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50 tips in the Goms

No, I haven't managed to do everything on this list yet. And of course the list is not complete either. But none of the tips have disappointed me yet. And every point I haven't experienced is one more reason to come back to my country house.

  1. Chapels and churches: Over a hundred mostly baroque chapels and churches can be found in Goms. They are real gems of craftsmanship and culture in Valais.
  2. Alpine passes motorized: Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen are impressive examples of the art of road building. Cruising comfortably over the passes by motorcycle or car is a great experience. Or why not experience all the passes at once with the Postbus Oberwallis?
  3. Alpine passes on foot: dozens of pass crossings in Goms are waiting to be walked and experienced. How about a trip over the Albrun, Griess or Ritter Pass to Italy?
  4. Binntal Landscape Park: Nowhere else in the world will you find more minerals than in this largely untouched valley. The mineral museum is well worth a visit. As are the cultural events in the Binntal Landscape Park.
  5. Aletsch Glacier: The largest glacier in the Alps has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Despite climate change, the dimensions of this ice giant are still enormous: 24 kilometers long, up to 900 meters wide and weighing 27 billion tons. We recommend a hike from Villa Cassel on Riederalp through the Aletsch Forest nature reserve to Belalp. Since July 2008, the route has crossed the imposing Massa Gorge via a 124-metre-long suspension bridge.
  6. Gommer Höhenweg: High above the Goms from Oberwald to Bellwald or vice versa - nowhere else can you get a better view of the most beautiful high valley in the Alps.
  7. Rhone Glacier: The ravages of global warming are gnawing away at the source of the Rhone. But it is still an impressive sight. The glacier forefield in Gletsch in particular is a nature reserve and a special natural experience. The source of the Alps, the original glacier, is always an experience.
  8. Glacier grotto: There is a glacier grotto on the Furka Pass. As soon as the pass is open again after the winter break, travelers can visit the ice grotto carved into the Rhone Glacier at the Hotel Belvédère. www.gletscher.ch
  9. Furka Steam Railway: Following the construction of the Furka tunnel between Oberwald and Realp, the old mountain line was unfortunately closed and the steam locomotives sold. Idealists have restored this unique Alpine railway line between Realp and Gletsch. The rusty original steam locomotives had to be shipped back from the jungles of Vietnam. After its trip around the world, the train is back on its original route in the summer months. Reservations at www.furka-bergstrecke.ch
  10. Matterhorn Gotthard Railway: In the 19th century, railroad pioneers laid the first tracks for today's Matterhorn Gotthard Railway network. The merger between the BVZ Zermatt Railway (Brig Visp Zermatt) and the FO Railway (Furka Oberalp) in 2003 created a railroad company that is now a young and successful adventure railroad in the Alps. The 144 km long rail network stretches from Disentis in Graubünden up to the Gornergrat in Zermatt. And in cooperation with the Rhaetian Railway RHB, the world-famous Glacier Express (see Glacier Express) runs from Disentis to St. Moritz. All information at www.mgbahn.ch
  11. Hut magic: Mostly high above the valley, you can succumb to the magic of the huts in Goms. Find out more about the various mountain huts at the Hotel Landhaus or the tourist office.
  12. Caesar Ritz: The farmer's boy grew up in the "mouse-poor" Niederwald in Goms. Years later, the Prince of Wales described him as the "hotelier of kings and king of hoteliers". At the beginning of the last century, Caesar Ritz had the most graceful hotel palaces built all over the world. The richest and most beautiful people stayed with him. The 150th anniversary of Caesar Ritz's birth was celebrated in 2000. A fountain in Niederwald commemorates the famous villager. Creative Goms chefs developed new interpretations of the culinary heritage. You can sample the special "Ritz menu" in several restaurants. Information at www.caesar-ritz.ch
  13. Village pictures/architecture: Fortunately, the villages of Goms have not been sacrificed to the demolition hammer and mass construction. Each village is a gem in its own right and can be rediscovered with every visit. Important: beauty lies in the details.
  14. Hamlets: There are numerous hamlets in the Goms with originally preserved old Valais houses in a density found nowhere else. Incidentally, Mühlebach near Ernen is the oldest wooden settlement in Switzerland.
  15. Walser Trail: In the past, the people of Goms set out to populate and cultivate the most inhospitable parts of the Alpine arc as Walsers. You can also follow in the footsteps of the Walser in Goms.
  16. Muletrack: Important mule tracks once led from central Switzerland over the Grimsel and Griess passes to Italy. Follow in the footsteps of the old muleteers
  17. Cross-country skiing: Here you can cross-country ski as long as you like. Goms is probably the most beautiful cross-country skiing region in Switzerland. If you want to compete with the local runners, you should take part in the Gommerlauf. Registration at www.gommerlauf.ch
  18. Snowshoeing: Hiking through snow-covered winter landscapes. Experience the tranquillity of nature on marked routes and perhaps spot a few wild animals without disturbing them. Snowshoeing is all the rage. There are dozens of marked routes in Goms.
  19. Winter hiking: The winter hiking trail network in Goms is dozens of kilometers long. You rarely get this close to the real winter.
  20. Hiking trails: Goms/Wallis with its four-thousand-metre peaks, glaciers and rock faces is not only a paradise for alpinists, but also the ideal hiking region. Beautiful slopes lean back over the narrow, gorge-like valleys, criss-crossed by a well-signposted network of trails.
  21. Skiing: Whether right next to the Landhaus or in the large ski areas of Aletsch Arena and Bellwald: skiing is still fun in Goms because there is plenty of space on the slopes.
  22. Gocart: Sliding down the curves? In Ulrichen, this is possible on the former airfield.
  23. River rafting: All in the same boat. Swing comfortably over waves or paddle with force through spray and waves. River rafting requires team spirit and a professional at the helm. From Oberwald, you travel the 14 kilometers on the young, wild Rhone to Gluringen on a 2-hour trip. "Garbely Adventure" offers this unforgettable vacation experience. www. garbely-adventures.ch
  24. Climbing and mountain tours: off into the mountains and then enjoy the incomparable view from the summit? There are plenty of mountain tours of all levels with top mountain guides in the Goms.
  25. Climbing gardens (Fieschertal and Wasen): Climbing enthusiasts get their money's worth in Fieschertal and near Ernen. Unspoiled rock awaits conquerors.
  26. Flying (sailing, delta, paragliding): The "flying people" need the lift of the morning winds warmed by the sun. The Kühboden above Fiesch is an Eldorado for paragliding enthusiasts. Passenger flights are also possible.
  27. Farming culture: the mountain meadows are still cherished and cared for. Organic farmers look after the cultural landscape in Goms and produce the best culinary delights. Talk to the farmers and enjoy the local delicacies.
  28. Weger Baschi: History and legend merge into one story when it comes to the legendary strongest Goms man of all time, the Weger Baschi. His monument stands in Geschinen and you might even hear his heroic tales there.
  29. Nordic walking: with poles over stone and roads. Nordic walking is in vogue, even in Valais. This method was used as summer training for cross-country skiers back in the 1930s. From this experience, sports scientists and sports physicians developed today's high-tech poles. This sport allows you to burn fat and train your muscles. In Goms, the Swiss Nordic Park offers ten routes with different levels of difficulty. There are also similar trails in Saas-Fee, on the Belalp or in Zermatt. Find out in advance from your tourist office.
  30. Ski tours: In the past, military patrols had to compete against each other in ski touring races to keep fit. With skins on their skis, the aim was to conquer the sometimes impassable mountains as quickly as possible. Legendary races such as the "Patrouille des Glaciers" emerged after the Second World War. Today, ski touring is a popular sport on late winter days. Equipped with the latest technology, there are many routes throughout Goms/Wallis that can be tackled alone or, better still, with experienced friends. An overview at www.skitouren.ch
  31. Music village Ernen: Ernen is rightly considered one of the most beautiful villages in Valais. Top-class classical music concerts take place here every summer. And aspiring writers meet here to learn the basics of successful writing with bestselling author Donna Leon. Our tip: reserve your place early as places are in high demand. www.musikdorf.ch
  32. Rotten/Rhone: The Rotten begins in Goms, in the Rhone glacier. A walk along the young Rotten on the Rottenweg is always an experience.
  33. Lake Geschinen: The lake in Geschinen was created to provide building material for the Geschinen avalanche dam. The dam protects the village from the elemental forces and over time the lake has become a natural wonder - including bathing fun for the more adventurous.
  34. Reckingen outdoor pool: A refreshing experience in summer.
  35. Church museum: The church museum in Münster provides an impressive overview of sacred art from different eras. www.muenster-geschinen.ch
  36. Minerals: The Goms (especially the Binntal) is the area richest in minerals in Europe, if not the world. It's worth searching - there may be a treasure under every stone.
  37. Top gastronomy: The region's top chefs don't just have Goms specialties on the menu. You can find a selection at www.caesar-ritz.ch.
  38. Goms theater: Village theater has a long tradition in Goms. Did you know that you are just 100m away from the most important stage in Goms at the Landhaus? It's worth a visit - for the language alone.
  39. Mountain railroads: The best view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, can be found on the Eggishorn. The cable car from Fiesch takes you up to this beautiful panoramic mountain, which should be renamed the "more beautiful Jungfrau". If you are up early, you can also witness the sunrise here. Unforgettable! www.eggishorn.ch
  40. Guided village tours: Village tours and guided tours are offered in most villages. Information is available from the local tourist office.
  41. Biking in Goms: Hundreds of kilometers of bike trails are available in Goms - from family-friendly trails along the Rotten to hardcore variants up the Grimsel or Breithorn.
  42. Downhill biking : In Bellwald and on the Fiescheralp there are downhill trails that will make even the toughest biker break out in a cold sweat.
  43. Golf: The Upper Valais is increasingly becoming a high-alpine meeting place for golf enthusiasts. Eight golf courses can be reached in less than an hour. In Obergesteln, on the Riederalp, in Leuk-Susten, Sierre, Sion, Verbier, Crans-Montana and just before Zermatt, in Täsch. All information about our golf courses at www.golf-wallis.ch
  44. Gommer Lauf: Here you can cross-country ski as long as you like. Goms is probably the most beautiful cross-country skiing region in Switzerland. If you want to compete with the local runners, you should take part in the Gommerlauf. Register at www.gommerlauf.ch
  45. Electric cars: without exhaust fumes over the Alpine passes? Treat yourself to the pleasure of renting an electric car.
  46. Electric bicycles : Fly effortlessly through the Goms? Ask about the electric bikes for hire.
  47. Children's playgrounds: The Goms beckons with various children's paradises. Münster, Oberwald and Bellwald are just three of the many options. And there's always a barbecue area too.
  48. Cholera: The origin of the Upper Valais specialty "Cholera" is not exactly known. Nevertheless, everyone agrees that the covered potato, onion, cheese and apple cake tastes simply divine. And no one prepares it as authentically as the women in Goms.
  49. Valais legends: There are countless legends and fascinating stories in Valais. For example, about the Gratzug - the migration of the deceased over mountain and valley. It is said that the man who sins never rests. Let a local storyteller take you into the realm of the dead. Goms offers many such legend evenings. Find out more at the respective tourist office.
  50. Sepp Blatter: The president of the world football association FIFA has his home town in the Goms municipality of Ulrichen. Every year in August, the world's top footballer organizes a golf and football tournament here. As it should be, with all the international sports celebrities.