Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 18/43

Panoramic tour to Bistinepass: glaciated mountains above the Simplon, the Bernese Alps to the north. From little Fulmoossee lake along the water channel to Gebidumpass. View of Mischabel mountains with Switzerland’s highest peak, the 4545m Dom.

The approximately 23-kilometre mountain hike begins directly at the Simplon Hospiz bus stop. After a short opening section on an easy hiking trail, the mountain path climbs across open slopes to the Bistinepass at 2,416 m. Rocky terrain then characterises the remainder of the ascent.

Just over a third of the way along, the highest point is reached near the Galehorn at around 2,500 m. The route now leads into the Nanztal, initially descending, then continuing through alpine pastures and occasional woodland in a long succession of ascents and descents. For long stretches, the mountain path traverses open, rocky slopes.

In the final third, the mountain path climbs once more to the 2,201 m Gibidumpass, which connects the Nanztal with the Vispertal. The Gibidumsee lies a few hundred metres away in a small hollow. From the pass, the long final descent leads across open slopes and through woodland to the first houses of Gspon. After just over seven hours, the hike ends directly at the mountain station.