Ried-Brig lies on a natural terrace above Brig. Hiking trails, a distinctive bridge structure and the history of construction at Burgspitz give visitors several points of interest during a stay. Those who want to explore the outdoors can choose from trails of varying lengths and estimated times; those interested in history will find traces dating from the Metal Ages to the recent past.

Hiking trails with different points of interest

The “36er Trail” combines hiking with military history. The 36th Battalion of Mountain Brigade 11 built it in 1939 during the Second World War. During the border occupation, the trail was used to supply the troops stationed in Rosswald. Today, it is used for hiking in summer and often for snowshoe hikes in winter. From Ried-Brig, it zigzags up the mountainside to Rosswald. From there, the cable car is one possible way to return to Ried-Brig; operating hours and availability may vary. Check them before planning your trip.

For a shorter route, other details are available to help you plan: the Achera Biela nature trail is described as an easy 1.46-kilometre hike taking about 40 minutes. The Ried-Brig Vitaparcours is 2.31 kilometres long, has 120 metres of elevation gain and is rated as moderate; the stated duration is 30 minutes. So the longer route has the shorter estimated time. Distance, difficulty, elevation gain and duration together give a more precise picture to help you choose than distance alone.

There are also walking trails on the plateau between Ried-Brig and Termen, including circular routes suitable for pushchairs. The Brigerberg circular trail passes through various hamlets in Termen and Ried-Brig; its highest point is Burgspitz. As route descriptions and conditions may change, it is worth checking the current route before setting out.

Burgspitz: Traces from different centuries

Burgspitz offers a local connection to the history of the municipality. Chance finds and evidence uncovered during archaeological investigations point to a human presence in Ried-Brig since the Neolithic period. The hill of Burgspitz saw several uses during the Metal Ages, from 2200 to 15 BC. The municipality therefore has a long history of settlement, and the finds on the hill are a tangible part of it.

The Chapel of the Annunciation on Burgspitz was built in 1707 by the Burgerschaft of Ried-Brig. A building on Burgspitz was originally a late medieval tower. A chapel was added in the early 18th century, and between 1898 and 1904 the building was converted into a schoolhouse. The dates show how the use of a building changed over the centuries. Seven wayside shrines remain from the former Stations of the Cross, which began at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Schlüocht.

Ganter Bridge and the history of its construction

Ganter Bridge is a striking example of engineering on the Simplon road through the Ganter Valley. Christian Menn designed the 678-metre structure as a daring S-shaped curve. It was built between 1976 and 1980 and, until the Poya Bridge opened in Freiburg in 2014, had the largest span of any bridge in Switzerland. A visit to the area can therefore include a technical topic: the bridge tells the story of an engineering achievement and a former Swiss record, while Burgspitz and the chapel offer insights into other chapters of local history.

Getting there and the Polti recreation area

Ried-Brig can be reached by PostBus or private vehicle. Parking is available in the village, and the PostBus connects Ried-Brig with Brig railway station. Timetables and parking options may change; check the latest information before travelling.

A local place to enjoy leisure activities is the Polti fire pit and recreation area on the edge of the forest. The paid barbecue facility includes tables and benches, a kitchen with a refrigerator, sanitary facilities and a covered shelter. It is a five-minute walk from the “Ried-Brig, Lauenen” stop. As facilities may change and stop information should be checked before travelling, it is advisable to confirm the condition of the site and the connection before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Simplon Hospice, Brig, Mund, Birgisch, Simplon, Rosswald, Eggerberg, Belalp.

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