The Massa Trail leads you from Blatten bei Naters via the Blattnerschliecht forest to Gragg and from here along the former Suone Riederi, which was first mentioned in 1385, to Ried-Mörel. The steepest cliff face, around which six long canals led at dizzying heights until the end of the 1930s, is now bypassed by a short tunnel. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Alps.
Massaweg
- medium
- 8,65 km
- 2 hours 45 minutes
- 196 m
- 355 m
- start: Blatten bei Naters, valley station (1332 m)
- destination: Ried-Mörel village - gondola lift
Best Season
Good to know
In Blatten bei Naters, cross the village and hike through the Blattnerschliecht to the Gibidum bridge and follow the Massaweg signs. Via Gragg you reach the Suone Riederi and follow its route on a blasted, airy path above the impressive Massa Gorge. After about 3 hours you reach Ried-Mörel. Here you can board the gondola lift to Mörel. In Mörel you cross the main road and take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Brig.
On the Massaweg you have the option of leaving the trail earlier. For example, you can leave the trail at Ebnet and walk to Bitsch. From Bitsch you can walk the Red Mile through Naters towards Brig.
Blatten bei Naters - Massa - Gragg - Steischlag - Schwarzes-Flesch - Rischwald - Roti Flue - Ried-Mörel
Despite the " impossible to miss " markings of the hiking trails, we recommend for safety reasons to always have an appropriate hiking map with you, so that you can quickly find your way to a safe area in case of a thunderstorm or an emergency, for example.
Especially in autumn, you should also be aware that leaves lying on the ground can hide bumps, roots, stones or holes in the path. After storms, trees can still fall over or branches can fall down. Especially in adverse weather conditions, muddy and slippery passages can occur on natural paths. You have to expect this kind of path impairment when you go on a hike.
Not all rocks or precipices are secured with ropes or railings. In some cases surefootedness is required. If you are of the opinion that certain sections of the trail are not passable for you, you should avoid them.
Sturdy shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, sun and rain protection, as well as sufficient supplies of food and drinks, should there be no refreshment stops or shopping facilities available or open. Although the trail is very well marked throughout, you should always have a suitable hiking map with you for safety reasons. Take sticks or other aids with you.
Along the path there are several information boards on the theme "Water connects". For example, one learns that similar methods are used in Nepal to transport water along slopes to the fields. The information boards explain the similarities between the two traditions and give insight into the customs and myths surrounding this tradition.
Arrival by car
From western Switzerland: A9 Lausanne - Vevey, or north-western Switzerland: A12 Bern - Vevey: A9 - Sierre: main road Sierre - Brig
From north-western Switzerland: A6 Berne - Thun - Spiez: main road Spiez - Kandersteg (Lötschberg tunnel car transport) - Goppenstein - Gampel - Brig
From eastern and central Switzerland: Andermatt - Realp (year-round Furka car transport; in summer via Furka Pass) - Oberwald - Brig
From Ticino (in summer): Airolo - Nufenenpass - Ulrichen - Brig
Or via Centovalli - Domodossola - Simplonpass - Brig
From Italy (Aosta, Mt. Blanc Tunnel): Aosta - Grand Saint Bernard tunnel (over the pass in summer) - Martigny: A9 motorway - Sierre: Sierre - Brig main road.
Or via Domodossola - Simplon Pass - Brig
Blatten bei Naters
From Brig you can reach Blatten bei Naters via Naters, then take the cable car to the car-free Belalp.
Paid parking is available at Chienzlichrommu and in the underground car park in Blatten bei Naters.
You can find more info at:
Blatten bei Naters can be reached by public transport from Brig or Naters.
You can find the timetable and further information on how to get there at: www.belalp.ch
If you have any questions, please contact:
Belalp Bahnen AG
Blatten - Belalp Tourismus AG
Blatten bei Naters, valley station (1332 m)
Ried-Mörel village - gondola lift