In Kippel, a remarkably well-preserved historic village and trails through the Lötschental come together. Architectural history, living traditions and a variety of routes give your stay several possible focal points: from the village centre to the museum and hikes above the village.
Historic village centre and church ensemble
Characteristic Valais timber houses shape the historic village centre. The houses date from the mid-16th to the mid-18th century; their density and quality are rare. The cobbled Alte Hauptgasse is narrow and enclosed, giving it the character of a mountain pass village. On Kippel’s southern side, away from the main thoroughfare, the connection between the old village and its surroundings remains intact.
The church ensemble also tells the story of different building phases. A first chapel already stood at the present site of the parish church in 1233, when the parish was founded, at a place known as Martibiel. The present church was built in the Baroque style from 1740 to 1742 and dedicated to Saint Martin by Bishop Blatter in 1742. The ensemble also includes a charnel house dating from the 16th century.
Museum, crafts and cultural events
The Lötschental Museum brings the history and culture of the valley to life. You can also discover its traditions, customs and stories there. By public transport, you can reach the museum via the “Kippel Altersheim” stop; from there, it is directly visible on the lower side of the road.
You can get a glimpse of local craftsmanship by watching Lötschental longwood shingles being made on site. The Albert Nyfeler Studio in Kippel can be visited year-round by prior arrangement by phone. Village tours are also held regularly; registration is required.
Recurring cultural events include the “Kunst & Kultur” exhibition at the Stadl, which features works by various artists in August, and the church consecration festival. The festival includes a parade by the Herrgottsgrenadiere; it takes place on the third Sunday in July or on the Sunday before St John’s Day. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the specific event date.
Hiking and cycling around Kippel
The key details for a hike from Lauchernalp to Kippel are clear: the route is rated easy, is 3.2 kilometres long and descends 590 metres. It starts at the Lauchernalp mountain station, which you can reach from Wiler by cable car in five minutes. The cable car operates seasonally; check the timetable before travelling. Above Kippel, the hike passes the Riedhaltä bird sanctuary. A path in the area offers particularly good opportunities to see or hear native bird species; April to June is considered the best time for observation.
Another hiking option is the circular route to Gattunalp: it leads from Kippel via Camping Kippel, Chiipelwald, Gattunalp and Chaschtlerwald, and back to Kippel. Gattunalp lies above the village on the “shady side” of the Lötschental and is abandoned. A cross and crumbling foundations recall its former use. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the developed valley side opposite.
The Lötschental Bike Trail runs by bicycle from Wiler along the Lonza to Kippel. After a short climb, the route continues by the Ferden reservoir and then descends to Goppenstein. If you prefer to travel on foot, the Lötschental Cultural Trail offers another connection: it follows the course of the Lonza through Wiler, Kippel, Ferden and Goppenstein. For both routes, it is worth checking seasonal conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Ferden, Wiler (Lötschen), Unterbäch, Eischoll, Bürchen, Grengiols, Ausserberg, Bitsch.
For the main travel overview: Raron.
