Cycling routes
Gibidum – Dam Trophy
Brig
1/11°
The Gibidum dam is perhaps the least known of all the Valais dams, but the route there is definitely worth it due to the surprising landscapes!
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
10.68 kmDuration
2:00 h
Description
Already in the first few hundred meters from Naters, it becomes clear that the ascent to the Gibidum dam is quite steep. After only a few meters of elevation, you can see the town of Brig further below and the Simplon pass road on the opposite side of the valley. After a few kilometers, you pass the junction to Mund, known for its saffron fields. Below Blatten, the road turns into a winding climb that will challenge you quite a bit. The enchanting view of the green mountain slopes crossed by streams will compensate you for the effort. After the village of Blatten, the narrowing road leads you to the Gibidum reservoir.
Turn-by-turn directions
From Naters to the Gibidum dam is less than ten kilometers – but it is quite challenging! In the first few kilometers, you can enjoy the view of the Rhone Valley between the towns of Brig and Visp and part of the Goms. Carved into the rugged terrain, the road winds through untouched nature amidst a unique mountain backdrop that will amaze you anew after every curve. After arriving in Blatten, the route becomes less steep and you can catch your breath before the road climbs again between the fir trees and finally turns left. The last ascent is very steep and takes you to a viewing platform from which you can admire the Gibidum dam and its bluish-gray shimmering lake. Further beyond, the majestic Aletsch Arena can be glimpsed.
Start
Naters (671m)
Destination
Gibidum reservoir (1474m)
Author's recommendation
After the effort, take a detour to the Brigerbad and relax in the warm thermal water or the sauna area.
Technical information
Altitude
1484m
672m
Ascent
+812m
Descent
-10m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then use the north exit of the station and cross the Rhone bridge to reach Naters.
Approach
From Sierre, follow Route 9 to Brig.
Parking
SBB parking at the station in Brig. Follow the local parking guidance system in Brig.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
