Discover Kippel: Village History and Lötschental Culture

Kippel combines a rich village history with the culture of the Lötschental and routes through the valley. In the village centre, Valais timber houses and the parish church of St. Martin shape the scene; the Lötschental Museum focuses on the history and culture of the entire region. You can also discover traditional crafts, seasonal cultural events, and hiking and cycling routes. This allows you to choose Kippel as a destination based on the topics that interest you most.

Historic Village Centre and Church of St. Martin

The historic village centre is characterised by distinctive Valais timber houses. The homes date from the mid-16th to the mid-18th century and stand out for their rare density and quality. The cobbled Alte Hauptgasse (Old Main Street) retains the character of a mountain-pass village thanks to its narrow, enclosed layout. On Kippel’s southern side, away from the main thoroughfare, the connection between the old village and its surroundings remains intact. For centuries, Kippel was the secular and ecclesiastical centre of the Lötschental; this historical role gives the buildings a significance that extends beyond the village itself.

The history of the parish church can also be traced through clear dates. When the parish was founded in 1233, a first chapel already stood at the church’s present location, at the so-called Martibiel. The present-day church was built in the Baroque style from 1740 to 1742 and dedicated to Saint Martin by Bishop Blatter in 1742. The church complex also includes an ossuary dating from the 16th century. The chapel and the present-day church therefore represent different building phases at the same location.

Museum, Crafts and Village Culture

The Lötschental Museum presents the history and culture of the Lötschental. Visitors can discover the region’s traditions, customs and stories there. The museum’s focus is therefore on the entire valley, while the timber houses and church reflect Kippel’s local history. You can reach the museum by public transport via the Kippel Altersheim stop. From there, it is directly visible on the lower side of the road. A walk following in Albert Nyfeler’s footsteps connects the museum with the village of Kippel.

Crafts are another cultural experience on offer: in Kippel, you can watch Lötschental longwood shingles being made. The Albert Nyfeler Studio can be visited year-round by appointment made by telephone in advance. Guided village tours are also held regularly in Kippel; registration is required to take part. These activities offer different experiences depending on whether you are interested in a particular studio, the making of a regional product or a walk through the village.

Other seasonal events are part of the village’s cultural calendar. The church’s anniversary celebration is accompanied by a procession of the Herrgottsgrenadiere; it takes place on the third Sunday in July or on the Sunday before St. John’s Day. In August, the “Art & Culture” exhibition at the Stadl showcases works by various artists. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific event dates.

Hiking and Experiencing Nature

The Lauchernalp–Kippel hike is rated easy, is 3.2 kilometres long and has 590 metres of descent. It starts at the Lauchernalp mountain station, which you can reach from Wiler by cable car in five minutes. The cable car operates seasonally, so check the timetable before planning your trip. The hike passes above Kippel by the Riedhaltä bird sanctuary. Conditions on the route can also change seasonally, so it is advisable to check the latest information before setting off.

The Riedhaltä bird sanctuary has a trail where you can get particularly good views or hear native bird species. The best time for birdwatching is considered to be from April to June. This offers a seasonal point of reference: while the Lauchernalp–Kippel hike is described in terms of its descent, the information about Riedhaltä is especially relevant to travellers interested in birdwatching.

Another hike is a circular route from Kippel via Camping Kippel, Chiipelwald, Gattunalp and Chaschtlerwald, returning to Kippel. Gattunalp is an abandoned alpine pasture on the “shady side” of the Lötschental above Kippel. A cross and several crumbling foundations recall its former use. The hike also offers views of the developed side of the Lötschental opposite. As trail conditions can change seasonally, it is advisable to check them before setting off.

Routes Through the Lötschental

The Lötschental Cultural Trail follows the Lonza River and passes through Wiler, Kippel, Ferden and Goppenstein. It therefore leads through several villages in the valley. The Gattunalp circular hike differs in that it starts and ends in Kippel. Cyclists can also follow another signposted route, the Lötschental Bike Trail: it runs from Wiler along the Lonza to Kippel, follows the reservoir at Ferden after a short climb, and then descends to Goppenstein. Seasonal conditions may also change on this cycling route, so check it before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Ausserberg, Bister, Mörel, Grengiols, Bürchen, Raron, Blatten, Unterbäch

Go to the main travel overview: Raron.