PLEASE USE THE LINKS IN THE TEXT OR CLICK ON THE NUMBERED CAMERA SYMBOLS ON THE MAP TO SEE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THAT LOCATION. The Lötschberg South ramp footpath (known locally as "Der Höhenweg Südrampe") links the BLS railway stations of Hohtenn, Ausserberg, Eggerberg and Lalden. These stations are all served by the Goppenstein-Brig train service which is hourly for most of the day although the timetable (table 300) should be consulted as there are some gaps in the service. A keen walker would have no difficulty completing the whole route in one day but stopping to watch the trains greatly extends the time taken so most rail enthusiasts will only tend to walk one or two sections. The times given on the map are non-stop walking times and obviously need to be extended when stops are made for photography and/or meal breaks. Although some sections of the footpath are quite steep and rugged a sure-footed, reasonably fit person should have no problem walking the route. Needless to say, sensible boots/shoes should be worn together with sun protection and don't forget to take an ample supply of drinks. This side of the Rhone Valley is south facing and gets very hot and in many of the popular photographic locations there is little or no shade. The longest section is between Hohtenn and Ausserberg. It is 10.2 km long and includes some of the most interesting features of the Lötschberg line. The station at Hohtenn (1) has an island platform with waiting room and a typical BLS station building which, although largely disused, does still have toilets and a vending machine dispensing drinks and snacks. Leaving Hohtenn the path initially descends and follows the station access road but it soon starts to climb back up the valley side and after passing under the railway it emerges close to the Luogelkinviadukt (2). The photos I have used to illustrate this article were taken from a location easily reached by climbing slightly above the level of the path. Shots of the viaduct from other angles will generally require more energetic climbing. After the Luogelkinviadukt the railway enters the Schluchitunnel. The path climbs over the tunnel and rejoins the railway at it's southern portal (3). There is a picnic table here and it is a reasonable place to watch and photograph the passing trains. For the next couple of km. the path leaves the railway and although it can still occasionally be seen in the distance it doesn't actually rejoin it until Rarnerkumme. At Rarnerkumme (4) there is a small restaurant where you can sit outside and watch the trains but photography is a bit limited. From here there are two ways of reaching the Bietschtalviadukt. The first climbs steeply away from the restaurant and reaches an excellent vantage point high above the bridge (5) before eventually descending down to it. The other route is more gentle and although the views are not intially so dramatic it does use a walkway on the railway bridge itself to cross the valley (7) which is quite spectacular. There are numerous other photographic locations around the Bietschtalviadukt (examples 6 8 9) and the most suitable will probably be determined by the lighting at the time. The shots I have included were taken in both sunny and overcast (but bright) conditions. After the Bietschtalviadukt the path leaves the railway for most of the 5km to Ausserberg. It passes through a number of rocky outcrops before emerging high on the valley side overlooking the Rhone Valley and the site of the new Lötschberg Base Tunnel. This excellent vantage point is also suitable for picnics. After reaching the village of Ausserberg you can either continue on towards Eggerberg or drop down the hill to the station. Ausserberg station (10) has toilet facilities, a waiting room and a vending machine for drinks/snacks. Adjacent to the station there is also a hotel/restaurant. From Ausserberg station the path climbs up into the village from where there is a choice of two different routes. Both are of similar lengths and well signposted but I assume that most rail enthusiasts will choose the lower one that runs closest to the railway (11) After about 3 km the Baltschiederviadukt comes into view and although there are some good vantage points it is difficult to photograph trains crossing the bridge in sunny conditions from the mountain side. The path descends quite steeply and after passing under the Baltschiederviadukt (12) it once again loses touch with the railway (which is in a tunnel) until the village of Eggerberg is reached. (When walking in the opposite direction there are some steep uphill sections between Eggerberg and Ausserberg hence the extra time required) Eggerberg station (13) is smaller than the others on the line but it does still have a waiting room and toilet facilities. There is a restaurant in the village and also one on the actual path leading into the village but this only appears to be open in the peak season (July/August) The final leg of the South Ramp walk from Eggerberg to Lalden is the least physically demanding. After leaving the station the path climbs up through the village before meandering down between old Walliser houses and meadows to meet the railway again. The path then runs alongside the railway (14) until Lalden station is reached. Although unmanned and mostly disused the station building still has a waiting room, toilets and a vending machine. There is also a wooden goods shed and a number of sidings. Lalden station (15 16) is one of my favourite spots as I find that the buildings and the open aspect of the station area make for some interesting photo opportunities. Most importantly it has facilities and shade!! Finally, although it is not officially part of the South Ramp walk, I think it is worth mentioning the path that leads from Lalden to Brigerbad. A 10-15 min walk from the station along this path will bring you to a location suitable for photography. An easy climb to the top of a rocky mound gives views of the line in both directions (17) August 2006

This simplified map shows the basic route of the South Ramp footpath and the popular photographic locations. Although the main footpath and any alternative routes are well signposted a good walking map of the area should be obtained if greater detail is required. An informative leaflet entitled "Der Höhenweg Südrampe" is also available from main BLS stations.