Binn is an Alpine village at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Goms district of the canton of Valais. The Lengenbach mineral mine gives the village an unusual character; at the same time, trails from Binn lead to viewpoints and hamlets, and through the Twingi Gorge. Seasonal hiking options and the summer bus to the upper Binntal are important points to consider when choosing when to travel.
Minerals as a main attraction
The Binntal is known for its rich mineral deposits, including species considered unique to the area. Binn is home to the Lengenbach mineral mine, one of the most important mineral sites on Earth. More than 40 of the mineral species discovered there to date were first found at this site.
The figures also show the region’s wider wealth of mineral finds: more than 300 different mineral species have been found so far in the Binntal and at nearby sites on the Alpe Devero and Alpe Veglia. Around 150 of them come from the Lengenbach mineral mine behind Fäld; the Binntal is the type locality for 56 minerals.
Those who would like to explore the world of minerals with a rock crystal hunter can join a guided mineral excursion in the Binntal. Check availability before booking. The Fäld geological experience trail features a range of interactive elements, including sound holes, a lithophone and a magnifying-glass station, as well as a boulder traverse and a stone-balancing playground.
Hikes by distance and season
The Binntal has around 150 kilometres of well-maintained hiking and mountain trails. One notable option is the Binn–Eggerhorn–Ausserbinn hike, which leads from Binn to the 2,503-metre-high Eggerhorn. In the Binntal Landscape Park, this is considered one of the best viewpoints. The hike is available seasonally from June to October.
The Binn–Heiligkreuz–Binn pilgrimage and contemplation trail was restored in 2018 and connects Binn, Ze Binne, Heiligkreuz and Wilere. The circular route is listed as 6.8 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes; it starts and ends in Binn at an altitude of 1,400 metres. The route is listed for May to October. Trail conditions may change, so it is worth checking before setting out.
Another option is the Ze Binne–Wilere–Schmidigehischere walking trail. It connects the main part of Binn with the old church in the hamlet of Wilere and offers views of the village and the reservoir near Ze Binne. Those interested in the gorge can also plan a hike to the Twingi Gorge, starting in Binn and leading through the gorge.
The old path through the Twingi Gorge was part of a historic trade route through the Binntal and is now a visitor route for cyclists and pedestrians. Its tunnels and retaining and boundary walls form an impressive historic monument. The season runs from May to October; trail conditions may vary.
Getting around the valley
In summer, the Alpine bus takes day-trippers and hikers from Binn to Fäld and on to Brunnebiel in the upper Binntal. As the service is seasonal, check the timetable before travelling. In winter, the snowshoe nature trail starts in Fäld and leads through forest and open terrain to Alp Brunnebiel, then directly back to Fäld. A small ski lift is located above the church in Wilere; from the Binn-Dorf car park, you can reach it on foot via Kirchweg in five minutes.
Village history and local experiences
Binn comprises the village of Schmidigehischere, the hamlets of Ze Binne, Wilere, Giesse and Fäld, and part of the pilgrimage site of Heiligkreuz in Lengtal. The village centres of Schmidigehischere and Wilere are of national importance. Wilere is home to the parish church of Saint Michael the Archangel, which was probably built between 1561 and 1565. A fragmentarily preserved fresco from around 1300 depicts a Nikopoia and points to parts of an earlier church.
The chapel of Saint Sebastian in Ze Binne was built in 1725. Its Baroque rosary altar dates from 1675, has been altered several times and originally stood in Wilere’s parish church. It was moved to the chapel in 1963. The chapel in Fäld is dedicated to Saint Martin and was probably built in 1660. The Hotel Ofenhorn is also part of the village’s history: it opened in 1883 and was extended in 1897.
Until summer 2023, the Binntal Regional Museum in Binn displayed archaeological finds and minerals from the Binntal, as well as part of Gerd Graeser’s ethnographic collection. The museum is being redesigned in stages until 2027; check what is currently on display before visiting. Another way to learn more about a local business is to visit the Bergbrauerei Binn: its year-round beer tasting for groups includes a presentation of the brewing process and explanations of beer styles, ingredients and the brewery project. Advance booking is required.
Discover more destinations: Reckingen, MĂĽnster-Geschinen, Bellwald, Fieschertal, Niederwald, Grafschaft, Fiesch, Lax
Return to the main travel overview: Goms.
