When the larch trees in Valais turn golden yellow, the Brig Simplon region offers ideal conditions for autumn hikes. Striking larch forests and individual trees characterise the landscape in the areas of Rothwald, Simplon, Rosswald and Zwischbergental. The Hittuwald forest opposite the village of Simplon is a particular highlight: here you will find imposing gnarled larches that have reached an impressive age of between 700 and 850 years.
Larches are the only native conifers that lose their needles in autumn. Before then, their colour changes to a bright gold, making autumn hikes in the Brig-Simplon region a special natural experience.
The shorter days and falling temperatures of autumn allow the trees to gradually prepare for winter. The colour of the needles and leaves is influenced by a range of factors, including the temperature, length of the day, sun and frost.
The splendour of golden autumn usually begins towards the end of September and often reaches its peak in October. However, there can be significant local differences in colour – while the trees in Rothwald, for example, are already glowing golden yellow, larches in Hittuwald, near the village of Simplon, may have barely begun to change.
This makes predictions difficult. Instead, let’s allow nature’s colours to develop at their own pace, and be happily surprised to discover where the forests first go gold.
ViaStockalper: Brig–Gondo: Spend three days hiking from Brig to Gondo (or the other way round). Your luggage will be transported to each hotel for you. There are plenty of little highlights to discover along the way. This multi-day hike is suitable for beginners and keen hikers.
