf has 18 holes; seasonal opening may vary. The marble run is at Ronalpstrasse 38, next to the mini-golf course. Check visitor information before travelling. In addition to hikes and winter routes, these are specific destinations to choose from for a different kind of day out.

Getting to Bürchen

Direct PostBus services run to Bürchen. For your specific connection, it is best to check the current timetable. The drive between Bürchen and Visp is listed as 11 kilometres and 17 minutes; use this time as a guide when planning.

Discover more destinations: Bettmeralp, Mörel, Ferden, Kippel, Betten, Ausserberg, Bister, Grengiols.

Back to the overview of the wider region: Raron.