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Gibidum – Trophy of the Dams

The Gibidum Dam is perhaps the least known of the Valais dams, but it’s definitely worth the visit for the amazing scenery and a climb full of discovery!

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Starting from Naters, the road that climbs in the direction of the Gibidum Dam is on a steady slope from the very first few hundred metres. As you gain altitude, you have a grand view over the city of Brig below and the road leading to the Simplon pass on the other side of the valley. After a few kilometres you will come to a junction towards the village of Mund, famous for its saffron crops. Below the village of Blatten, the road turns into switchbacks through an ever-demanding slope, but the view over the mountainous cliffs covered in greenery and streaked with streams will delight despite the effort. After the village of Blatten, a narrower road will take you to the lake of the Gibidum Dam.

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Hidden treasures at Upper Valais – Rhone Valley variant

The most beautiful routes of the Swiss Alps Impressive stone dams, breath-taking rides through passe...
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The most beautiful routes in the Swiss Alps

Impressive stone dams, breathtaking rides through passes and idyllic Valais villages – surrounded by the most beautiful and highest mountain peaks in the Swiss Alps, cycling dreams come true in Valais. Starting from Leuk, discover the Pfyn-Finges nature park and the wonderful Moosalp. One highlight follows another in Valais.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Leuk | Round tour into the Turtmann Valley

First leisurely along the Rhone until the roofs of Sierre come into view. Now it becomes sporty. You cycle through the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park up to Oberems and then follow the long Turtmann Valley. Afterwards, you will descend again in a relaxed manner into the Rhone valley, before a final ascent to Leuk completes today's tour.

approx. 85 km / 2'105 m ascent / 2'105 m descent

Day 2: Leuk – Moosalp – Brig

The ride from Leuk to Brig could be very easy – but it is not. You soon leave the Rhone cycling path, to climb up the serpentine road to Moosalp. Enjoy the view and take deep breaths at the top: the descent to Stalden is going to rob your breath soon. You then pass saffron-growing village of Mund to reach Brig.

approx. 65 km / 1'545 m ascent / 1'610 m descent

Day 3: Round tour of the Gibidum reservoir

You can rest your tired legs some today. A ride brings you high up to the Gibidum reservoir. The imposing stoned dam is at the foot of the Aletsch glacier directly above the Massa gorge.

approx. 25 km / 830 m ascent / 830 m descent

Day 4: Departure or individual extension

Tour characteristic

A unique scenery awaits you in Valais. Surrounded by the highest peaks of the Alps, you will visit some of the most famous valleys and passes of Switzerland. You will ride on asphalt roads throughout your journey. Some traffic must be taken into account near town and city centers.

All cycling routes on visitvalais.ch:

https://www.valais.ch/en/activities/road-cycling/routes

What’s included:

  • 3 overnight stays including breakfast

  • Daily luggage transfers

  • Carefully elaborated route description

  • Detailed travel documentations (1 x per room)

  • GPS-data available

  • Service hotline

Not included :

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price

Option of additional nights - booking after your payment (you will be contacted by our booking team):

  • Leuk (Susten): CHF 89.- (per person in double room)

  • Single room surcharge: CHF 35.-

Road bike hire option - booking after your payment (you will be contacted by our booking team):

  • Road bike: CHF 249.-

Cancellation conditions:

  • Up to 29 days before start of the trip: 20%

  • 28 – 15 days before start of the trip: 50%

  • 14 – 08 days before start of the trip: 70%

  • 07 – 1 days before start of the trip: 90%

  • 0 day before start of the trip / No–show: 100%

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Show elevation profile

Turn-by-turn directions

Less than ten kilometres separate Naters and the Gibidum Dam, but this steep ascent is far from easy! In the first few kilometres you can admire the view over the valley between the cities of Brig and Visp and see in the distance the beginning of the Goms Valley. The terrain suddenly becomes enclosed and steep towards the village of Blatten, surrounded by pristine nature with a backdrop of high mountains that catch the eye at every turn. Arriving in Blatten, you can catch your breath over a few 100 metres of easier slopes before the climb continues between the trees before heading off at the junction to the left. The last ramp is quite tough but will lead you to an observation bridge where you can view the Gibidum Dam and its lake oscillating in blue and grey. At the very end we can catch a glimpse of the majesty of the Aletsch Arena.

Start: Naters (671 m)
Destination: Gibidum Dam (1474 m)

Author's recommendation

After the effort, make a detour to the Brigerbad and relax in the warm thermal water or the sauna area. 

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1484 m 672 m

  • Ascent

    812 m

  • Descent

    10 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 4.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5.0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest

Public transport

Frequent train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig. Take the northern exit of the train station and cross the Rhone bridge to arrive directly at the village of Naters.

Approach

Coming from Sierre: follow route 9 until Brig.

Parking

Parking at the train station in Brig. Follow the local car park routeing in Brig.

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1289 Brig / 1269 Aletschgletscher