The Nessel loop trail takes you through alpine meadows, fields of blueberries and along the Nessjeri Suone (ancient irrigation channel) to Nesselalp. It is well worth taking a few minutes to take in the breath-taking panorama with the 18th century Maria of the Snow chapel in the foreground. From Nesselalp, the trail leads you over rock slabs and tree roots. As of Chittumatte, the trail gets stonier and dustier as you approach Birgisch. Advanced biking skills are required for the route between Belalp and Birgisch.
- medium
- 11,50 km
- 55 minutes
- 66 m
- 1070 m
- start: Mountain station of the cable car on Belalp (2100m)
- destination: Birgisch car park (1093m)
Best Season
Good to know
- Cultural Interesting
- Stop at an Inn
Mountain station of the cable car on Belalp (2100m)
Birgisch car park (1093m)
The route is indicated by red signposts. An easy descent on a gravel road from the cable car mountain station takes you to the Kelchbach cable car and chair lift facilities. Follow the signs to reach Unner Staful on the Bäll alpine pasture. From there, cross the bridge over the Kelchbach river to rejoin the panoramic Nesselalp trail. Once you reach Nessel, you’ll pass in front of a small, rustic chapel before making your way down towards Birgisch. The path leading to Birgisch is fairly steep, but nonetheless easy to tackle. From Oberbrigisch, there are a number of possible routes for continuing towards Birgisch, Mund, Naters or Brig.
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing
through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
We recommend bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the
weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Take a break in Nesselalp, which offers a spectacular view of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding peaks, before making the descent to Birgisch.
Arrival by car
From western Switzerland: A9 Lausanne - Vevey, or north-western Switzerland: A12 Bern - Vevey: A9 - Sierre: main road Sierre - Brig
From north-western Switzerland: A6 Berne - Thun - Spiez: main road Spiez - Kandersteg (Lötschberg tunnel car transport) - Goppenstein - Gampel - Brig
From eastern and central Switzerland: Andermatt - Realp (year-round Furka car transport; in summer via Furka Pass) - Oberwald - Brig
From Ticino (in summer): Airolo - Nufenenpass - Ulrichen - Brig
Or via Centovalli - Domodossola - Simplonpass - Brig
From Italy (Aosta, Mt. Blanc Tunnel): Aosta - Grand Saint Bernard tunnel (over the pass in summer) - Martigny: A9 motorway - Sierre: Sierre - Brig main road.
Or via Domodossola - Simplon Pass - Brig
Blatten bei Naters
From Brig you can reach Blatten bei Naters via Naters, then take the cable car to the car-free Belalp.
Paid parking is available in the Chienzlichrommu and in the multi-storey car park in Blatten near Naters.
You can find more info at:
Blatten-Belalp
Blatten near Naters can be reached by public transport from Brig or Naters.
You can reach Belalp from Blatten by cable car.
Birgisch
Take the post bus from Brig to Birgisch car park and start your tour there.
You will find the timetable and further information on how to get there at: www.belalp.ch
The tourist office in Blatten has got brochures and information material about mountain biking in the region.
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000:
If you have any questions, please contact:
Belalp Bahnen AG
Blatten - Belalp Tourismus AG
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