Engeloch - Sirwoltensee - Simplon Pass

Engeloch - Sirwoltensee - Sirwoltensattel - Simplon Pass

The start is at the bus stop in Engeloch on the south side of the Simplon Pass directly on the Simplon road by the Engeloch restaurant. For drivers, parking is available at the restaurant or 200 m to the north. The path leads from Engeloch down to the Krummbach, over the Alpstafel Chlusmatta and the following slope on the left bank of the Ritzibach up to the Wysse Bode (2113m). At the end of the plain, the path runs through a steep slope with rock bands. These are overcome east (left) of the waterfall via a ramp. Soon after, the path turns right, crosses the brook and bypasses the rock that hides the beautiful Sirwoltensee behind it.

After a well-deserved rest at the clear mountain lake, the route continues on a good and marked path to the Sirwoltensattel. This is the highest point of the hike at 2621m. Ahead of us rise the Mattwaldhorn and the Gams Glacier, and opposite, the gentle path runs over the Obere Fulmoos to Gebidem. Past the former military accommodation, the path goes down to the Gebidem trail. Turning right, we continue our hike on the well-maintained former military trail, passing the Gale and Magehorn on our right. Staying almost at the same height, this path takes us on the eastern flank of the rear Nantz valley to the Bistinen Pass.

Before us, the view gradually opens down to the Rhone Valley. Above it majestically rises the Bietschhorn. At the pass summit, there is a mighty cairn with a plaque commemorating the border troops of the Second World War. The pass offers a wonderful view. Behind the Spitzhorli to the north shine the Bernese Alps with the highlight Bietschhorn. To the east, we see the ice fields of the Kaltwasser Glacier with Wasenhorn, Hübschhorn, and Monte Leone. The gently descending path leads over the wide pastures of the Bistina.

Unpretentious alpine flowers line the path. Through the flank of the Bistihalden, turning left, the path descends to Bielti and Blatten. The memorial by the roadside for the victims of an avalanche accident always reminds the mountain hiker to be careful. In a short ascent, after overcoming 130 meters in height in 30 minutes, you reach Hotel Monte Leone on the Simplon road A9 with a postbus stop. Those who want to save the climb from Bielti to the Simplon Pass (only with good visibility) leave the hiking trail during the descent from Bistinen Pass and turn left. Tracks, which soon become clearer, lead into the northeast flank of the Straffel ridge back to a path running parallel to a water channel. Soon, you meet a well-marked path that leads the hiker to Hopsche and further to the Simplon Pass.

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