In Termen, trails lead from named starting points to a range of different themes: one circular route connects an old Suone irrigation channel with the chapel at Burgspitz, while another hike leads via Mattalpji towards Rosswald. There are also insights into Valais mountain farming and seasonal winter sports. When choosing accommodation for your stay, you can consider which of these discoveries you want to shape your visit.

Termen between the Rhône riverbank and the mountains

Termen is in the district of Brig, in the German-speaking part of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The political municipality is also a Burgergemeinde, a traditional municipal corporation. Its territory stretches from the Rhône riverbank to the mountains above Rosswald and covers 1,878 hectares. The Rosswald ski area and the village of Rosswald are also part of the municipality of Termen. This broad geographical range is reflected in the different themes that come together here: trails through forests and mountain landscapes, traces of earlier alpine farming and winter sports.

The municipality’s history also goes back a long way: in the 13th century, Termen separated from the original municipality of Naters. Termen is accessible via the N9 and is well served by public transport. It is an eight-minute drive from the centre of Brig-Glis and Brig main station; journey times may vary. The village square is a specific starting point for several activities, while the Mountain Farming Discovery Trail begins at Sennereiplatz.

Hikes with different focuses

The Termen–Gmeini Egga–Termen circular route starts at the village square. It follows the mountain trail, runs alongside an old Suone irrigation channel and passes through the forest to Gmeini Egga. The chapel at Burgspitz is along the way. Here, the Suone is part of the trail itself, not just a historical landmark: it accompanies the circular route through the landscape. As trail conditions depend on the weather, it is worth checking the current situation before setting off.

Another route is the Termen–Mattalpji–Rosswald hike. After taking the postbus from Brig, you can start at the village square. After about an hour, the hike reaches Termen’s old slate mountain. Mattalpji was once used as a pre-alpine pasture and has been unused for several years. A fountain and old water pipes that supplied the alp with water from the Tunetschgraben are still visible. On the descent from Rosswald to Rosswalder Alp, the hike follows old military roads. This route therefore focuses on the landscape, former alpine pasture use and historic trails.

Mountain farming and the village square

The Termen Mountain Farming Discovery Trail is a circular walk lasting about an hour, offering insights into Upper Valais mountain farming. It begins at Sennereiplatz. From Brig, you can reach the starting point by postbus or with a hike of about an hour via Biela. The walk to the starting point and the duration of the circular route are two separate time estimates. Along the trail, 33 panels with pictures and text explain the distinctive features of Valais mountain farming.

The SmarTrail Brigerbärg also starts at the village square. It is aimed at families, school classes, hikers and tourists, and combines history, culture and nature with useful information and fun. The two activities therefore have different focuses: the Discovery Trail is devoted to mountain farming, while the SmarTrail brings together several themes relating to history, culture and nature.

Winter sports in Rosswald

The Rosswald ski area has four ski lifts at 2,600 metres and 25 kilometres of well-groomed slopes. Sledging is also part of the seasonal offering: in Rosswald, a fast-paced ride starts in the direction of Riedalpji. Whether it can go ahead depends on current slope conditions; check these before making plans. Hiking routes and winter activities give Termen different profiles. You can decide which ones matter most for your stay by looking at the trails and seasonal activities described here.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Eggerberg, Naters, Simplon Hospice, Mund, Ried-Brig, Simplon, Rothwald, Rosswald.

Return to the main travel overview: Brig.