Driving the extra mile to the Magic Valley – Lötschental in the Canton of Valais in Switzerland is well worth the effort. Whether it is for a summer hiking stay or a winter ski trip at the Lauchernalp.
As you travel deeper into the Lötschental Valley idyllic traditional villages, impressive mountain peaks and the nicest local people await.
I wonder why we’re not visiting the Lötschental Valley more often? I guess as always busy lives, work tasks and commitments make it difficult to find the time.
But this was about to change. We had some free time and the goal was to relax with the family, make some great photography, and enjoy the snow whilst skiing and sledging at Lauchneralp. And of course, savouring some of the amazing fresh creations the head chef Laurent Hubert at the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn passionately prepares for his guests.
Oh, and did I mention that the hotel is the only restaurant in the Lötschental that holds 15 Gault Millau Points and a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. Be prepared for a treat!
How to get to Lötschental & Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn
Arriving by car to the Lötschental
If you are travelling from the German speaking part of Switzerland then the best way is probably from Kandersteg with the car train through the Lötschbergtunnel. After a 20min train ride you will be exiting into the beautiful Valais at Goppenstein from where it is only a few more minutes’ drive up the valley until you are within the Lötschental.
If you are travelling from the French speaking part of Switzerland – Lake Geneva and Fribourg region– it is easier to drive up the Rhone Valley from Martigny and enter the Lötschen Valley – Lötschental this way.
The climb up to the Lötschen Valley gives you beautiful view down the Valais Rhône-Valley. If you have time make sure to stop at some of the lay-bys to admire the view before disappearing deep into the Magic Valley – Lötschental.
The Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn is located in Ried, only a 4-minute drive from the Lauchernalp cable car.
Arriving by public transport to Lötschental
From Zürich or Bern, the train guides you also through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel to Goppenstein from where you change to the bus to the village Ried (Lötschen) in the Lötschental. The bus stops right in front of the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn.
Arriving from Geneva or Fribourg, you take the train to Brig and change onto the bus to Ried (Lötschen).
Check for times on the SBB website.
The Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn – Das Genuss Hotel
Being the oldest hotel in the unspoilt and incredible Lötschen valley, the family-run Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn offers traditional hospitality.
Despite holding a staggering 15 Gault Millau points and a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, the hotel has kept its authenticity and a relaxed atmosphere throughout.
Although the Hotel holds “only” 2 stars the whole experience is an affordable 5 Star family stay!
The beautiful, very traditional Lötschen Valley décor makes you smile and curious whilst the feel of professionalism clearly shows.
What Esther Bellwald as host and her husband and chef Laurent Hubert offer is something exceptional that can only be found in a few special hotels.
What it is…? They clearly love what they do and combined with their skill and longtime experience in the industry, the result is a perfect combination which makes them stand out from the crowd.
What to expect at The Hotel Nest- Bietschhorn
In 2017, 10 of the double rooms were renovated and tastefully decorated in an alpine décor. All of these rooms were classified as 3* comfort.
Large and very modern bathrooms with “Douche à deux” showers in luxury white Corian will give you a special feeling of comfort. All bedrooms have double glazed windows and the heating system is perfect. So, don’t worry, even on very cold winter nights you will be snug and warm.
You will also find budget-single rooms with a shared bathroom on the 4th floor overlooking the beautiful Lötschen valley. These rooms are under the eves, just keep this in mind.
What we loved was that after the renovation, they have kept and showcased decorative fabrics, historical artefacts and furniture from the 150-year history of the house. Make sure you check out the many old photographs which show “the belle epoque” in Lötschental.
The salon, a beautiful and comfortable lounge area on the 2nd floor invites larger families and /or groups of friends to spend time together, play a game or simply plan their next day hiking in Lötschental or which piste to ski first at the Lauchneralp during a winter stay.
Family Room
We had a great room with a view of the Bietschhorn for the four of us, with a large double bed and a sofa bed for the kids with crisp, white fluffy duvets. The large bathroom was spacious and we appreciated the amount of space available to hang up our ski gear.
Dining at the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn
Whilst hotel guests have a comprehensive breakfast included in the room rate, the ultimate treat will be your lunch or dinner experience. With the kitchen team as professional and skilful as they are, you can be sure that you will go to bed after a happy and satisfying dining experience.
Traditional locally sourced Valaisanne ingredients prepared with a touch of French cuisine create the ultimate treat on your plate.
For families
And the best part is that the children still have “their menu card” to choose from. So don’t worry you do not need to introduce them yet to the tastes of gourmet and special flavours which their young tastebuds would not appreciate.
Spa facilities at The Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn
When you are holidaying in the Lötschental you do not need wellness – spa facilities, as all you need to make yourself comfortable is right in front of the hotel door.
Dip your tired hiking feet into one of the many streams and alpine water flowing with the right energy will revitalise. Whilst the sun and the always whispering alpine wind will take away your tensions and lift your spirit and energy. That is wellness in the Lötschental!
But, should there be a day when maybe all of this is not working then the Hotel has a cosy 4-person sauna to warm up. When we visited, they had a reservation system in place. Therefore if you are planning on using the sauna it is best to call ahead and reserve your spot.
Good to know – Special things at the Hotel
- A new e-car charging station with 11kw/h (plug Type 2) awaits at the hotel.
- Forgot your backpack? No worries, ask to borrow their Mammut running backpack with a hiking map and binoculars.
- And if you are visiting the Lötschental in the winter and want to explore the beautiful village of Blatten, then put on the Hotel’s own snowshoes. The trail leads through the beautiful landscape from Ried to Blatten and beyond.
- “LötschentalLückentage” On special dates the hotel offers a discount of up to 20% on selected rooms with breakfast. Check out the offers regularly as they go fast!
- Stay connected with the free hotel WI-Fi
Things to do in Lötschental Winter or Summer Stay
The unspoilt nature of the Lötschen valley invites all outdoor mountain enthusiasts to enjoy whatever sports they prefer.
You can leave your car at the hotel and take the regular public Post bus to your chosen starting point.
Summer in the Lötschental
- Panormaic Trail Lauchernalp to Fafleralp. Probably one of the better known hiking paths in the area.
- Hiking close to the Langgletscher Glacier all the way to the Annehütte and search for mountain crystals.
- Biking along the Lötschen-valley or mountain biking on some of the amazing mountain trails.
- Alpine hiking enthusiasts (blue-white-blue) can explore the magic trails leading up the Langgletscher – Glacier, and even high up to reach the surrounding alpine peaks.
Winter in Lötschental
Winter sports lovers will be amazed by the versatile options the Lötschental offers.
- Over 24km of cross-country skiing trails along the Lotschental valley. On selected days some of the cross country skiing trails are illuminated for night activity.
- Skiing at the Lauchernalp. There is also a kids ski area. See our article Lauchernalp Ski resort
- Official snowshoe trails from 2 to 11 km. Discover the most beautiful places in the Magic Valley on foot.
- Sledging, for families. Have fun from Lauchernalp downhill to Wiler.
- Paragliding from the Lauchernalp
Our Thoughts of the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn in Lötschental
When you stay at a hotel and you feel the passion and love of the people that run it the moment you park your car, you can be sure that this is the right place. We loved the uncomplicated check-in and dining experience.
Our waiter was brilliant, he made the kids feel special and interacted with them on a fun level. The fact that they have their own kids menu to choose from was great. Because let’s be honest- most kids like kids food!
If you have followed us for quite some time now you may have realised that we’re not really restaurant specialists. Mostly this is a side part of our trips. But when it all fits nicely together, then a great family dinner at an amazing restaurant is really appreciated.
And the Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn was perfect for that. Needless to say that the adult’s dinner was outstanding and all in all a very nice experience. We would come and book a room with dinner without any hesitation.
Special Dining Tip: Do you like restaurants that offer something special? Whether it is the decor, the location or simply the whole atmosphere then don’t miss the Gastro Kugeln in Zürich. Christina from NewInZurich tested it for you.
You may also Like These Activities in Valais
- Skiing at the Lauchernalp Ski resort in Lötschental
- Lötschental Panoramic trail – Summer hike
- 12 easy hikes in Valais with Kids
- Zermatt – 13 Best Things to do. 2 Days Guide ideal for First Time Visitors
- Ride up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – An Epic Family Experience
- Zermatt – Visit the World’s Highest Glacier Palace
- How to spend One day in Zermatt with Kids
I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning your stay at the Genuss Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn in the Lötschental in Valais.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This way other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.
Note: This visit was in collaboration with Hotel Nest- und Bietschhorn – Thank you again. As always, you can be sure that we will express OUR views and enthusiasm here. The purpose of such collaborations is to introduce to you great new family destinations and activities and give you tips and suggestions 1st hand.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
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