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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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Saas-Balen
Destination
Stalden
Ascent
150 m
Descent
840 m
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

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Contact

Saastal Tourismus AG
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906  Saas-Fee

Phone  +41 (0)27 958 18 58
info@saas-fee.ch
saas-fee.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 167

Distance

12 km

Ascent

150 m

Travel information: Saas-Balen

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