ViaStockalper, Stage 2/3

A gentle descent through larch forests leads southwards from the barren, rocky high plateau on the Simplon pass with its many small lakes. Dry stone walls and the Chrummbach stream line the path. Numerous stone buildings that once provided shelter or retreat for travellers tell of the valley's history.

The hike begins at the Simplon Pass, Simplonblick stop. The highest point of the route is also on the Simplonpass, at around 2,000 m. The yellow-marked hiking trail initially descends gently through the open pass landscape. It soon passes Restaurant Monte Leone, after which meadows and pastures shape the descent.

With only a few short uphill sections, the route steadily loses elevation. It continues via Niederalp to Engiloch, which lies roughly halfway along the route. The small settlements add variety to the expansive landscape. Farther down, patches of woodland increasingly replace the open pastures. The consistently waymarked hiking trail remains pleasant underfoot and allows for a steady pace.

Towards the end, the trail approaches the valley floor via further clusters of houses. After around nine kilometres and just over two hours, Simplon Dorf is reached, some 600 metres below the starting point. From here, the Simplon Dorf, Post stop is only a few minutes’ walk away.