Alpine passes trail: Rosswald - Simplon Pass

A varied stage, all with panoramic views: Alpine ascent to the Bortelhütte, blueberry fun above Rothwald in autumn. 

By post bus from Brig railway station to Ried-Brig or by car to the free car park at the Rosswald valley station. The cable car takes you to Rosswald. At the top station, the path climbs up towards Suone. You hike along the Suone to Alpe Stafel. Here it is worth visiting the St. Anna chapel with its pretty Gothic altar with St. Michael's relief and painted wings. It is assumed that these statues originate from the Theban Legion. In Stafel turn off towards Bortel (Bortelhütte) and walk along steep rock walls above the Gantertal valley. 

The hiking trail is well fortified, but caution is advised in case of severe dizziness.  The trail follows the forest line to the right and turns slowly eastwards towards the Steinutal, an alp covered with sheep. Over a stair-like section you climb up to Bortelalp (2113 m.a.s.l.) and the Bortelhütte. A cosy rest is announced here. Enjoy the view and the rush of the white water of the Bortelsee and the Furggubaumbach. On the way to the Simplon Pass it is worth making a detour to Wase, a charming little hamlet with a chapel and intact 250-year-old townscape. During the summer months the cheese dairy on Wasenalp is open with its own fresh products. Through the magnificent larch forest you climb another 300 metres and reach the Simplon Pass in the last descending part. Here you have access to the post bus line back to Brig. The trail is also an impressive experience in the opposite direction (and somewhat easier).

on Wanderland