Zwischbergen lies south of the Simplon Pass, right on the border with Italy. Old smugglers’ paths, mountain lakes and the gold-mining history of Gondo-Zwischbergen offer different kinds of excursions—from a challenging circular hike to experiences connected with the gold mines.
Hiking Between Mountain Lakes and Pass Trails
The Zwischbergen–Tschawinersee–Monscerapass hike is 13.03 kilometres long, rated difficult and laid out as a circular route. It starts at the Gondo postbus stop. An old smugglers’ path leads over two alpine pastures to clear Lake Tschawinersee and on to Monscerapass. There are seven mountain lakes along the hike to the lake; depending on the season, you may also be able to observe the production of Waira alpine cheese there. Weather and trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.
A marked hiking trail on the ViaStockalper climbs from Zwischbergen to Monscerapass over numerous natural steps. Another route option is the Furggu variant: it runs through the Zwischbergental and along the right-hand slope of the valley, past the gold mines. It then passes through a beech forest and descends to Gondo along the original mule track. The routes therefore differ not only in name, but also in landscape and course.
The Zwischbergental is considered a wild, 16-kilometre-long valley surrounded by mountain peaks reaching up to 4,000 metres. A cycling route into the valley also passes through extensive forests and flower-filled alpine pastures, and by mountain lakes. This landscape can therefore be experienced both on hiking trails and on a cycling route; no specific cycling distance is given here.
Gold History and Experiences
The gold mines at the entrance to the Zwischbergental have been known since Roman times and have now been developed as a visitor mine. The historic gold-mining era of Gondo-Zwischbergen ended on 17 May 1896 with the bankruptcy of the Société des Mines d’Or de Gondo. An exhibition in the Stockalperturm Gondo features historic and contemporary photographs, documents and plans of the mine, as well as rock samples. It can be complemented by an additional programme featuring gold panning and guided tours of the gold mines; check programme details and availability in advance.
At Gondo Goldrush, a gold-panning instructor shows you how to find gold, and participants scoop gravel into their gold pans for the first time. The route leads from Gondo to the Zwischbergen Hof, and from there continues on foot through the alluvial forest to the gold claims. Gold panning in Zwischbergen is possible individually or in groups. This makes it possible to consider the history of the mines and the practical activity of gold panning as distinct aspects of the subject.
The Gondoschlucht gorge also brings landscape and history together: the Stockalperweg passes through a former fortress, whose rooms can be visited on a guided tour. The once-secret fortress was of strategic importance. Check the current visiting conditions in advance if you are planning a tour.
Chapels and Historic Places
The chapel on the Alpjen dates back to the 16th century. At the time, it served as both a church and the centre of the “Bergstatt uff den Alpjen.” It is distinct from the chapel at Bord, which was built around 1642 on the site of a small wayside shrine. It is in the Zwischbergental, on the road to Furggi, near Restaurant Bord.
Maria Bru Chapel can be reached from Restaurant Bord via the Jordiweg in about 30 minutes. The Maria Bru circular trail first follows the Stockalperweg as far as Chatzhalte, then branches off towards the chapel. The approximate duration and route description can help you plan your time; trail conditions may change. The Gsteihuis was originally a residential tower or fortified house and belonged to the Laquenessa family, a local noble family. It is on private property and can only be viewed from the outside.
Activities and Getting Around
Canyoning in the Zwischbergenschlucht gorge includes slides, jumps and abseiling. With a canyoning guide, the descent takes about three hours to reach the starting point in Gondo, Valais. Do not enter the gorge without a qualified guide, as rising water levels can be life-threatening. The activity is seasonal; check guide availability and water conditions in advance. The 500-metre-high Volluzwand in the Gondoschlucht offers challenging climbing; check climbing conditions and route information locally.
For getting around the area, PubliCar Zwischbergen is a flexible on-demand bus service: in summer, it serves passenger-selected departure and destination stops within its designated service area. The PubliCar summer service in the Gondo–Zwischbergen area operates only with advance reservations. Check the latest service information and book before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Belalp, Naters, Brig, Birgisch, Rothwald, Rosswald, Mund, Ried-Brig.
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