In Simplon Dorf, buildings, paths and stories passed down through generations tell of the importance of traffic over the pass. The Ecomuseum has a clear focus: the Old Inn on the village square was built between the 14th and 18th centuries and restored by the Ecomuseum Simplon Foundation from 1992 to 1995. The former building was a Sust (a transit inn) and is the actual centre of the Ecomuseum. Today, it houses a museum on the history of transit traffic over the Simplon and its impact on the region.
The history of the pass in the museum and along the trail
At the museum, visitors learn about Stockalper, Napoleon, the miners who worked on the Simplon Tunnel and the daring Geo Chavez. The story ranges from notable figures to the people connected with traffic over the pass; its impact on the region is also part of the subject. Anyone interested in the historical development of the Simplon will find a tangible starting point here, right on the spot.
The Stockalper Trail, also known as ViaStockalper, offers another perspective: Kaspar Stockalper built this mule track more than 300 years ago. The historic Alpine crossing of ViaStockalper follows four generations of roads: the Roman road, the Stockalper road, the Napoleonic road and the National Road. Unlike the museum, the trail reveals the history of the pass through its different routes. The two topics offer different emphases without being limited to a single era.
Village stories and crafts
The guided tour of Simplon Dorf takes groups of visitors through the old village. Guides share interesting facts about its buildings and notable figures; dates and times can be arranged on request. “Simpilär Dorfgschichtä” offers a different approach: on this walk, the “Simpilär goat herder” tells stories from days gone by. These include anecdotes about different families, events and hamlets, told in the distinctive “Simpilär Diitsch” dialect. Dates and times for this activity can also be arranged on request. If you are more interested in buildings and local figures, the guided tour is a good fit; the storytelling walk focuses more on local tales and dialect.
“Simpilär Handwerk” adds a seasonal insight. Local residents demonstrate traditional crafts on the village square in Simplon. During the summer months, craftspeople work outdoors on their products once a week, usually on Friday afternoons. If this activity is important for planning your trip, check the relevant date in advance.
Church, architecture and local history
The parish of Simplon is documented from 1267 and dedicated to Saint Gotthard. The present parish church was built in 1725 and solemnly consecrated in 1736. The parish’s long recorded history and the construction date of today’s church are two distinct points of reference in time.
The former Meier Tower is also part of the village’s history. It was a residence of the Lords of Simplon dating from the 13th century and was almost completely demolished in 1892 and 1893. Another architectural feature visible in the village today is the stone roofing in Simplon Dorf, which strongly evokes nearby Italy. Together, the church, inn and roofscape offer different ways to explore the village’s architectural history and character.
The parish church also serves as a landmark in the village: the “Simplon Dorf, Post” bus stop is right nearby, and the church is a two-minute walk from there.
Simplon Dorf and the municipality
For geographical context, Simplon Dorf should be distinguished from the municipality of Simplon. Simplon Dorf is one of the municipality’s localities; the others are Simplon Hospiz and Gabi (Simplon). The village lies nine kilometres by road south of the summit of the Simplon Pass, which is also within the municipality. The municipality of Simplon is located on the Simplon Pass road (N 9).
The remote Laggintal valley is also among the natural attractions associated with Simplon: it is considered one of Europe’s most interesting butterfly habitats. So, alongside the history of the pass, village culture and architecture, butterflies are another possible focus of interest.
Discover more destinations: Naters, Birgisch, Rothwald, Mund, Zwischbergen, Termen, Simplon Hospiz, Belalp
For the broader travel overview: Brig.
