MASSAWEG
- 2:45 h
- 8.65 km
- 196 m
- 355 m
- 1,174 m
- 1,446 m
- Difficulty: medium
- Start: Blatten bei Naters, valley station (1332 m)
- Destination: Ried-Mörel village - gondola
The Massaweg remains closed until further notice due to the consequences of the forest fire in the Riederwald in summer 2023.
You can get detailed information from the municipality of Bitsch.
The Massaweg leads you from Blatten bei Naters via the Blattnerschliecht forest to Gragg and from here along the former Suone Riederi, first mentioned in 1385, to Ried-Mörel. The steepest rock face around which, until the end of the 1930s, six long channels led at dizzying heights is now bypassed by a short tunnel. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Alps here.
Good to know
Directions
In Blatten bei Naters, you cross the village and hike through the Blattnerschliecht to the Gibidum bridge and follow the Massaweg signage. Via Gragg, you reach the Suone Riederi and follow its route along a blasted, airy path above the impressive Massa gorge. After about 3 hours, you reach Ried-Mörel. Here you can take the gondola to Mörel. In Mörel, you cross the main road and take the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway to Brig.
On the Massaweg, you have the option to leave the trail earlier. For example, you can leave the path at Ebnet and walk to Bitsch. From Bitsch, you can walk the Rote Meile through Naters towards Brig.
Blatten bei Naters - Massa - Gragg - Steischlag - Schwarzes-Flesch - Rischwald - Roti Flue - Ried-Mörel
Safety guidelines
Especially in autumn, attention must be paid to the ground leaves that can cover unevenness, roots, stones or holes in the path. Trees can still fall or branches fall after storms. Particularly in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections. You must expect such path impairments when undertaking a hike.
Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is partly required. If you consider certain sections of the path impassable, you should avoid them.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Stop at an Inn
Best to visit
Pavements
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, sun and rain protection, as well as sufficient supplies of food and drink are recommended, should no inns or shops be available or open. Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map. Bring poles or other aids.
Directions & Parking facilities
Arrival 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 via the pass) - Martigny: Motorway A9 - Sierre: Main Road Sierre – Brig
Or via Domodossola – Simplon Pass – Brig
Blatten bei Naters
From Brig, you reach Blatten bei Naters via Naters.
Paid parking spaces are available at Chienzlichrommu and in the parking garage in Blatten bei Naters.
Further information can be found at:
Blatten bei Naters is accessible by public transport from Brig or Naters.
Timetables and further travel information can be found at: www.belalp.ch
Additional information
If you have any questions, please contact:
Belalp Bahnen AG
Blatten - Belalp Tourismus AG
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Along the path, there are several information boards on the theme "Water connects." For example, you learn that similar methods are used in Nepal to transport water along slopes to fields. The boards explain the similarities of the two traditions and provide insights into customs and myths surrounding this tradition.