Birgisch

Birgisch lies at 1,080 metres above sea level and belongs to the municipality of Naters. Originally there were two municipalities: Unterbirgisch, first mentioned in 1320 and part of the Gumperschaft Naters, and Oberbirgisch, which made up an eighth of the Gumperschaft Mund. Both municipalities shared forests, commons and alps, which led to close cooperation.

Until the 1950s, Birgisch was only accessible via a mule track from Naters. Between 1955 and 1973, a cable car connected the village with the outside world. Today, Birgisch is accessible all year round via a road from Brig-Naters, and regular bus connections make access easier.

A walk through the old village of Birgisch takes you past traditional Valais wooden houses, most of which were built from larch wood. Typical of the region are also the "Spycher", granaries standing on pillars that were once used to store food.

The chapel of St. Anthony, mentioned as early as the 17th century, forms the religious centre of the village. It bears witness to the deeply rooted spiritual tradition of the village community.

The surrounding nature invites you to hike along historic irrigation channels, known as Suonen. These canals, fed by glacial streams, once made it possible to cultivate the steep slopes and are today a testimony to traditional water management.

Birgisch offers a harmonious combination of history, culture and nature. Whether exploring the old alleyways or hiking through the impressive landscape, the village invites visitors to linger.