A self-guided cultural trail, a 42-metre-high waterfall and insights into Valais cheese-making reveal different sides of Turtmann. The village lies on the south side of the Rhône Valley, at the foot of the Ergischhorn; the Turtmänna runs along its western side. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between historic village stops, nature and time-specific activities.

A Village Walk Through History

The Turtmann Cultural Trail was inaugurated in 2004 as a cultural and historical walk. This award-winning village tour can be explored independently and begins at the church. Signs at 18 historic buildings provide key information about each one. The route combines exercise with a closer look at the village’s architectural and local history, without requiring you to book a guided tour.

Turtmann was first mentioned in a document in 1210. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the transshipment of goods at the Sust on the Simplon route reached its first peak. More intensive trade connections across the Simplon in the 16th and 17th centuries were associated with the construction of the merchants’ patrician houses in the village. The historic Route du Simplon is also part of the village’s history: its oldest section was built between 1810 and 1820. One side of the original five-kilometre poplar avenue still remains.

Waterfall, Valley and Historic Routes

The Turtmann Waterfall is 42 metres high and also marks the beginning of the wild and romantic Turtmann Valley. The valley can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or, in winter, on touring skis; winter activities depend on weather conditions. If you are focusing on a hike from Turtmann, you can also follow the historical route of a mule track, first shown on maps in 1842 as a connection between the Rhône Valley and the Turtmann Valley.

Another seasonal nature highlight is the protected spring pheasant’s eye. On a hike from Turtmann, it blooms from April to mid-May, though the flowering period can vary depending on conditions. Alongside the cultural trail, visitors can therefore choose a scenic highlight with a clearly defined season.

Cheese, Wine and Village Life

At the cheese dairy in Turtmann, visitors can learn the secrets of making raclette cheese. In the showroom, they can see how 320 tonnes of Raclette du Valais AOP Wallis 65 are produced each year. Those interested in the DIROSO experience can take a guided tour of the wine cellar, set amid the vineyards. The experience includes a guided tasting and a platter of Valais specialities. Confirm the cheese dairy’s visitor details and DIROSO booking details before you arrive.

The event calendar also offers a range of different highlights. Püru-Märt Cultura is held every year on the last Saturday in September. Recurring features include a children’s area with a variety of games, numerous market stalls and many animals; details may vary from one edition to the next. Check the date for your intended year of travel. Gigäli-Mentag, meanwhile, is part of Turtmann’s club and village life and takes place on Carnival Monday, with traditional masked revelry and Guggenmusik bands.

Plan Your Travel and Timing

Regional trains on the Simplon line serve Turtmann regularly. As timetables can change, check connections for your travel date. A cable car runs from Turtmann to Oberems and can significantly shorten the ascent; check operating hours in advance. The spring pheasant’s eye bloom, the September market and Gigäli-Mentag offer different reasons to choose a particular travel date.

Discover more destinations: Erschmatt, Unterems, Gampel, Ergisch, Guttet-Feschel, Gampel-Bratsch, Leukerbad, Albinen

For the main travel overview: Leuk.