Lötschental Höhenweg: Valais, Southern Switzerland

A hike through Lötschental, the "magic valley," is easily one of the best autumn walks in Switzerlad. Trust me. Save it for mid-to-late-October. Lotschental has one of the densest larch forests in all of Valais, and you are going to want to be there right when they put on their yearly show. A whole forest of larches, all ablaze in their autumn colors of buttery yellow and burnt amber and fiery orange, almost looks too bright to be real. And when the sun hits them just right, I swear, they look electric. It has to be seen to be believed.

The trail itself is well-marked and gorgeous the entire way. Blatten to Fafleralp is known as the “path of reflection,” along meadows and through forests and speckled with little wooden chalets (and herds of Valais black-nosed sheep, if you are lucky!). Schwarzee is one of those tiny, more pond than lake, lakes, that gives a perfect reflection of the fall foliage and snow-capped mountains behind it. And the panoramic views en route to Lauchernalp are jaw-dropping. Especially when the entire valley is aflame in color. The Lötschental is truly a magical valley, rich in exciting legends, centuries-old traditions and local customs (don’t miss Tschäggättä in the winter), and incredible mountain-valley views.

• Start: Blatten (Dorf)

• End: Lauchernalp (Wiler)

• Basic route: Blatten (Dorf) - Fafleralp - Schwarzsee - Lauchernalp 

• Length and Rating: 12km, 800 meters ascent, 3 hours. Easy/moderate.