Enjoyable moments in the Hotel Nest- and Bietschhorn

The hiking trail sign on the cultural trail from Blatten to Kippel charmingly guides the pleasure hiker to the right destination. The sun terrace of the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn in the small Lötschental hamlet of Ried already looks attractive from a distance. Since the end of the 1860s, hospitality has been lived here. The stone-built house was the first hotel in the Lötschental to accommodate the steadily growing number of mountaineers and nature-loving tourists and has retained this simple, authentic charm to this day. Luckily, we think.

Homely bedding

For me, the Lötschental has been somewhat forgotten with the opening of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel. Far too quickly you are – whoops – in Visp. The journey over the old Lötschberg mountain route to Goppenstein takes just under 10 minutes longer than in the past, when the Intercity stopped here. So it’s high time to return to the “Canton of Leetschen”, as the Lötschental is called with a wink. Up here, an impressive landscape, idyllic villages, living traditions and warm-hearted people await us. And as soon as we take the post bus through the first village, I secretly think to myself, why, I haven’t been here for so long.

The post bus stops directly in front of the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn. We receive our room key, from which dangles a mini “Tschäggättä” – a typical carnival figure from the Lötschental. I want to know if anyone has ever left the room key as a souvenir from hostess Esther Bellwald. “One or the other key has already accidentally traveled far away with the guests, but so far everyone has found their way back to the Lötschental,” says Esther and adds, “a key was even sent back to us from Sweden by post.” I’ll admit it, I’d love to have a keychain like that too.

On the floors, historical objects and pictures remind us of the past mountaineering times here in the Lötschental and for rainy days there are heaps of exciting magazines lying around. In case of bad weather, guests can relax in the sauna or spend a leisurely day in the living room area. But this weekend, with the exception of an evening thunderstorm, the most beautiful summer weather is predicted, so the terrace is more likely to tempt you to “sünnele”.

We are accommodated in a spacious room with a view of the Bietschhorn. The room is simply furnished, but nothing is missing. As a little extra, guests are provided with a hiking backpack in the room, which can be used during their stay and is filled with the appropriate packed lunch as needed.

Hiking in the Lötschental along the Lötschentaler Höhenweg

The next morning starts with the view out of the window. Wafts of fog still envelop the mountain flanks, but the beautiful weather will not be long in coming. Before we lace up our hiking boots, we fortify ourselves at the breakfast buffet of the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn. In addition to the regional cheese, I love the homemade muesli and the fresh fruits. The perfect base for an eventful day in the mountains.

The hamlet of Ried lies between Wiler and Blatten. Thanks to the post bus stop directly in front of the hotel, you can reach the various starting points for hikes in no time. On the first day, we’ll go on a classic. The Lötschentaler Höhenweg from the Faldumalp to the Fafleralp is one of the most popular hikes in the region and offers a great view of the Bietschhorn chain. Depending on your mood, the hike can be started at different points. We first “climb” on the Lauchernalp, which can be reached by cable car from Wiler. The most beautiful spot between Lauchernalp and Fafleralp is the picturesquely situated Schwarzsee. Also on the same section runs the Lötschentaler Sagenweg. With ten different legends, interested passers-by gain insights into the myths and fairy tales of the region. This is an additional motivating factor, especially for children. From Blatten back in the direction of Ried we hike along the cultural trail, which leads along the other side of the valley along the Lonza to Goppenstein.

Fresh Cuisine

Back at the hotel, we enjoy the afternoon sun on the hotel terrace. In addition to comfortable lounge chairs, the homemade refreshing drinks are convincing. I always appreciate it when a homemade iced tea is served. But the “Blüemli” syrup from the Syrupier de Berne also tastes really good.

Gourmets are quickly wrapped around their fingers in the hotel. The menu convinces with a seasonal, regional offer that is spiced up with a touch of French tradition. On the first evening, I let the warm goat cheese melt in my mouth and enjoy a piece of organic lamb directly from the neighbor as a main course. On the second evening we are really spoiled with culinary delights. Laurent Huber conjures up his creation of the “Cuisine fraîcheur” for us. For this, the hotel was awarded 13 points by the newly published GaultMillau Guide. The seasonal Fraîcheur menu starts with a Cesan salad with Ferden quail egg, rye bread chips, home-smoked duck breast and sliced cheese from Blatten. This is followed by a “sun lasagna” with king prawns and arugula. As a main course, we are served a veal fillet mignon with artichokes and risotto and I have forgotten the name of the crowning dessert finale because of all the good food. Oh yes, and of course there was cheese in between. Exquisite Valais wines are served with it. A fine thing. The cuisine inspires all along the line! If you want to spend an enjoyable evening in a cozy ambience, you have come to the right place.

Tips and activities around the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn

• With the Lötschental app, you will be perfectly guided through the valley. Interesting cultural insights are provided by the “Listenable Events”. With the help of audio tours, guests can explore the four villages of Ferden, Kippel, Wiler and Blatten individually.
• A beautiful mountain tour leads from the Fafleralp to the Anenhütte – magical moments guaranteed.

Note: I was invited to this stay by the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.