Cabane d'Essertze – Alpine Hut & Hiking Base Guide

The Cabane d’Essertze is a small and authentic mountain hut located above the Val d’Hérens, set in a quiet alpine pasture environment beneath rocky ridges. Oriented toward hiking and alpine trekking rather than technical mountaineering, it offers a peaceful overnight stop for walkers exploring one of the most traditional mountain valleys in the Valais.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val d’Hérens, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,020 m

  • Type: Mountain hut / alpine refuge (seasonally served)

  • Capacity: Approx. 20–25 sleeping places

  • Season: Typically June to September (weather-dependent)

  • Management: Local / private association

• Access & Approaches

  Access to the Cabane d’Essertze is straightforward and well suited to regular hikers.

  • Main approach: From villages in the Val d’Hérens (route-dependent)

  • Hiking time: ~2.5–3.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~700–900 m

  • Terrain: Forest paths, alpine pastures, marked mountain trails

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

  The approach is scenic and non-technical, ideal for relaxed alpine days.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are simple and reflect the hut’s pastoral character.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping areas

  • Meals available during the guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Simple toilets

  • Limited or no electricity

  Comfort is modest but sufficient for overnight stays.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere at the Cabane d’Essertze is calm and traditional.

  • Simple alpine cuisine

  • Local products when available

  • Quiet evenings with wide views over alpine pastures

  The hut is rarely crowded, even in peak summer.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Moderate

  • Booking: Recommended for overnight stays

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The hut is well placed for classic hiking routes:

  • Day hikes above the Val d’Hérens

  • Alpine pasture walks and viewpoints

  • Connections to higher trails and neighboring huts

  • Multi-day trekking itineraries through the valley

  Routes are non-technical and hiking-focused.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to September

  • Conditions: Generally stable summer weather

  • Main risks: Sudden storms, early-season snow

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Regular hikers

  • Trekking enthusiasts

  • Families with mountain experience

  • Travelers seeking quiet alpine settings

  • Not intended for technical mountaineering

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,020 m, the Cabane d’Essertze offers an authentic and tranquil alpine experience rooted in tradition and landscape. Its easy access, pastoral surroundings, and calm atmosphere make it an ideal stop for hikers looking to explore the Val d’Hérens away from the busier high-alpine routes.