In Ergisch, traditional Valais village architecture meets trails through meadows and forests. From here, you can see mountain ranges, the Rhône Valley and the mountain villages opposite. There are routes of varying lengths, elevation gains and destinations to choose from when planning a hike: one loop returns to Ergisch, while other trails run between several villages.

Hikes with Different Route Profiles

The R 34 Ergisch–Alpetjini–Wängerstäg–Töibuwald–Wasserleite–Ergisch is listed as a guided hike covering 12.5 kilometres. The walking time is 4 hours 15 minutes, with 755 metres of ascent and 760 metres of descent. The route climbs to Alpetjini via the Studentenweg; it then descends to the Turtmänna and returns to the starting point via the Ergisch Wasserleite. Information panels along the way cover eagles and an eagle’s nest. If you plan this route, allow for the walking time and elevation gain; conditions in the mountains can change.

Another option is the R 22 Turtmann–Unterems–Ergisch–Gampel-Steg. It is listed as a moderately difficult hike covering 10.2 kilometres, with a walking time of 3 hours 40 minutes and 695 metres each of ascent and descent. Compared with the R 34, it is shorter and ends in Gampel-Steg rather than returning to Ergisch. North of Ergisch, the route climbs again and passes through the well-preserved hamlets of Bränner and Lunggi. Open meadows offer views of the Rhône Valley and the surrounding peaks. The route details make it easier to compare duration and elevation gain; check trail conditions before setting out.

The marked Wolf Trail connects Eischoll and Ergisch. Along the way, it passes typical Valais granaries, crosses a stream and runs through diverse alpine flora. It offers a different route, with its own landscape and village scenery, alongside the longer hiking routes.

Suonen, Scenery and Village Life

A walk along the Ergisch Suone leads through green alpine meadows, with the trail continuing into the forests of the Turtmanntal. The Suone was carved into the rock in 1920. The route of the Ergisch and Riederu Wasserleite is a separate trail: it begins in Ergisch at an elevation of 1,086 metres and ends in Gampel-Steg at 631 metres. The Wasserleite is fed by the Turtmänna at an elevation of 1,300 metres. The starting point, endpoint and elevations give this route a different profile from the R 34 loop.

Eight circular hikes start and end at the Ergisch, Dorf railway stop. There is no connecting bus or return to your car for these loops, so take this into account when planning. You can visit the Alte Säge Ergisch, including demonstrations of the sawmill. Make arrangements for your visit before you arrive. Local residents and holiday guests alike appreciate the village’s own shop.

The village’s history also reaches far back: chance finds and remains uncovered during archaeological investigations provide evidence of Iron Age and Roman-era settlements in the municipality. Ergisch already had a chapel before 1548. In 1860, it became a separate parish; in 1861, it finally separated from the parish of Turtmann. Old Valais houses, stables and barns are part of the village landscape. The agricultural landscape includes sheep, goats, Simmental cattle and Eringer cattle.

Discover more destinations: Guttet-Feschel, Erschmatt, Agarn, Gampel-Bratsch, Salgesch, Leuk, Gampel, Inden.

Go to the main travel overview: Leuk.