Exerpt from "Konsum & Umwelt” of NoëIIe Grösch  (not verbatim)

A beautiful culinary trip.
Hiking along Valais waters

Nice wide paths or adventurous trails in the mountains are attractive for autumn hikes in the  “Sonnige Halden” (Sunny Slopes). We came from the north, through the Lötschberg tunnel.  The trip wound through the Lonzacanon and it took only a few minutes until we reached Hohtenn.  Here, the Lötschberg-Sud rampe (this part of the train route is called this) begins with the “Sonnige Halden” that covers the mountain villages of Ausserberg, Eggerberg and Lalden through to Brig.  From the vineyards creeping up from the valley to the intricate steps carved in the rocks, through fields following up to mountain meadows and even the high mountain regions, the “Sonnige Halden” offers fascinating natural experiences through various routes.  In the summer, the weather is mostly beautifully warm and dry on the steep slopes and even into the autumn; the weather is mild well into the beginning of November.

Ausserberg Train Station

The train station was virtually at the doorstep of the hotel, an old Valais style house with flowers hanging from balconies and a spacious and inviting terrace.   Although close to the train line the few electric evening trains didn’t bother our sleep at all.  The beautiful view across the valley from our cozy room is of the “ Mischabel” mountain group.

Culinary

Although there was an inviting selection of vegetarian and wholesome items on the menu, we couldn’t resist trying the tempting Valais specialties.  We had the “Kaeseschnitte”, which is a specialty made from fried bread, melted cheese and different toppings, along with the well-known Raclette (broiled cheese prepared under a special broiler and scraped off the cheese round onto your plate and served with potatoes and garnish) that was prepared on the terrace in front of us.  The white wine (they also make a fine red wine) from the Hotel’s private vineyard and taken from the grape to the final product right here in the hotel’s completely equipped wine cellar, accompanied us through the whole week.  The salad buffet delighted us with seasonal salads, some of which came from the proprietor family Leiggener’s organic garden harvest.  It was served with various local breads.

For the lovely light and airy omelets, the spelt (grain) is freshly ground.  The proprietors, who both are from Ausserberg, buy many of their products including meat, eggs, potatoes, bread and berries directly from local producers.  Fresh pies are always on the buffet.

On the breakfast buffet you find various local breads, muesli, grains and a mild, creamy yogurt.  Since the butter comes in one piece, jams come in jars, sugar in sugar jars, one finds that the little table top trash bins remain empty at the end of the meal because there is so little wrapping.

Along the Suonen (the small water canals that line most of the trails in the area)

The water, for the inhabitants of the “Lötschberg- Sud rampe” is one of the greatest treasures.  It must be induced because these sunny slopes are especially poor in natural water sources.  Without an artificial irrigation of the meadows, fields and gardens, any agriculture in this particularly dry zone would be totally unfeasible.  Many centuries ago, the masterwork of the irrigation art (Suone, Bisse) was born.

Numerous hikes invite us.  The Suone to the "Niwärch" has brought the glacier water from the wild Baltschiertal since 1381 to the sunny cliffs.

Only for people without vertigo

Starting at the train station of Ausserberg we walk up, through the village and past the municipal building, following a small road towards "Niwärch", for approximately an hour.  Once one arrives at the wooden sign "Baltschiedertal, landscape protectorate", you have the choice of going through the tunnel (flashlight recommended) or, if you don’t have vertigo you can opt to follow the narrow trail that follows the Suone “Niwärch”.  This trail is full of interesting changes as we first pass through a light forest with Birches, Aspen and Oak and later through thicker vegetation.  It is pleasant, especially on hot days to walk beneath the shadow of the trees.  0nce or twice along the way, the trail leads us out and alongside steep cliffs as we step carefully over narrow wooden slats (over the carved logs which carry the water) - with ropes to grasp that are attached to the rock face.  It is here that one may need to address any vertigo that you may have.  The rustling and gurgling of the glacier water accompanies us the entire way.  After passing through the steep and exciting areas, a restful, lovely path follows through light groves.  A multitude of flowers and plant life, including fireweed, blue bells, wild leek and different grasses delight the eye every step of the way.  After approximately an hour, we reach  "ze Steinu", a little group of very old stables - a pretty place to have a well-deserved rest.  From there, the wild BaItschiedertal is luring us, however we do have to return back down the trail and on to the train station in Eggerberg, which is about two hours away.  Beneath the “ze Steinu", we cross the Baltschieder Creek to return on the other side of the valley.  We follow the “Gorperi", yet another Suone to get to Eggerberg.  This way is also a very scenic path.  Down below, the Baltschieder Creek is rustling and often little waterfalls spray over the trail.  Short tunnels replaced the dangerous sections along this stretch.  Again and again you catch glimpses of the high mountains across the main valley with their peaks of more than 4000 meters like the Mischabel group and you can even see the Breithorn off in the distance.  What a glorious hike.