The Rhône rises at the Rhône Glacier, and its course extends all the way to the Mediterranean. Goms lies in the upper Rhône Valley in the eastern part of the canton of Valais and stretches from the glacier down to Fiesch. High mountains surround the long, narrow alpine valley, with its meadows and forests. As you explore the region, you will encounter the young river, trails at different elevations and traces of regional history.
Follow the river or head higher
The accessible Rottenweg trail leads from Oberwald to Reckingen and follows the young course of the Rhône through Goms. For a different landscape, take the Gommer Höhenweg between Münster and Oberwald: it runs along a sunny slope through open larch forest at an elevation of about 1,600 to 1,700 metres. The hiking network ranges from walks along the young Rhône to high-altitude alpine trails. The riverside and higher-elevation routes offer different experiences.
The Bodmer Bridge is another landmark on hiking trails from Ulrichen: it crosses the Aegina on trails towards Ladstafel, Nufenen Pass or Gries Pass. A hiking trail along the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn runs through the entire valley; individual stages can be combined with short train rides. This lets you combine sections of the trail and train journeys without having to follow a fixed route.
Winter trails and cross-country skiing in the valley
In winter, activities include cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing. The cross-country ski network has more than 100 kilometres of groomed trails for classic skiing and skating, stretching from Oberwald to Niederwald. The Goms trail connects twelve villages, almost all of which have a Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn station. There are also around 70 kilometres of groomed winter hiking trails and eight signposted, safe snowshoe trails. Grooming, opening and safety conditions for winter activities depend on the season; check them before setting out.
Geschinersee and the Rhône Glacier
Geschinersee was created in 2004 as a retention basin and is now a destination for excursions, birdwatching and relaxation. Stand-up paddleboarding is possible on the lake; boards can be rented from the lakeside container during opening hours. Check rental availability before your visit. For a break, there is a well-maintained sunbathing lawn, a barbecue area, benches and tables. The path around the lake is accessible to prams and wheelchairs. The lakeside walk, birdwatching and activities on the water offer different ways to enjoy the same place.
An ice grotto has been carved into the Rhône Glacier since 1870. The Gletsch nature trail offers another view of the glacier forefield: it runs from the Hotel Glacier du Rhone in Gletsch, at the Furka Pass, through the Rhône Glacier forefield in just under half an hour. It is a way to discover the glacial landscape along a specific trail, as well as through its role as the source of the Rhône.
Village history and cultural discoveries
Ammern was first mentioned in writing in 1374 and still conveys the character of an old, well-preserved hamlet in Goms. The Ammern Ecomuseum in Blitzingen documents key aspects of life and work in Goms before industrialisation. In the workshops of its two operators, visitors can learn about the professions of a restorer and a taxidermist. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.
César Ritz grew up in Niederwald and later founded the Ritz-Carlton hotels. Station Ritz houses two exhibitions and an information point; its facilities also include cloakrooms, lockers and showers. Some facilities may change, so check the latest visitor information before your visit. Other insights into regional history can be found at the Sacred Art Museum in Münster, with its 12th-century Romanesque processional cross, and at the Grafschaft cultural centre. They preserve Celtic arm rings, a 1277 charter of liberties and a Crucifixion group by Johann Ritz.
Regional cuisine and how to get there
Regional cuisine in Goms 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 date before visiting. The Station Ritz kiosk sells regional products such as Gommer dried sausage, alpine cheese, jam, honey, yoghurt and homemade pastries. The selection may vary.
Goms lies along the Glacier Express route. The Furka Base Tunnel, with its car shuttle train, provides year-round direct access from the Zurich area and Central Switzerland. Check the latest operating information before travelling. If you choose accommodation in Goms, you can match your choice to your interests, whether that means riverside trails, winter activities, Geschinersee or cultural discoveries in the villages.
Discover more destinations: Bellwald, Blitzingen, Ernen, Fiesch, Fieschertal, Lax, Münster-Geschinen, Obergesteln, Reckingen, Oberwald, Niederwald, Ulrichen, Binn, Grafschaft.
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