Unterbäch: Women’s History, Mountain Sports and Suonen

Unterbäch brings together Swiss women’s history, trails through mountain landscapes and activities for different seasons. When planning your stay, you can first choose between winter sports, walks and hikes, or the town’s cultural themes. Getting there is also an important part of planning: train passengers travel to Raron and walk from there to the cable car valley station.

Getting There and the History of Women’s Suffrage

From Raron railway station, it takes about five minutes to walk to the cable car valley station. The cable car runs every half hour; a cabin carrying 25 people takes you to Unterbäch in eight minutes. During the ride, you can enjoy views of the Löibbach Gorge. Check the timetable and operating conditions before your trip.

A defining moment in the town’s history took place on 5 March 1957: on that day, the Unterbäch municipal council granted women a one-time right to vote, against the wishes of the national government. This allowed the women of Unterbäch to become the first women in Switzerland to vote—14 years before women’s suffrage was introduced. That is why the town is also known as the “Rütli of Swiss women.” A digital village tour takes you past nine stops. At the stop signs, you can scan QR codes to listen to the story of each location.

Winter in Unterbäch: Skiing, Tobogganing and Snowshoeing

The Ginals–Unterbäch ski area offers 20 kilometres of ski runs for beginners and advanced skiers. The ski lifts and chairlifts take you to over 2,500 metres above sea level. Those new to snow sports can visit the Swiss Snow Kids Village run by the Unterbäch Ski and Snowboard School. Facilities include a magic carpet, seesaws, jumps, rails and a ski carousel. Check lift operations, ski runs and seasonal activities before your trip.

A five-kilometre toboggan run leads from Brandalp down to Unterbäch. Take the chairlift from Unterbäch to reach the starting point. Another option is the Brandalp Trottis, available at the Unterbäch–Brandalp chairlift’s mountain station. From there, the paved descent also runs five kilometres down to the village. Both activities start at Brandalp, but one is done on a toboggan and the other on a Trotti.

The Frauenzitate-Trail snowshoe route also leads from Brandalp down to the village. Along the way, you’ll find quotes from world-famous women. Those looking to combine a winter walk with a cultural theme will find a different focus here than on the downhill routes. Snowshoe and trail conditions vary by season.

Suonen, Hiking Trails and Mountain Landscapes

Three Suonen have been preserved in Unterbäch. These historic irrigation channels are also known as water channels, and hiking trails run alongside them. There are biking and hiking trails of all difficulty levels around the village, many near these waterways, which are typical of the region. The routes pass through spruce and larch forests, across alpine meadows and over rocky ridges. With a little luck, you may spot marmots, chamois or ibex.

The variety of landscapes lends each tour a different character: forests, open alpine meadows and rocky sections are all part of the hiking areas described. A walk along the Suonen, on the other hand, offers a different focus, following the historic irrigation channels. You can choose your activity to match the themes that interest you during your stay.

Lake Park and Regional Tastings

Augstbord Lake Park is fed by the “Unterbächneri” Suon. The lake is 1.5 metres deep and offers opportunities for bathing and swimming. A circular path suitable for strollers and wheelchairs runs around the lake; there is also a water and adventure playground. Swimming conditions and facilities may vary by season, so check the latest information before your visit.

Another option is Tüürli, a self-guided walk through Unterbäch’s mountain landscape. Regional beers or wines can be sampled at five stops. As the participating stops may change, check the information before setting out. The tastings give the walk a culinary focus, while the Suonen trails and village tour highlight other sides of the town.

Discover more destinations: Betten, Kippel, Raron, Riederalp, Bürchen, Mörel, Bettmeralp, Eischoll.

Go to the main travel overview: Raron.