The 1812 round church is unique in its shape in Switzerland; the 40-metre-high Fellbach Waterfall is one of the village’s attractions. There are also routes for hiking, snowshoeing and e-biking, which vary by distance, season and altitude. This gives you different ways to experience culture, alpine nature and outdoor activities as you plan your trip.
Round Church, History and Waterfall
A guided tour of the round church tells a story that begins in antiquity. The guided tour programme is seasonal; check the dates before your trip. The «Heimischgarte» chapel also commemorates a specific historical event: it was built in 1959 in honour of the Mother of God, through voluntary community work.
The church and the villagescape of the hamlet of Bidermatten are listed in the Swiss inventories of national importance. The Fellbach Waterfall offers a different highlight: in particularly cold winters, it can form a spectacular pillar of ice. This natural phenomenon depends on suitable winter conditions.
Hiking and Winter Trails
The family-friendly valley trail follows the Saaservispa from Saas-Almagell via Saas-Grund to Saas-Balen. You can take the PostBus back to the starting point. Check the route and PostBus connections before setting out, so you can plan your return journey.
A hike from Saas-Balen to Heimischgarte offers panoramic views over the Saas Valley; visibility depends on the weather. Snowshoe routes are also an option for winter outings. The Heimischgarte Trail runs for 9 kilometres from Saas-Balen via Heimischgarte to Saas-Grund. It is listed as involving 620 metres of ascent and taking 4 hours and 45 minutes. Check winter conditions and seasonal access before setting out.
The Tewaldji Trail offers a different experience: it is a snowshoe loop from Saas-Balen via Heimischgarte and back through the «Löübinobodme» natural forest reserve. The two routes therefore differ in their layout: the Heimischgarte Trail continues to Saas-Grund, while the Tewaldji Trail returns to Saas-Balen. For this winter route too, check local conditions and seasonal access in advance.
A 26-kilometre cross-country ski trail begins next to the round church and runs through snow-covered larch forests. Check whether it is operating for the season before your trip. Depending on your interests, you can plan a winter outing as a snowshoe route or on the cross-country ski trail, while keeping in mind that their routes are different.
Suonen and E-Bike Route
Above Saas-Balen, the Rittmal «Wasserleitu» bisse runs from the Fellbach to the Rittmal meadows. Suonen are historic irrigation channels in Valais: they carry water through ditches and pipes to pastures and gardens. The Rittmal Bisse hike starts and ends at the post square in Saas-Balen.
The Gletscherseewjini e-bike route starts at the village square and follows the alpine road past the alpine hamlets of Grundbiele, Ze Flie, Matt and Hoferälpji to the bridge at Gruebe Alp. It passes through larch forest and alpine steppe to glacial lakes and back. The route ranges from 1,486 to 2,862 metres above sea level. As mountain conditions can affect access, check local conditions before setting out.
Visitor Information
Saas-Balen provides access to the Valais Alps and is set in an alpine landscape at the foot of the Mischabelhörner and the Dom. For excursions and hikes, the Saas Valley tourist office helps visitors plan and provides brochures and maps of the region. Check opening hours before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Täsch, Saas-Grund, Baltschieder, Törbel, Zeneggen, Gasenried, Saint Niklaus, Stalden.
Return to the main travel overview: Visp.
