Hikes

Discovering Binntal Landscape Park: Imfeld – Mässersee – Binn

Binn

0/9°

Loop through the Binntal valley, famous for its glorious scenery, wealth of minerals and time-warp historical villages. The gem at the heart of the Binntal Landscape Park.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

9.44 km

Duration

3:45 h

Aussicht auf den Landschaftspark Binntal

Description

At the heart of the Binntal Landscape Park is the Sleeping Beauty that gave the reserve its name: the Binntal valley. Until just half a century ago, the valley was cut off from the outside world every winter by snow. Construction of a road tunnel in 1965 enabled year-round access, but the valley has retained its timeless appeal.

The Binntal first became famous for its wealth of minerals. More than 200 have been discovered in the valley, of which more than 100 alone in the world-famous Lengenbach mineral quarry. Our hike begins by the fascinating geological trail that leads from the village of Imfeld (also known as Fäld) to the gates of this quarry. Outside, hikers can search for fool’s gold (iron pyrites) in the snow-white dolomite marble.

From the quarry, the trail traces a sweeping loop across the slopes on the southern side of the valley, to take in several of the landscapes and ecological habitats that make the park so special. The path first climbs steeply to the idyllic mountain lake of Mässersee, before dropping to the lush meadows of Manibode: a wonderfully peaceful spot with its lattice of streams, reddish boulders and flowering alpenrose, all framed by mountains. The trail then leaves this suspended high valley to traverse fragrant forests of pine on a steady descent to the village of Binn.

The Binntal’s reputation as the “Valley of hidden treasures” is also due to its charming historical villages, beautifully preserved. Binn won the Heimatschutzpreis conservation prize in 1992, while Imfeld was the first place in Switzerland to win the medal of the Archicultura Foundation in 1998 for its harmonious appearance. Binn is home to the valley’s only hotel, the Ofenhorn, a belle epoque gem opened in 1883 and lovingly restored over recent years.

Highlights

Wild scenery of the Binntal Landscape Park: forest, lakes, mountain streams and sweeping views
Geological trail, chance to find minerals and crystals
Beautifully preserved historical villages

Turn-by-turn directions

From Imfeld, the route crosses the river Binna to head up to the Lengenbach quarry, initially following the road before diverting along a more direct footpath. The geological trail, by contrast, follows the lane all the way to the quarry. Along the way, hikers can get to know the valley’s rocks with the help of hand lenses and even play a musical instrument of stone.

From the quarry, the trail climbs steadily up to Schäre at an altitude of nearly 2,000m, before following a loop up to the Mässersee lake and the Manibode meadows. Back at Schäre, the route does not return along the ascent path but turns sharp left in order to lead down through the forests to Binn.

Start

Imfeld (1517m)

Destination

Binn (1400m)

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Author's recommendation

Call in at the fascinating Binn regional museum (minerals, archaeology, local history), housed in a former annex of the Hotel Ofenhorn.

Technical information

Altitude

2167m

1400m

Ascent

+649m

Descent

-767m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Train to Fiesch (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), change on to postal bus to Binn. Here, change on to Bus Alpin to Imfeld.

For train and postal bus times, see: sbb.ch ; for details of Bus Alpin services and summer timetable (mid-June to mid-October), see: busalpin.ch

Approach

A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley to Lax; shortly after, turn right and follows signs for Ernen / Binn / Imfeld. Park at either the start of finish of the walk, and use the Bus Alpin to complete the loop.

Parking

Large car parks just outside the villages of Binn and Imfeld.

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Best practice guidelines

Preparing your hike