In Gampel, hiking trails follow the sound of rippling water, while the Walk of Stars traces a cultural path through the village. This village in Upper Valais is part of the municipality of Gampel-Bratsch in the Leuk district of the canton of Valais. It lies at the southern entrance to the Lötschental; the Lonza forms its eastern boundary and, at the same time, the boundary with neighbouring Steg. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park stretches from Gampel to Siders.

Waterways and Views

The “Untere Wasserleitung” circular trail starts at the Milimatte fire station on the path towards Jeizinen. It leads back down to the valley floor as far as the vineyards. The “Obere Wasserleite” starts above the “Zu den Spitzen Steinen” chapel and can be followed as far as Niedergampel. On both hikes, the sound of rippling water accompanies you along the way. The routes differ in their course: one loops back into the valley, while the other leads to Niedergampel.

The “Zu den Spitzen Steinen” chapel dates back to 1941 and is considered a landmark of Gampel-Bratsch. From there, the view extends across Gampel, Niedergampel, Steg and the Rhône Valley. Another footpath connects the villages of Gampel and Niedergampel and also serves as a school route. Those considering a hike from Gampel to Bratsch will find a lovely view there, according to the route description; thanks to its sunny location, the route is also used in winter. Conditions can vary, so it is advisable to check the trail conditions before a winter hike.

Culture and Leisure in the Village

The Walk of Stars was created to mark the 30th anniversary of Open Air Gampel. It runs along the newly redesigned Neue Strasse: the starting point is by the pharmacy in Gampel, and from there the route heads west. It is tradition for one of the Open Air Gampel headliners to unveil a new star each year; the person taking part can vary. The “Fiirvogl” fountain is also a musical reference: it is named after a song by singer Sina.

For a different kind of leisure break, visit the Nifo-Filzanlage at Lampertji 6 in Gampel. The mini-golf course has been in operation for more than 20 years and is wheelchair accessible. The facility also has shaded seating and refreshments available at a kiosk. A sports ground offers further activities, including beach volleyball and basketball, as well as a running track and a football pitch.

The Allegro farm, also known as the livestock protection centre, is located in Gampel and Jeizinen at an altitude of 1,550 m above sea level. The animals include horses, sheep, donkeys, cattle and active livestock guardian dogs. The farm regularly invites school classes and groups to experience the animals in their natural surroundings. This is different from the valley trails: here, encounters with animals are the focus, while on the water-channel trails, the route and the water along the way shape what visitors experience.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Gampel can be reached by car and by public transport. If travelling by train, take the train to Gampel-Steg station and then the bus to the village of Gampel. During operating hours, connections are available to the Leuk–Turtmann–Gampel/Steg–Visp bus route (timetable field 12.491) and the Steg–Gampel–Hohtenn–Goppenstein–Blatten–Fafleralp postbus route (timetable field 12.591), including at the Gampel-Dorf and Steg “Bäckerei” stops. Since bus services depend on the timetable, it is worth checking the latest departure times before travelling.

Another option is the Gampel–Jeizinen LGJ cable car, which takes passengers from Gampel to Jeizinen in less than nine minutes. Operating conditions may change, so check the current timetable before travelling. Gampel therefore offers several different options for planning a stay: hiking trails in the valley, culture in the village, leisure activities and a cable car connection to Jeizinen. Which of these takes priority depends on whether the visit is focused more on the trails, culture or leisure activities.

Discover more destinations: Albinen, Inden, Erschmatt, Varen, Niedergampel, Leuk, Salgesch, Gampel-Bratsch

Go to the main travel overview: Leuk.