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Steg-Hohtenn

Merger 2009 Canton of Valais · District: Westlich Raron · 1'768 inhabitants (31.12.2025, provisional FSO figure)
Origin of the name Founding Historical timeline Population over time Must-see historical sites Sources and references Nearby villages

Origin of the name Steg-Hohtenn

At the end of 2007 the name of the future municipality had not yet been decided: citizens were to choose in spring 2008 between « Steg » and « Steg-Hohtenn ». The word « Steg » refers to the footbridge over the Lonza shown on the coat of arms. Until 1720 Steg was called « Benken », a name the municipality links to the torture bench and gallows that once stood in the village centre. Hohtenn was formerly known as « Gestillberg » or « Then ».[1][2][3]

Founding of Steg-Hohtenn

Steg-Hohtenn was created by the union of Steg and Hohtenn. Together the two municipalities had 1'496 inhabitants (1'528 on 31 December 2005 according to another source). The project provided for a main office in Steg and a part-time office in Hohtenn. The new coat of arms combines the Steg footbridge over the Lonza, with the chapel that once stood near it, and a granary on mushroom stones. The tower of the former arms, a reminder of subjection to feudal lords, was dropped. The territory lies on the right bank of the Rhône, at the entrance to the Lötschental. Steg grew up beside the Lonza, Hohtenn on the sunny slopes above it, below the Lötschberg, with hamlets inhabited at times such as Bielti, Giesch, Laden or Tatz. For a long time the two villages went separate ways: Steg formed a free jurisdiction with Benken, while Hohtenn belonged to the priory of Niedergesteln. Later, jobs in the valley's industry, at Lonza and Alusuisse, also kept Hohtenn's population in place.[1][2][3][5][6]

History of Steg-Hohtenn

6th century. A settlement grows up beside the Lonza, where Steg now stands.[2]

1274. A charter mentions a wealthy family « de Steg ».[2]

1434. On 9 December a contract frees the people of Benken-Steg from the lords of Raron and creates the free jurisdiction (Freigericht) of Benken. The burghers still hold their assembly on the first Sunday of December.[2]

1564. The oldest known statutes of the Benken-Steg farmers' guild date from this year. They regulate the use of land and forest, the sharing of wood, irrigation channels and flood dykes.[2]

1616. After a dispute over a flood, the boundary between the dizains of Raron and Leuk is fixed. It also separates Steg from Gampel.[2]

1714. A farmers' guild is formed in Hohtenn. The municipality grew out of it.[2]

1880. The Lonza works are built. Together with aluminium production from around 1960, they bring rapid industrialisation.[2]

1913. Hohtenn gets a BLS station and a post office. Separated from the priory of Niedergesteln, it has since formed a parish with Steg.[2]

1930. A road now links Hohtenn with Steg.[2]

2006. In spring the municipal councils of Steg and Hohtenn decide to study a merger. At the start of summer the drafting of the basic report is put out to tender.[1]

2007. On 17 October the cantonal government decides on financial aid of CHF 1'400'000, of which CHF 300'000 still has to be approved by the cantonal parliament. The vote on the merger is set for 15 and 16 December, and the burgher communities vote on the same dates.[1]

2008. The project provides for a transition year, with ten councillors at the head of the municipality, followed by a five-member council elected in the autumn.[1]

2009. On 1 January the municipality of Steg-Hohtenn comes into being.[2][4][5]

Population of Steg-Hohtenn

Sources and references: [7]

Population of Steg-Hohtenn
19801'394 (present-day territory)
19901'456 (present-day territory)
20001'536 (present-day territory)
20101'595
20201'620
20251'768

Historic sites in Steg-Hohtenn

Steg burgher house. The present building is dated 1727, but the Steg burgher community had already acquired it in 1623.[2]

Hohtenn burgher house. It is dated 1707, a few years before the farmers' guild from which the municipality emerged.[2]

Hohtenn church. Built in 1963 with an integrated school, it is recognisable by its triangular tower.[2]

Borrihaus vine. In the centre of Steg, a vine planted in 1743 climbs the Borrihaus. It is said to be the oldest vine in Switzerland.[6]

Municipal administration. The municipal administration has its address in Steg, Kirchstrasse 37.[1][6]

Sources

  1. Gemeinden Steg und Hohtenn, « weibil extra », numéro spécial sur la fusion (novembre 2007)
  2. Gemeinde Steg-Hohtenn, « Geschichte der Gemeinde Steg-Hohtenn »
  3. Gemeinde Steg-Hohtenn, « Das Wappen der Gemeinde Steg-Hohtenn »
  4. Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), Répertoire officiel des communes, mutation 2759
  5. Canton du Valais, Service des affaires intérieures et communales, « Rapport sur les finances communales 2008 » (2010)
  6. Valais 4 you (Regions- und Wirtschaftszentrum Oberwallis AG), « Steg-Hohtenn »
  7. Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de

Localities of the municipality with a page

Other villages near Steg-Hohtenn

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