- 0:35 h
- 1.79 km
- 101 m
- 100 m
- 680 m
- 781 m
- 101 m
- Start: Naters, Marktplatz
- Destination: Naters, Marktplatz
The Way of the Cross begins at the cemetery in Naters and winds up the wooded slope to the Maria Hilf prayer chapel. Along the way, there are 14 small chapels with slate roofs. Inside are neo-Gothic figurines depicting the Passion of Jesus – from the condemnation by Pontius Pilate to the crucifixion and burial – impressively portrayed.
The Way of the Cross originated from the restoration of the parish church between 1977 and 1980. During these works, the monument protection authority ordered the removal of the neo-Gothic Way of the Cross from 1898, which originally stood inside the church.
Since many believers did not support this decision, the idea arose to set up the 14 stations outdoors – from the cemetery up to the chapel. The project was carried out in 1982 and 1983 under the direction of the parish council. In about 10,000 hours of voluntary work, 240 volunteers created today’s Way of the Cross.
The short circular hike also leads through the historic village center of Naters, past numerous listed buildings and picturesque squares.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The Way of the Cross begins at the cemetery in Naters and winds up the wooded slope to the Maria Hilf prayer chapel. Along the way are 14 small chapels with slate roofs. Inside are neo-Gothic figurines that vividly depict the Passion of Jesus – from the condemnation by Pontius Pilate to the crucifixion and burial.
The Way of the Cross owes its origin to the restoration of the parish church between 1977 and 1980. During these works, the monument protection authority decided to remove the Way of the Cross from 1898 from inside the church.
Since many believers did not support this decision, the idea arose to set up the 14 stations outdoors – from the cemetery up to the chapel. In 1982 and 1983, the project was implemented under the direction of the parish council. In about 10,000 hours of voluntary work, 240 volunteers created today’s Way of the Cross.
The short circular hike also leads through the historic village center of Naters, past numerous listed buildings and picturesque squares.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Loop Road
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, sun and rain protection, as well as sufficient food and drinks are recommended in case there are no dining or shopping options available or open. Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map. Take poles or other aids with you.
Directions & Parking facilities
Access by car
From Western Switzerland: A9 Lausanne - Vevey, or Northwestern Switzerland: A12 Bern - Vevey: A9 - Sierre: Main road Sierre - Brig
From Northwestern Switzerland: A6 Bern - Thun - Spiez: Main road Spiez - Kandersteg (car shuttle Lötschberg tunnel) - Goppenstein - Gampel - Brig
From Eastern and Central Switzerland: Andermatt - Realp (year-round car shuttle Furka; in summer via Furka pass) - Oberwald - Brig
From Ticino (in summer): Airolo - Nufenen pass - Ulrichen – Brig
Or via Centovalli – Domodossola – Simplon pass – Brig
From Italy (Aosta, Mt. Blanc Tunnel): Aosta - Grand Saint Bernard tunnel (in summer over the pass) - Martigny: Highway A9 - Sierre: Main road Sierre – Brig
Or via Domodossola – Simplon pass – Brig
In both Naters and Brig, several paid parking lots and parking garages are available to you.
Take the post bus or local bus (line 1) from Brig to Naters Marktplatz and start your route from there.
You can also walk directly from Brig through Naters to start your route.
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Enjoy the silence and atmosphere of this place of power.
Safety guidelines
Despite the “impossible to lose your way” marking of the hiking trails, we recommend always carrying an appropriate hiking map for safety reasons, so that, for example, you can quickly find a safe area in case of a thunderstorm or emergency.
Especially in autumn, pay attention that leaves lying on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After storms, trees can still fall or branches drop. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections. You should expect such trail impairments when you undertake a hike.
Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Sure-footedness is sometimes required. If you think certain trail sections are not passable for you, you should avoid them.
Nearby
