Hikes

Bortelhütte

Bortelhütte

Rosswald

A varied hike from Rosswald to the Bortel and down to Berisal. The start and end points are easily accessible by public transport.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

10.98 km

Duration

3:45 h

Description

The route to the Bortelhütte leads you through very different landscapes. From Rosswald, which is conveniently accessible by cable car, the path gains altitude on the way to Bortelalp and leaves the noise and hustle of the city further and further behind. From the car-free sunny terrace at Simplon, the path winds past larch forests over alpine pastures with grazing sheep and ascends in steps up to the Bortelhütte. Now a generous view opens over the Ganter valley, the Ganter bridge, and the Glishorn.

Take your time and enjoy the hike to the Bortelhütte on the Alpine pass route. Here you find our offer hut hike.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Ried-Brig you take the cable car to Rosswald, where the hiking route crosses the central parking lot. The alp is closed to car traffic. The route then follows along the "Bergwasser" channel to the Stafelalp. There the path slopes down to the right and requires sure footing. From Stafel you follow the signs towards Bortelalp. After about one kilometer, those who are not afraid of heights can take the path to the right and hike above the channel into the Steinutal valley. Those who do not dare should better take the left fork and reach Steinutal via the slope of Seewjistafel. However, this variant takes 40 to 60 minutes longer. From Steinutal you go up to the Steinuchäller and continue on the hiking path to the Bortelhütte. After a well-deserved rest in the hut, you descend to Berisal.

Start

Rosswald, 1,819 m (1823m)

Destination

Berisal 1,525 m (1520m)

Author's recommendation

The Bortelhütte is located on the Alpine pass route between Rosswald and the Simplon Pass. It is worth spending a night here and enjoying the sunset in the mountain hut.

Technical information

Altitude

2110m

1521m

Ascent

+535m

Descent

-835m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From Brig train station, take the post bus to Ried-Brig valley station. Take the cable car up to Rosswald to the starting point of the hike heading towards the Bortelhütte. At the destination, you can take the post bus again, which takes you back to the train station in Brig.

Approach

It is worthwhile to switch to public transport in Brig (see description of public transport access).

Parking

We recommend parking your car in Brig. Brig has two parking garages.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking route (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

People undertaking this activity based on the information on this website do so at their own risk. Conditions on site may lead to route changes and increased danger from natural hazards. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information on this website or for the conditions under which this activity is conducted. If in doubt, please contact the destination in advance.

For all hikes:

• Always carry a map. Download the complete description of the hiking route with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.

• Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signs and instructions—for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.

• Close gates after passing through.

• Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

• Carry additional sunscreen. UV rays at high altitude can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.

• Plan your hike carefully: take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.

• Weather conditions can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

• Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid hiking alone if possible.

• Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.

• Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Preparation for a hike

https://www.valais.ch/de/aktivitaeten/wandern/vorbereitung-auf-einewanderung

Additional information

Further information is available at the tourism offices in Rosswald (in the Magusii grocery store) and Brig.

Literature

Books and documents about the Alpe Rosswald, the Ganter valley, and the history of the region at the Simplon are available at the tourism office in Brig.

Maps

You can get the SwissTopo hiking map "Simplon" at the tourism offices in Brig and Rosswald.

Source

This activity is brought to you by Brig Simplon Tourismus AG. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

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