10 Things to do in Lötschental, Switzerland
Lötschental is home to the Tschäggättä, the creepiest mountain tradition in Switzerland. This travel guide covers the entire valley including gems like the Zur Blauen Stube, Breithorn restaurant and Lötschentaler museum.
- Why: Tschäggättä, one of world's most unique traditions!
- When: Early February
- Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Petersgrat
- Best Attraction: Tschäggättä Parade Carnival
- Discount: Save lots of money by purchasing the Swiss Tavel Pass for unlimited travel in Switzerland on trains, buses, boats, mountains and FREE access to 480 museums.
Buy Tickets for Lötschental
Lötschental, often regarded as the most beautiful valley in Switzerland, is a hidden treasure with its year-round sunny disposition, boasting 300 days of sunshine annually. This remarkable feature has earned it the nickname 'Southern California of Switzerland'. Beyond its scenic beauty, Lötschental is celebrated for its exceptional local produce, including meats and Swiss cheese.
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Best Places for Travel in Lötschental
1. Tschäggättä
Synonymous with Lötschental, an ancient carved masks tradition dating back from 1790. You can find masks and references all over the valley. Attend the famous annual parade of the Tschäggättä through the valley in the period between the Catholic Holiday of Candlemas and Shrove Tuesday.
2. Blatten
Most beautiful village in Lötschental, visit on a sunny for incredible photography opportunities.
3. Breithorn
Excellent restaurant & hotel, try their rich goulash soup made with juicy beef and vegetables for $6.50 US dollars.
4. Genuss-Hofladen
Cutest shop in Switzerland where you can find local meats, cheeses and souvenirs. Opt-in for their beautiful lunch experience.
5. Zur Blauen Stube Museum
Private museum solely dedicated to the Tschäggättä, including a workshop, knitting room, paint room and complete exposition. Reserve your ticket on their website!
6. Black Nose Sheeps
Adorable little sheeps can be found in Kippel, the largest village of Lötschental, known for their black noses and beautiful horns.
My journey to Lötschental was primarily driven by a fascination with the Tschäggättä tradition, a unique cultural phenomenon characterized by its eerie and intricately carved wooden masks, a tradition dating back to 1790. This mysterious and captivating tradition was the highlight of my trip, and I was eager to delve into its history and significance.
7. Lötschentaler Museum
This museum is known for covering the detailed history of Tschäggättä with masks as old as 1790, including the history of Lötschental and the skiing traditions. $6 US dollar for an entrance ticket.
8. Hotel Petersgrat
The best hotel with the best Swiss breakfast in Lötschental and a great place to watch the Tschäggättä events. Roughly $140 US dollars per night.
9. Lauchernalp
Lötschental is also famous for its incredible power, try skiing or snowboarding on the Lauchernalp.
10. Swiss Travel Pass
Most cost effective way to travel Switzerland including trains, buses, boats, mountains, castles and even 480 museums. You would be crazy not to buy this pass! Starting at $240 US dollars.
11. BONUS: Atom Club
The only late-night underground nightclub in Lotschental.
Blatten
The adventure begins in Blatten, the furthest village in the valley. The village, bathed in bright sunlight, offers a picturesque setting, and I recommend bringing a bottle to fill with the fresh alpine water there - it's the crispest and purest water you'll ever taste.
One must-visit spot in Lötschental is Zur Blauen Stube, a fascinating private museum dedicated to the Tschäggättä tradition. Visitors need to make a reservation through their website. The museum houses a mask carving shop, a fur pelts room, a paint room for masks, and several levels showcasing detailed Tschäggättä costumes.
Lötschental, Switzerland
I had the unique opportunity to be invited into a private Tschäggättä lair, witnessing firsthand the extensive process of donning the heavy, elaborate costumes for the festivities. This experience is vividly captured in my video.
For those looking to sample local delicacies, Genuss-Hofladen is a must-visit shop in Lötschental. Known for its ultra-fresh local produce, including meats and cheeses, it also offers hand-made Swiss souvenirs.
Hotel Petersgrat
When considering accommodation, Hotel Petersgrat is an excellent choice for experiencing the Tschäggättä traditions. The hotel offers a rich Swiss breakfast, exceptional service, and the manager, a professional Tschaggatta photographer, can share stunning photos of the tradition.
In conclusion, reaching this small Swiss village of just 1,500 inhabitants was a journey in itself but absolutely worth it. The experience of being chased down the streets of Lötschental by a Tschaggatta was unforgettable. For those looking to immerse themselves in this unique cultural experience, I recommend flying into Zurich Airport and purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass. Starting at just $240 USD, the pass includes free travel on trains, buses, boats, and mountains, and grants access to 480 museums. It's an indispensable tool for exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Switzerland.
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