- 3:00 h
- 7.99 km
- 101 m
- 263 m
- 1,190 m
- 1,453 m
- 263 m
- Start: Blatten bei Naters
- Destination: Ried-Mörel
The dramatic Massa gorge is a gift of the Aletsch Glacier. Ice carved the canyon long ago; later, meltwater polished its rocks. Today, the glacier is invisible from inside the gorge – yet the river of ice remains the mightiest in the Alps. 23 km long and containing 27 billion tons of ice, the glacier forms the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch”, just to the north.
The vertiginous gorge is the highlight of this thrilling hike, which follows the route of a former irrigation channel, the Riederi. First mentioned in historical documents in 1385, it was built to carry glacial meltwater to the fields around Ried-Mörel. The Riederi is no longer in use, but the trail that follows its course – recently blasted out of the rock of the canyon – makes for a spectacular hike. You’ll need a good head for heights!
The hike begins at Blatten, with a climb through forest to reach the Gibidum bridge. Once across the Massa river, the trail turns sharply southwards: first following the course of the gorge downstream, then turning north-west up the valley of the Rhône. Here, the path traverses woodland and pastures to reach the village of Ried-Mörel. The latter stage of the walk reveals sweeping views up and down the Rhône valley.
The route along the former irrigation channel is now a theme trail devoted to water. The ancient methods used to carry water across the landscapes of Valais are similar to those still used in Nepal. Info panels (in French and German) reveal the similarities between the two traditions, show the extraordinary efforts made to create and maintain the networks – and explore the customs and myths linked to them.
Highlights
- Varied hike through forest, along a spectacular gorge and then across open meadows, with magnificent views throughout
- Short climb at start, then very gently sloping path – but a good head for heights required!
- Water-themed trail exploring the shared heritage of Valais and Nepal
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The route is signposted as the “Massaweg” (“Massa Trail”). The theme trail is entitled “Wasser verbindet” in German, and “L’eau crée des liens” – which translate as “Water connects”.
The easiest way to get down to the floor of the valley at the end of the trail is to take the gondola from Ried-Mörel to Mörel station. Hikers can also walk down – either to Mörel or to one of the other stations on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway line.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Equipment
We recommend:
- good footwear
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water
- picnic
- camera
- binoculars (optional)
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)
For certain walks:
- Swimwear
Directions & Parking facilities
Additional information
More information about the destinations:
Literature
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Make use of the convenient round ticket by public transport: bus from Brig to Blatten, gondola from Ried-Mörel to Mörel, and train back to Brig.
Safety guidelines
The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
For all hikes:
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
- Do not leave any waste in nature.
For mountain hikes:
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
For high-altitude hikes:
- Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Map
Nearby
