Whether Blitzingen suits your plans as a place to stay can be judged by its trails, local history and railway connection. The hiking options range from an easy themed trail to a moderately difficult winter route; at the same time, chapels and the village centre tell of momentous events in the past.
Hiking trails by length and difficulty
The 2.85-kilometre Blitzingen Kneipp Trail is classified as an easy themed trail. Its described features include walking barefoot through cold mountain streams; water conditions can vary. The trail passes the hamlets of Wilere and Ammern and returns to the mountain village of Blitzingen along a hiking path. Since trail conditions can change with the seasons, it is a good idea to check the current situation before setting out.
A longer and more challenging winter alternative is the 5.58-kilometre Chastebiel circular trail. It is classed as a moderately difficult winter hiking route; conditions can change in winter. By comparison, the Kneipp Trail is shorter and rated as easy, while the Chastebiel circular trail is longer and of moderate difficulty.
Chastebiel, above the village, offers views into the valley, although visibility depends on the weather. The place also once served as a meeting place: Chastebiel was an assembly site for the Zehnden. A trip there therefore takes in both the landscape and a historical connection.
Following in the footsteps of Cäsar Ritz and exploring village history
Cäsar Ritz’s life path leads to Blitzingen and then on to lower-lying Bodmen. Six information boards present milestones in Ritz’s life. The bilingual, self-guided themed trail is arranged chronologically: the boards set out the stages of his life in order. The route thus combines walking with a biographical trail, rather than simply marking a destination on the map.
The chapels, too, tell of different chapters in the village’s history. The roof and tower of St. Andrew’s Chapel were destroyed when an avalanche came down the Wilerbach on 9 February 1984. The chapel was completely renovated between 1985 and 1987. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Bodmen is first mentioned in 1348. After the village fire of 1722, it was popularly known as the St. Agatha Chapel.
The fire of 1932 also destroyed Blitzingen’s old village centre: all but the church and a few houses fell victim to the flames. The village centre was rebuilt in the Heimatstil style as early as 1933. Blitzingen itself was first mentioned in a written document in 1347; in Valais German, the village name is “Blitzige”. The former municipality merged on 1 January 2017 with Grafschaft, Münster-Geschinen, Niederwald and Reckingen-Gluringen to form the new municipality of Goms.
The surrounding hamlets have remained almost untouched for centuries. Cross-country skiing is another local attraction: Blitzingen lies on the approximately 100-kilometre Goms cross-country ski trail. For travellers considering hiking, winter activities and culture, these offer different aspects to weigh when deciding whether Blitzingen is the right destination.
Plan your journey
Blitzingen railway station is served every hour by the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway. As this service depends on the timetable, check the current departures for your travel date. You can then take the rail connection into account alongside the trails and historic sites when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Niederwald, Oberwald, Ulrichen, Grafschaft, Lax, Reckingen, Fieschertal, Ernen.
Back to the main travel overview: Goms.
