ViaStockalper, Stage 3/3

This gently descending stage leads along vast meadows, through wooded steep slopes, past vertical rock faces and rushing streams. The stone slabs of the old mule track, a 350-metre-long tunnel and three traffic routes, some of which run one above the other, make the Gondo gorge into a real adventure.

The hike begins at the Simplon Dorf, Post stop, already at the highest point of the route at just under 1,500 m. The path leads through the village and directly past the Church of St. Gotthard. The houses are soon left behind, with open meadows accompanying the gentle descent to Gabi.

The yellow-marked hiking trail then heads increasingly into the forest. Short uphill sections interrupt the long descent, while rocky slopes repeatedly come into view between the trees. Around the midpoint of the hike, the route passes the ruins of the Stockalperturm. The path then continues down the valley, now running for long stretches through shady forest and increasingly steep terrain.

After around nine kilometres and just over two and a half hours, Gondo is reached. The hike ends in the village by the Stockalperturm; the Gondo, Kirche stop is only a few steps away. Overall, the modest ascent is offset by around 760 metres of descent.