In Gondo, the Gold Mining Museum in Stockalperturm shows the many traces left by mining: exhibits include contemporary and historical photographs, documents and mine plans, as well as rock samples. Gold panning and guided tours of the gold mines are possible additions. Check in advance which activities are suitable for your visit.
The five-kilometre-long Gondo Gorge offers a different perspective on history. The starting point is on the Simplon road in Gabi/Gstei. The hiking trail through the gorge passes the «Alte Kaserne» museum and runs underground through the former military fortification «Fort Gondo». The trail is open seasonally.
Pass History in a Castle and a Fort
In Brig, Stockalper Castle is the city’s landmark and Switzerland’s largest secular Baroque building. On a guided tour, you can visit the Three Kings Hall, with its rare 19th-century panoramic wallpapers, and the castle chapel, with its precious silver altar from Augsburg. The «Passage Simplon» exhibition explores the eventful history of the Simplon Pass through seven themes. Its permanent exhibition opened in 2012 on the castle’s ground floor, covering around 200 square metres.
In Naters, the focus is on a different perspective on military history: the Simplon Fortress is a museum housed in an artillery fortification that remained strictly secret for 60 years. The exhibition shows the army positions at the outbreak of war, the Swiss Army’s retreat into the Réduit and the former armaments. Alongside trade and pass history, military installations and their former functions are therefore also among the topics to explore.
The village centre of Simplon Dorf also tells a story: it is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Heritage Sites of National Importance. The Simplon Hospice was built by Napoleon and includes sleeping and dining rooms, as well as a chapel for quiet reflection.
Protected Landscapes and Trails
At an altitude of 2,048 metres on the Simplon Pass lies Lake Hopschu. It can be reached from the pass road on foot; conditions may depend on the weather. The lake is in the Simplon-Hopschusee raised bog, which has been a protected area of national and cantonal importance since 1996. Swimming is not permitted because the site is sensitive and protected.
Two shorter routes can be compared by length, duration and difficulty rating: the Achera Biela nature trail in Ried-Brig is 1.46 kilometres long, classified as an easy walking route and takes 40 minutes. The Termen mountain farming experience trail is 2.67 kilometres long, moderately difficult and estimated to take one hour. At 10.28 kilometres, the Landmauer Gamsen cultural trail offers a longer, easy hike with an estimated duration of three hours. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Another, considerably more challenging option is the Zwischbergen–Tschawinersee–Monscerapass hike: it is 13.03 kilometres long and listed as a difficult circular route. The route description gives the Gondo post bus stop as the starting point and the Zwischbergen (Bord) bus stop as the destination. The trail follows an old smugglers’ path over two alpine pastures to the clear waters of Lake Tschawiner, then continues to the Monscera Pass. In this high-alpine terrain, conditions and seasonal suitability depend on the weather.
Crafts, Stories and Local Cuisine
At the village square in Simplon Dorf, residents demonstrate traditional crafts at «Simpilär Handwerk». During the summer months, the craftspeople work on their products there once a week, usually on Friday afternoons. Check the current schedule before travelling.
At «Simpilär Dorfgschichtä», the «Simpilär Ziegenhirt» leads a roughly 90-minute walk through Simplon Dorf, telling anecdotes and stories from times gone by in the local Valais dialect. Dates are arranged on request; the tour includes culinary stops, the details of which vary depending on the booking. Simplon Dorf is also known for Valais rye bread, and its raclette cheese is award-winning. These local products add a culinary dimension to the village, but the guided walk should not be assumed to include a tasting.
Thermal Waters as Another Discovery
Brigerbad Thermal Spa has several indoor and outdoor pools supplied with natural thermal water. The spa also has saunas and steam baths. This adds another kind of experience to the trails, museums and historic buildings: you can make your choice based on whether you are more interested in pass history, landscapes, local stories or thermal waters.
Discover more destinations: Belalp, Birgisch, Ried-Brig, Rosswald, Termen, Naters, Brig, Zwischbergen, Mund, Simplon Hospice, Rothwald, Simplon, Eggerberg.
Back to the main travel overview: Valais.
