Unterems lies at an altitude of 1,003 metres above sea level on a plateau surrounded by meadows and wooded areas. Hiking gives your stay a clear focus: the Badger Trail is a circular route, the Bear Trail leads to Oberems, and the hike to the Bhutan Bridge continues to Leuk.
The Badger Trail as a circular hike
The Badger Trail runs from Agarn via Unterems and Tuminen, as well as Chrixhubel, to Turtmann and back to Agarn. It is 11.10 kilometres long and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The route is technically easy but requires a moderate level of fitness. Trail markers in the shape of a badger indicate the route. At the Rubitschibiel viewpoint, there is an information panel about the badger. Check the trail markers on site; route details may change if there is a diversion.
The Bear Trail to Oberems
At around 6.1 kilometres, the Bear Trail is shorter than the Badger Trail and leads from Unterems to Oberems. It starts in the old village and climbs uphill via Prupräsu and Massoltern, offering views of Ergisch and the other side of the Rhône Valley along the way. The trail is technically easy but requires a moderate level of fitness. Its highlights include woodland sections, unspoilt hamlets and the Bear Footbridge. The trail follows an old irrigation channel through a beautiful mixed forest and provides important information about bears. An information panel near Massoltern commemorates a bear that was killed there. The Bear Trail can be reached from Turtmann by cable car or car. If you plan to take the cable car, check the timetable in advance.
The Bhutan Bridge and the trail to Leuk
The hike to the Bhutan Bridge starts in the mountain village of Unterems and continues across the bridge to Leuk. It first descends across pastureland, then passes through the forest; from the Emsbach onwards, the route follows an irrigation channel for a while before entering the protected Pfyn Forest area. The 134-metre-long suspension bridge spans the Illgraben, considered one of the world's most active torrents. The bridge was built in Bhutanese style and adorned with prayer flags. In autumn, the hike offers views of the fiery red smoke bushes on the rocky steppes on the opposite slope. This seasonal sight depends on the weather and timing.
Church and cheese
Culture and cheese also add their own distinctive touches to a stay. The church in Unterems is listed as a cantonal protected architectural monument. At the show dairy in Turtmann-Unterems, visitors can experience cheese-making up close and sample regional specialities. In summer, cows graze on the alpine pastures of Turtmann-Unterems, where flavourful alpine cheese is made. The show dairy combines an insight into the production process with tastings; the alpine cheese reflects the seasonal production on the pastures.
Planning hiking routes and accommodation
For your planning, the route type is the main consideration: the Badger Trail is a circular route, while the trails to Oberems and Leuk end in different places. Think about which hike you want to shape your stay, then tailor your search for hotels in Unterems accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Inden, Ergisch, Guttet-Feschel, Turtmann, Agarn, Gampel, Salgesch, Niedergampel
Go to the broader travel overview: Leuk.
