The Alpine Passes Trail is a national route and is signposted no. 6. It leads hikers from St. Moritz to St. Gingolph in 43 stages. The section you will be hiking today is part of the 17th stage. We split this 17 km hike into two stages. For hikers who like it a little more challenging, there is the option of adding an additional loop on Rosswald the day before (or even before today's hike). On the other hand, an additional detour to Lake Bortel or even to the Bortellücke (Alpine route) can be added in Bortel.
Hut hike: Rosswald - Bortelhütte
- medium
- 7,20 km
- 3 hours
- 387 m
- 99 m
- start: Rosswald
- destination: Bortelhütte
Best Season
Good to know
- Stop at an Inn
Rosswald
Bortelhütte
At the mountain station, the path climbs up towards Suone Bergwasser. You walk along the Suone to Alpe Stafel. Here it is worth visiting the St. Anna chapel with its pretty Gothic altar with a relief of St. Michael and painted wings. After Alpe Stafel, turn right towards Bortel (Bortelhütten) and hike along steep rock faces above the Gantertal valley. The hiking trail is well paved, but caution is advised if you suffer from severe vertigo. Vertigo: People with severe vertigo can avoid the section in question. Shortly after Mischibach (point 1954), the alternative route branches off to the left. This variant will take you around an hour longer, as you will have to cover additional meters in altitude. The non-dizzying path is well secured with a handrail. The hiking trail leads along the edge of the forest and slowly descends in an easterly direction to Steinutal, an alp used by sheep. You climb up to Bortelalp (2113 m.a.s.l.) and the Bortelhütte via a staircase-like section.
The hike is at your own risk. Insurance is the responsibility of the hiker.
Equipment suitable for the weather is essential. Good, sturdy hiking boots are strongly recommended for all hikes.
We recommend our hut hike offer.
The easiest way to get to Rosswald is by cable car. Parking at the valley station is free in summer.
Free of charge at the valley station in summer. You can ride as far as Rosswald. However, there are charges here. This is a single-lane alpine road.
You can reach Rosswald from Brig by post bus to Ried-Brig, LRR valley station and then by cable car.
Hiking maps are available from the tourist office in Brig.