- 3:00 h
- 9.00 km
- 745 m
- 853 m
- 1,474 m
- 621 m
- Start: Simplon Dorf, bus stop
- Destination: Gondo, village
The third stage of the Stockalperweg leads from Simplon Dorf to Gondo.
The historic Alpine crossing runs along four generations of roads (Roman, Stockalper, Napoleon, national road). Combined with cultural highlights and an impressive Alpine flora in an imposing mountain backdrop, the Stockalperweg is a genuine experience.
The sights along the historic ViaStockalper tell many stories. To fully enjoy these experiences, we recommend hiking the route in 3 stages.
ViaStockalper hiking packages
Book hiking holidays on the Stockalperweg from Switzerland to Italy. Follow in the footsteps of the ingenious Kaspar Stockalper over the Simplon Pass.
 Brig–Gondo in 4 days. Price from CHF 499.– including hotels, luggage transport and more.
 Brig–Domodossola in 7 days. Price from CHF 969.– including hotels, half-board, luggage transport and more.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
Today's hike is one of two variants of the last section of the Stockalperweg that has been opened to the hiking public. This was probably the most technically demanding section, as it involved overcoming the nearly impassable Gondo Gorge.
The path was cleverly integrated into the topography and is hardly visible from the road. Additionally, the road and trail networks were disentangled so effectively that there are only a few real intersections where hikers need to cross the road. At Gabi, the Stockalperweg diverges from the route over Furggu into the Gondo Gorge.
The partly original paved Stockalperweg leads to the ruin of a warehouse, unfinished by Stockalper, dated 1676, in the Äbi. The next interesting point on this section is the Napoleonic barracks at the entrance to the Gondo Gorge, featuring an exhibition on the traffic history of the Simplon.
Via metal footbridges, walkways, and galleries of the national road, you pass through the imposing Gondo Gorge to Fort Gondo, where the path runs through the 300 m long connecting tunnel of the fortress. Past the ruins of the "Pont de Sapin", the last path section runs along the left valley slope to Gondo. There is also a convenient connection to the post bus network, allowing you to interrupt your hike at will. Even military enthusiasts will enjoy passing through an old fortress, while non-military visitors might wonder how life was possible in these tunnels for weeks on end.
Simplon Dorf - Gabi - Old Barracks - Fort Gondo - Gondo
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Equipment
Directions & Parking facilities
You can conveniently travel by train (SBB) to Brig main station.
Various post bus lines are available at the station.
Additional information
These historic sites are definitely worth a visit. And finally, there remains only one question: Did Napoleon actually order a glass of milk at the inn in Gabi at that time, or is that just a myth?
Highlights:
Literature
"Hiking at Simplon"
The publication "Hiking at Simplon" (2008) is a real treasure trove of stories and facts from various fields.
Dr. Klaus Anderegg, as editor, has compiled contributions from numerous authors into an impressive overall view. On 368 pages, eight routes of the unique Alpine and mountain region of Simplon are presented with a great variety of natural, cultural and historical treasures and curiosities.
CHF 48.– plus packaging and shipping; available at the Ecomuseum Simplon, 3907 Simplon Dorf, ecomuseum@simplon.ch (ISBN: 978-3-905756-31-9)
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Book your hiking experience in the form of the ViaStockalper hiking packages and follow in the footsteps of the great Kaspar Stockalper.
Safety guidelines
Persons undertaking this activity based on the information on this website do so at their own risk. Conditions on site may lead to route changes and increased hazards from natural dangers. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy of the information on this website or for the conditions under which this activity is carried out. In case of doubt, please contact the destination in advance.
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