Rothwald - Furggubäumlicke - Alpe Veglia

12.88 km long
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: very difficult
Great panorama
Mountain tour
  • 10:00 h
  • 12.88 km
  • 969 m
  • 1,003 m
  • 1,741 m
  • 2,687 m
  • 946 m
  • Start: Bus stop "Rothwald, Post"
  • Destination: Alpe Veglia
The alpine route over the Furggubäumlicke was formerly a popular smuggler's path. Starting in Rothwald, the route leads over the pass to Alpe Veglia in Italy.

The hike leads from Rothwald on the Simplon Pass road up to the Wasenalp, over the Furggubäumlicke to Alpe Veglia in Piedmont.

The historically significant smuggler's pass to Italy is secured on the last meters with iron steps and wire ropes. Walking towards the sun, you descend into the valley of the Rio d’Aurona and with some luck you can observe ibexes sunbathing. Over managed alpine meadows and through bright larch forests, you reach the large high plateau of Alpe Veglia and the Rifugio Città di Arona. Here you can enjoy the sun, regional products, a good Italian coffee, and the magnificent landscape.

Variants of the return journey

  1. Many mountaineers spend the night at Alpe Veglia to take the return to Switzerland via the Bortellücke the next day. See the route description Bortellücke.
  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.

Brig Simplon Tourismus AG
Brig Simplon Tourismus AG

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Trail
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Rothwald - Wase - Wintrigmatte - Scheene Biel - Furggubäumlicke - Rosetto - Ponte - Alpe Veglia

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Stop at an Inn

Equipment

The following equipment should be taken on alpine hikes:

  • High mountain boots, possibly suitable for crampons
  • Gloves
  • Cap
  • Clothing adapted to season and weather
  • Ice axe, rope and safety equipment
  • Maps 1:25,000
  • Altimeter
  • First aid kit with rescue blanket
  • Mobile phone
  • Enough provisions

Directions & Parking facilities

By car or train to Brig or Rothwald.
Parking is available in Brig and Rothwald.

Travel to Brig by train. From Brig, the post bus takes you to Rothwald, Post.

At Alpe Veglia, you can take the Comazzibus back to Varzo, where you can connect again to the train and return through the Simplon Tunnel to Brig.

Additional information

More information at the tourism office: www.brig-simplon.ch

Literature

Information about the surroundings is available at the tourism office in Brig.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Book your hiking experience with a mountain guide/hiking leader and discover exciting stories about the border history alongside the landscape.

Safety guidelines

The following safety instructions should be considered for alpine hikes:

  • Choose a hike that matches your abilities
  • Mountain hiking is endurance sport. Only start in a healthy and rested condition.
  • Be attentive when ascending and descending
  • Check the current weather forecast when planning. Turn back early in case of bad weather
  • Equipment should be adapted to the hike
  • Good hiking boots are mandatory
  • Always stay on marked paths. 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 rubbish with you and observe regulations in protected areas

All hikes are done at your own risk. Insurance is the responsibility of the hiker.

Map

Hiking maps are available at the tourism office in Brig.

Nearby

Location and Contact

Rothwald - Furggubäumlicke - Alpe Veglia
3901 Rothwald