Hikes

Massaweg from Blatten near Naters to Mörel

Holzbrücke die einen kleinen Bach überquert

Blatten Belalp

0/9°

Closed

Exciting hike through the dramatic Massa Gorge and across meadows with views of the Rhone Valley. The path runs along a historic irrigation channel and was designed as a themed trail around the topic of water.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

7.99 km

Duration

3:00 h
Riederi-Suone.
Holzbrücke die einen kleinen Bach überquert
Holzbrücke die einen kleinen Bach überquert
Waldabschnitt auf dem ersten Teil der Wanderung
Waldabschnitt auf dem ersten Teil der Wanderung
Wegweiser
Wegweiser

Description

The Massa Gorge was formed by the activity of the Great Aletsch Glacier. The ice carved this gorge into the rock a long time ago – since then the canyon has been further shaped by the glacial water. From inside the gorge, one can no longer see the mightiest glacier of the Alps. This glacier, measuring 23 km in length and containing 27 billion tons of ice, forms the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. 

The dizzying gorge is the highlight of this hike and follows the historic Riederi irrigation channel. This channel was first mentioned in historical documents in 1385 and carried meltwater from the glacier to the fields near Ried-Mörel. The Riederi is no longer operational, but the path follows the channel's course, which was painstakingly carved into the rock. These sections make the hike an adventurous experience recommended only for those free of vertigo.

The hike starts in Blatten near Naters and climbs in the forest up to the Gibidum Bridge. Once on the other side of the Massa, the path sharply turns south. First it follows the gorge downward on a newly blasted, airy path high above the impressive Massa Gorge, before branching northwest towards the Rhone Valley. Here hikers roam through forests and pastures until they reach Ried-Mörel.

The section along the Riederi was designed as an experiential trail around the theme of water. The historic methods of transporting water along slopes to the fields are similarly used in Nepal. Information panels (in German and French) explain the similarities of the two traditions, highlight the extraordinary effort for construction and maintenance, and let you discover the customs and myths linked to this tradition.

Highlights of the hike

  • Varied hike through forests, through the spectacular gorge and over meadows with breathtaking views.
  • Short ascent at the start of the hike. Afterwards, it runs pleasantly flat – however, being free of vertigo is a must.
  • Experiential trail about water usage in Valais and Nepal

Turn-by-turn directions

The route is signposted as “Massaweg” and starts in Blatten near Naters. The themed path itself follows the signs “Water connects”.

The easiest way from the end point back to the valley floor is via the gondola lift from Ried-Mörel to Mörel Station. This last section can also be done on foot.

Start

Blatten near Naters (1354m)

Destination

Ried-Mörel (1192m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Buy the combined ticket from Postauto Wallis and use the Postbus from Brig to Blatten, the gondola lift from Ried-Mörel to Mörel, and the Matterhorn Gotthard railway from Mörel to Brig at discounted prices.

Technical information

Altitude

1453m

1190m

Ascent

+101m

Descent

-263m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then Postbus to Blatten near Naters. At the end of the hike, take the gondola lift from Ried-Mörel to Mörel and then the Matterhorn Gotthard railway back to Brig. Timetables for trains and Postbuses can be found at sbb.ch. 

Approach

Motorway A9 to Brig, then follow the signs to Naters and further to Blatten near Naters. Since the hike ends in Ried-Mörel, using public transportation from Brig is recommended.

Parking

Parking available at the mountain railways at the start and end points of the hike. Since the hike ends in Ried-Mörel, using public transportation from Brig is recommended.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Walking sticks (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking trail (click “Print” to download) 

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. To ensure everyone can benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is always at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail 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 out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other path users, plants, and animals.  

For mountain hikes: 

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
  • Plan your hike carefully: Take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Suitable clothing and enough provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it's better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid being alone.
  • 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.

Right on the trail

Preparing for a hike

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism offices in Blatten as well as in the Aletsch Arena provide you with informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination. 

Maps

SwissTopo map 1:25,000: 1269 Aletsch Glacier and 1289 Brig

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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