Agarn lies in the Leuk district, in the German-speaking part of the canton of Valais. The municipality is located on an alluvial fan on the southern slope of the Rhône Valley and consists of the former linear village of Agarn. There are various ways to get your bearings locally: short walks featuring local stories, longer hikes and insights into the village’s history.

Walks and hikes from Agarn

The “Meeting at the Trough” route follows three troughs along the village street. Local water legends and anecdotes provide the content for the walk. The route is about 400 metres long, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and can be enjoyed year-round. It is a loop that starts and ends at the church in Agarn; the stated duration is about 20 minutes.

The Badger Trail takes more time: this circular hike of about three hours starts in Agarn, passes through Unterems and heads towards Tuminen and Turtmann before returning to Agarn. The time estimates clearly distinguish between the two options: a short loop in the village and a longer hike through several places. This lets you choose based on the time you have available, without treating the routes as equivalent options.

Leukerfeld and birdwatching

The Leukerfeld lies between Agarn and Susten. Ponds and dry meadows characterise the area, which is home to exceptional ecological diversity. Purpose-built observation hides are available for birdwatching on the Leuk–Agarn hike. The Susten–Leukerfeld–Agarn ornithological walks are possible year-round; the best time for birdwatching is from May to September. This distinguishes the seasonal birdwatching period from the year-round opportunity to take the walks.

The elevation of Bella Tola provides another distinct point of reference in the landscape: at 3,025 m above sea level, it is Agarn’s highest point. Together with the Leukerfeld and its ponds and dry meadows, this gives a picture of varied landscape features, without needing to combine the described routes into a single trail.

Village history and agriculture

The Green Room was created from the former Bayard estate. Sauerkraut is made there using traditional methods. The Green Room’s facilities, exhibitions and agricultural expertise provide the setting for agricultural events for visitors and local residents. The barn also hosts courses, training sessions, exhibitions and presentations on honeybees.

Agarn’s religious history includes Ignaz Hasler, who was born here in 1822, later returned to Agarn and served there from 1893 to 1917. Agarn had a village chapel; establishing a separate rectory was intended to make it easier for residents to fulfil their religious duties. The village’s history has also been shaped by major events: in 1799 and 1899, fires almost completely destroyed Agarn.

Practical information

The “Zum Cher” barbecue area is above the village, in the direction of Aspstrasse. It is about a 15-minute walk from the village bus stop. Facilities include a fire pit with seating, tables with benches and a toilet. As access information may change, please check it before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Varen, Leuk, Gampel-Bratsch, Inden, Erschmatt, Niedergampel, Unterems, Oberems.

Back to the main travel overview: Leuk.