Antoniuskapelle Birchen

The small chapel on the old Gemmiweg is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, it was first mentioned in 1705. The small hamlet Birchen is surrounded by meadows with a beautiful view to Balmhorn (3698 m) ob Leukerbad.

The chapel was first mentioned in 1705. It is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua consecrated. It has gained great importance for the Leukerbadner since 17 January 1719. At that time, a huge avalanche buried the village Leukerbad and tore 55 people to their deaths. Since then, the 17th of January, which is the feast day of Sts. Antonius of Egypt is, local holiday.
Although the chapel of Birchen is dedicated to another saint (namely the Anthony of Padua), many inhabitants of the spa village make a pilgrimage to Birchen on 17 January in memory of the avalanche event and seek protection against avalanche danger.

Nearby there is a small Beitz with delicious homemade iced tea