Gondo Gorge
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
Follow the Stockalperweg through the Gondo Gorge south of the Simplon Pass. Over metal walkways and galleries, the historic transport route takes you past a Napoleonic barracks and through the tunnels of a fortress.
The Gondo Gorge at a glance
The Gondo Gorge is located south of the Simplon Pass in Valais, between Gabi and the border town of Gondo. The Doveria flows through the narrow rocky gorge. The path is part of the historic Stockalper Trail, which Kaspar von Stockalper laid out in the 17th century as a trade route from Brig to Domodossola in Italy.
What to experience
Hiking through the gorge (3 hours)
From Gabi, the path descends into the gorge. Over passerelles, footbridges and galleries of the national road, it winds its way high above the Doveria through narrow rocky passages. Below you, the river rushes in narrow channels, rock walls rise above you. Parts of the trail date back to the time when the Alps were crossed by mules and donkeys.
- Good to know: There is a risk of falling rocks in some sections, go through quickly.
- Tip: For spectacular views, be sure to hike from Gabi to Gondo, not the other way around.
Visit the Old Barracks Museum (15-30 minutes)
At the northern entrance of the gorge, you will enter the barracks built in 1805 from the Napoleonic era. Inside, a freely accessible exhibition shows you the history of traffic on the Simplon, from the Romans to Stockalper and Napoleon to today's national road.
- Good to know: Admission to the exhibition is free.
- Tip: The PostBus stops at the barracks, so you can shorten the hike.
Crossing Fort Gondo in the tunnel (5-10 minutes)
At the narrowest point of the gorge is Fort Gondo. The fortress from the 19th century was further expanded during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. It protected the crossing into Switzerland over the Simplon Pass against attacks from the south. The hiking trail leads you through 2 illuminated tunnels of the facility, a total of 350 meters long.
- Good to know: If the hiking trail is closed, the gates of the tunnels are also locked.
- Tip: Book a group tour and be shown the inside of the fortress.
General information
| Season |
June - October
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| Accessibility |
Not accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Brig Simplon Tourismus
Bahnhofsstrasse 2
3900
Brig
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)27 921 60 30
info@brig-simplon.ch
brig-simplon.ch
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