Goms between the Source of the Rhone and Mountain Trails

The Rhone rises at the Rhone Glacier and flows from there all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Goms lies in the upper Rhone Valley, in the eastern part of the canton of Valais. The region extends from the Rhone Glacier down to Fiesch. The long, narrow Alpine valley is surrounded by high mountains; green meadows, dense forests and the river shape the landscape. Here, glaciers and water meet village culture and trails ranging from leisurely walks to routes at alpine elevations.

The Source of the Rhone, the Glacier and Geschinersee

An ice grotto at the Rhone Glacier has been carved into the glacier since 1870. The Gletsch nature trail starts at the “Glacier du Rhone” hotel in Gletsch, near the Furka Pass, and runs through the forefield of the Rhone Glacier; the walk is listed as taking just under half an hour. Geschinersee offers a different side of the water: the lake was created in 2004 as a retention basin and is now a destination for outings, birdwatching and relaxation.

The lakeside has a well-maintained sunbathing lawn, a barbecue area, benches and tables. The path around Geschinersee is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Stand-up paddleboarding is also possible; boards are rented from the container on the lakeshore during operating hours. Check whether rentals are available before your visit. If you’re interested in getting around on two wheels, Reckingen has a modular pump track for children, teenagers and adults. It offers a fun way to develop coordination, balance and riding skills.

Hiking Trails and Winter Activities

Goms has a network of hiking trails ranging from walks along the young Rhone to high Alpine routes. The accessible Rottenweg runs from Oberwald to Reckingen, following the young course of the Rhone through Goms. For a different perspective, take the Gommer Höhenweg between Münster and Oberwald: it follows a sunny slope through open larch forest at an elevation of around 1,600 to 1,700 metres. The route descriptions can help you choose between a riverside route and a trail at a higher elevation.

In winter, the cross-country ski network offers more than 100 kilometres of groomed trails for both classic and skating styles, stretching from Oberwald to Niederwald. Grooming and opening are seasonal. Other activities include winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as around 70 kilometres of groomed winter hiking trails. Goms also has eight signposted, safe snowshoe trails; opening and safety conditions vary by season.

The International Gommerlauf is a traditional cross-country skiing event for the public, held every year on the last weekend in February. Confirm the dates for the relevant edition before you travel. Another sporting option is the Gommer Challenge, a permanent timed course that can be used around the clock. All stages start at the Nordic Centre in Ulrichen. Check the seasonal availability of the Challenge format and its technical features.

Getting Around the Villages

The Goms cross-country ski trail connects twelve picturesque villages from Oberwald to Niederwald. Almost every village has a stop on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. A hiking trail also follows the railway through the entire valley, making it possible to combine individual stages with short train rides. Goms is also on the Glacier Express route. If you plan to visit several places, these rail connections can help with your planning; check current timetables before departure.

The Furka railway tunnel, with its car shuttle train, provides year-round direct access to Goms from the Zurich region and Central Switzerland. Check current service information before travelling. Another point of reference for planning your trip is the historic trade route over the Albrun Pass to Italy: the old path through the Twingi Gorge was once part of this route and includes small natural stone tunnels.

Villages, Museums and Regional Cuisine

Traditional villages such as Münster, Reckingen and Niederwald are characterised by sun-darkened wooden houses, narrow lanes and living Valais culture. Ammern was first mentioned in writing in 1374 and still conveys the impression of an old, well-preserved hamlet in Goms. The Ammern Ecomuseum in Blitzingen documents key aspects of pre-industrial life and work in Goms. In the workshops run by its two operators, visitors can learn about the professions of restorer and taxidermist. Check visiting arrangements in advance.

In Münster, the Museum of Religious Art displays a valuable 12th-century Romanesque processional cross. The Grafschaft Cultural Centre preserves Celtic bracelets, a charter of liberties from 1277 and a crucifixion group by Johann Ritz. Tours of the cultural centre, the Stock Mill and the village, as well as visits to woodcarvers and mineral prospectors, can be arranged by phone; arrange your visit in advance. Toni’s Ski Museum in Oberwald traces more than 100 years of ski history, from the beginnings of winter sports to the present day. Check visiting arrangements before travelling.

The Ritz Station in Niederwald houses two exhibitions, an information point, cloakrooms, lockers and showers; individual facilities may change. Cäsar Ritz grew up in Niederwald in Goms and went on to found the Ritz-Carlton hotels. The Ritz Station kiosk sells regional products such as Goms dried sausage, Alpine cheese, jam, honey, yoghurt and homemade pastries; the selection may vary. Regional cuisine also includes hearty Valais dishes such as raclette and the local speciality Gommer Cholera. The bistro at the Goms Nordic Centre holds a raclette evening on Fridays. Check the current schedule before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Oberwald, Reckingen, Obergesteln, Münster-Geschinen, Lax, Fieschertal, Fiesch, Ernen, Blitzingen, Bellwald, Niederwald, Ulrichen, Binn, Grafschaft.

For the regional travel overview: Valais.