Saas-Balen–Stalden Bike
Overview
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Distance 12 km
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Ascent 140 m
Intro
This pleasant and varied trail leads from Saas-Balen along ancient paths through the lower Saas Valley, showing the rugged valley entrance from a different perspective. Old hamlets and thundering waterfalls give the trail a particular authenticity.
Description
The route begins in Saas-Balen and leads along the old mule track down the valley to Stalden. With its much-travelled alpine crossings, the Saas Valley was vital from a transport policy perspective as early as the Middle Ages. At the time, the first tourists arrived in the Saas Valley on the old valley path between Stalden and Macugnaga in Italy.
Off the main road, you follow the rushing Saas Vispa and cross the scattered hamlets of Ze Briggiltinu, Zen-Eisten and Raftgarten. The impressions of the glacier valley with its thundering waterfalls and deep gorge are fantastic. Many of the authentic hamlets aren't visible from the road, and you get to know the vibrant side of the rough and rocky valley entrance.
During the descent, spectacular views of the Bietschhorn beckon. It's worth looking back once – behind you are the imposing four-thousand-metre peaks of the Saas Valley. In addition to stunning natural sites, the route also has a lot to offer in terms of history. Between the hamlets of Bodenbrücke and Ahorn, you catch sight of Hüetegga, the birthplace of mountain guide pioneer Alexander Burgener. The Saas-native climber is credited with around 46 first ascents in the Alps.
Shortly before Stalden, you pass the almost 500-year-old Chi Bridge, used by all mule and tourist traffic at the time. Once you arrive in Stalden, you can end the day in style or discover more adventures in the region on Mountainbikeland routes no. 41, Valais Alpine Bike or no. 150, Visp-Zermatt Bike.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Saas-Balen
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Stalden
|
| Ascent |
140 m
|
| Descent |
820 m
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| Distance |
12 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
5 km
|
| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
7 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in one direction
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switz... |
Quick Facts
Route number
