A demanding mountain tour from Kandersteg to the Hockenhorn via the Lötschenpass. This tour also works as a 2-day tour with an overnight stay at the Lötschenpass Hut.
The first stage of the hike to the Lötschenpass begins at the valley station of the Kandersteg - Sunnbüel cable car; walk for about 2 hours 40 minutes through the wildly romantic Gasterental Valley as far as Selden. In Selden start the first stage of the hike with the climb to the Lötschenpass, the history-steeped pass from the Bernese Oberland into the Valais. As it culminates at 2,690 m above sea level, crossing the Lötschenpass takes a great deal of stamina, but the view across the mountains around the Lötschental and the Kandertal valleys is all the more magnificent for it. The view across to the mighty Bietschhorn and beyond the Rhone valley to the Mischabel range is particularly breathtaking. On your hike you will traverse the length of the glacier "Lötschengletscher" for a kilometre of so, wide stretches of which are covered by stones and rocks in every colour imaginable; every now and then blue ice glistens through the rocks. Melt water gurgles through small channels and here and there the water has flushed out deep, meandering trenches through which the water rushes until it disappears through a hole. However, the glacier can be crossed with ease in hiking boots. The route reaches the Lötschenpass and the Lötschenpass Hut shortly after this awe-inspiring natural landscape where you can fortify yourself for the second stage of the hike (an overnight stay in the Lötschenpass Hut is also possible).
The tour then continues on the relatively broad ridge to the Kleinhockenhorn (this is not an officially signposted route). Here you will have to cross either a snow field or a firn field. The climb to the summit is steep and requires a great deal of stamina. Some experience of Alpine mountaineering and sure footedness are essential when climbing up to the summit over boulders and scree and you may need to hold on with one or both hands on occasion. You will have reached your destination after a 2.5 hour climb. From the Hockenhorn you will enjoy a magnificent view over many of the Valais Alps as far as Mont Blanc.
Handy hint: You can save yourself the 2 hours 40 minutes-long hike through the Gasterental Valley with a comfortable bus ride from Kandersteg railway station to Selden (bus reservation essential: Tel. +41 (0)33 671 11 72)