Simplonpass Trail
Overview
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Distance 4 km
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Duration 2 h 15 min
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Ascent 240 m
Intro
The high plateau surrounding the Simplon pass, lined with snow-covered larches and frozen lakes, is ideal for snowshoe tours. From the pass road, the trail leads across the plateau formed by glaciers, past scattered alpine settlements, always with the impressive panorama of the peaks as a backdrop.
Description
The Simplon pass links the Valais from Brig with the Val Divedro and Domodossola in Italy. The first road over the pass was built as early as Roman times. Throughout the centuries, the Simplon developed into one of the most important trade routes, witnessing both periods of prosperity and decline. In 1800, Napoleon ordered the construction of the first fortified pass road. At that time, it was the fastest connection between Paris and Milan.
Today, the pass road, which largely follows the course of the Napoleonic road, is open to traffic all year round and serves as the starting point for this snowshoe hike. The trail begins shortly after the Monte Leone Hotel and winds its way across the snow-covered high plateau. Every now and then you pass small frozen lakes nestling in hollows once sculpted by the glaciers.
In order to avoid the steps in the rocks, the trail leads slightly uphill. At 2,106 metres, the highest point of the hike is reached and you look back at the pass road and the Simplon hospice. The Hübschhorn, the Breithorn and the mighty Monte Leone peak rise in the background.
The trail loops around the Hopschu lake which nestles in the middle of a protected high moorland landscape and is home to a rich aquatic fauna. In summer, unique fish species, rare insects and frogs can be discovered here. Shortly afterwards, you approach the ominous-looking Simplon eagle watching over the pass. The eight-metre-high stone monument commemorates the time of the border occupation during the Second World War.
Crossing the pass road, you reach the Simplon hospice. Its construction was started in 1801 on Napoleon's orders and not completed until 30 years later by Augustinian canons. They still run the house today and hold daily mass in the chapel. The building is also open to visitors who want to stop in or spend the night.
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 |
Simplon, Hospiz
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Simplon, Hospiz
|
| Ascent |
240 m
|
| Descent |
240 m
|
| Distance |
4 km
|
| Duration |
2 h 15 min
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
December - March
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, To an alp
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
Brig Simplon Tourismus AG
Bahnhofstrasse 2
3900
Brig
Quick Facts
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