Berisal - Bortel pass - Alpe Veglia
- 6:30 h
- 11.39 km
- 1,293 m
- 1,053 m
- 1,526 m
- 2,764 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- Start: Berisal
- Destination: Alpe Veglia
The start of the route is the hamlet of Berisal directly on the Simplon Pass road. The hiking trail first leads over an overgrown forest road and later as a mountain hiking trail to the Bortel huts, where there is a place to stop for refreshments. Following the mountain hiking trail, the path leads along Lake Bortel before the last 100 vertical meters are overcome on alpine paths – with the help of chains and iron handles. After the climbing section at the Bortel pass, a descent follows towards Alpe Veglia. Passing alpine meadows with animals and through forests, you reach the high plateau of Alpe Veglia and the Rifugio Città di Arona. Enjoy the Italian sun, typical products, and the idyll before making your way home.
Variants for the way home
1. Many alpinists spend the night at Alpe Veglia in order to take the return to Switzerland over the Furggubäumlicka the next day. For the route description Furggubäumlicka
2. You hike about an hour further to the bus stop "Ponte Campo" near San Domenico. In summer, the Comazzibus runs from here to Varzo. From Varzo, you take the train back to Brig. Information about the Comazzibus.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The start of the route is the hamlet of Berisal directly on the Simplon Pass road. The hiking trail first leads over an overgrown forest road and later as a mountain hiking trail to the Bortel huts, where there is a place to stop for refreshments. Following the mountain hiking trail past Lake Bortel before the last 100 vertical meters are completed "alpinistically" with the aid of chains and iron handles. After the climbing section at the Bortel pass, there is a descent towards Alpe Veglia. Passing alpine meadows with animals and through forests, you reach the high plateau of Alpe Veglia and the Rifugio Città di Arona. Enjoy the Italian sun, typical products, and the idyll before making your way home.
Variants for the way home
1. Many alpinists spend the night at Alpe Veglia in order to take the return to Switzerland over the Bortel pass the next day. For the route description Furggubäumlicka
2. You hike about an hour further to the bus stop "Ponte Campo" near San Domenico. In summer, the Comazzibus runs from here to Varzo. From Varzo, you take the train back to Brig. Information about the Comazzibus.
Tour information
Stop at an Inn
Equipment
The following equipment should be taken on alpine hikes:
- High mountain boots, if possible suitable for crampons
- Gloves
- Cap
- Clothing adjusted to the season and weather
- Ice axe, rope, and safety equipment
- Maps 1:25,000
- Altimeter
- First aid kit with rescue blanket
- Mobile phone
- Sufficient provisions
Directions & Parking facilities
Travel by train to Brig. From Brig, the postbus takes you to Berisal.
At Alpe Veglia, you can take the Comazzibus back to Varzo, where you can connect again to the train and return to Brig via the Simplon tunnel.
Additional information
Further information at the tourist office: www.brig-simplon.ch
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Safety guidelines
The following safety instructions should be taken into account for alpine hikes:
- Choose a hike that matches your abilities
- Mountain hiking is an endurance sport. Only start in good health and well rested.
- Be attentive during ascent and descent
- Consider the current weather report when planning. Turn back early in bad weather
- Equipment should be adapted to the hike
- Good hiking boots are mandatory
- Always stay on marked trails. Avoid shortcuts
- Regular breaks with food and drink are necessary to maintain concentration and performance
- Solo hikes should be avoided. Inform others about the planned route.
- Respect nature! Always take your waste with you and observe regulations in protected areas
All hikes are undertaken at your own risk. Insurance is the responsibility of the hiker.