A Village Built of Stone
Obergesteln lies 1,355 metres above sea level; its elevation ranges from 1,345 to 2,875 metres. The village is built almost entirely of stone, a construction style considered almost unique in Upper Valais. The great fire of 1868 shaped the rebuilding: the Valais government required Obergesteln to be rebuilt exclusively in stone. The result was stone buildings laid out in a grid, stone-slab roofs and broad, elongated streets. Building materials, roof shapes and street layout together define the village’s character. Anyone interested in the history of small villages can see both the architectural legacy of the fire and the regional distinctiveness of stone construction here.
Church and Museum
The parish church of St. Martin of Tours was first mentioned in 1309. After the village fire on 2 September 1868, it was rebuilt, blessed in 1875 and consecrated in 1879. The fire links its more recent architectural history with the rebuilding of the village; its first mention dates from well before this turning point. The Grain and Barn Museum is accessible by arrangement with the municipality; guided tours are not available, and you can obtain the key by leaving a deposit. Check access with the municipality before your visit, as the arrangements may change.
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing and Cycling Routes
The routes vary by activity, length and graded difficulty; these features can help you compare them.
- The historic Haslital–Grimsel–Obergesteln–Gries–Northern Italy route can now be hiked as a well-marked trail.
- The Via Sbrinz Obergesteln–Riale is listed as a difficult hike covering 19.16 km, starting in Obergesteln. The Bodmer Bridge suspension bridge is a moderately difficult hike covering 6.81 km in Obergesteln. This means you can choose between a longer, difficult tour and a shorter, moderately difficult hike.
- The Blaswald Trail is a difficult snowshoe route covering 5.49 km in Obergesteln.
- Among the cross-country ski trails, the Ulrichen–Obergesteln night trail is rated moderate and covers 4.45 km, while the Herz Trail Obergesteln–Geschinen is rated easy and covers 5.17 km. The Herz Trail is therefore 0.72 km longer, but has an easier rating.
- Nufenen – Mythical Alpine Passes is a difficult cycling tour covering 13.73 km in Obergesteln. The Nufenentrail is a difficult mountain bike route covering 15.22 km in Obergesteln. The names indicate different types of cycling.
Route details and, for the cross-country ski trails, grooming conditions may change. Check the latest information before setting out.
Muleteer Festival and Getting There
At the Muleteer Festival, the muleteers arrive in the village with their laden pack animals and a large hiking group. Children are allowed to groom and feed the horses.
There are parking spaces and a bus stop at Obergesteln railway station. If you plan to travel by bus, check that the connection works with your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Niederwald, Grafschaft, Bellwald, MĂĽnster-Geschinen, Fiesch, Lax, Fieschertal, Reckingen.
Back to the regional travel overview: Goms.
