recommended route
Gibidum – Trophy of the Dams
Cycling
· Valais
-
Gibidum damPhoto: Tamara Berger, Valais/Wallis Promotion - Tamara Berger
The Gibidum Dam is perhaps the least known of the Valais dams, but it’s definitely worth the visit for the amazing scenery and a climb full of discovery!
moderate
Distance 10.7 km
2:00 h
812 m
10 m
1,484 m
672 m
Starting from Naters, the road that climbs in the direction of the Gibidum Dam is on a steady slope from the very first few hundred metres. As you gain altitude, you have a grand view over the city of Brig below and the road leading to the Simplon pass on the other side of the valley. After a few kilometres you will come to a junction towards the village of Mund, famous for its saffron crops. Below the village of Blatten, the road turns into switchbacks through an ever-demanding slope, but the view over the mountainous cliffs covered in greenery and streaked with streams will delight despite the effort. After the village of Blatten, a narrower road will take you to the lake of the Gibidum Dam.
Author’s recommendation
After the effort, make a detour to the Brigerbad and relax in the warm thermal water or the sauna area.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Gibidum dam, 1,484 m
Lowest point
Naters, 672 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Road
10.7 km
Safety information
Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).Tips and hints
More information :
Start
Naters (671 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'642'304E 1'129'896N
DD
46.319134, 7.987899
DMS
46°19'08.9"N 7°59'16.4"E
UTM
32T 422082 5130004
w3w
Destination
Gibidum Dam
Turn-by-turn directions
Less than ten kilometres separate Naters and the Gibidum Dam, but this steep ascent is far from easy! In the first few kilometres you can admire the view over the valley between the cities of Brig and Visp and see in the distance the beginning of the Goms Valley. The terrain suddenly becomes enclosed and steep towards the village of Blatten, surrounded by pristine nature with a backdrop of high mountains that catch the eye at every turn. Arriving in Blatten, you can catch your breath over a few 100 metres of easier slopes before the climb continues between the trees before heading off at the junction to the left. The last ramp is quite tough but will lead you to an observation bridge where you can view the Gibidum Dam and its lake oscillating in blue and grey. At the very end we can catch a glimpse of the majesty of the Aletsch Arena.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Frequent train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig. Take the northern exit of the train station and cross the Rhone bridge to arrive directly at the village of Naters.Getting there
Coming from Sierre: follow route 9 until Brig.Parking
Parking at the train station in Brig. Follow the local car park routeing in Brig.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'642'304E 1'129'896N
DD
46.319134, 7.987899
DMS
46°19'08.9"N 7°59'16.4"E
UTM
32T 422082 5130004
w3w
///dignity.seatbelt.slightly
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures: Road Cycling Map
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1289 Brig / 1269 Aletschgletscher
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Difficulty
moderate
Distance
10.7 km
Duration
2:00 h
Ascent
812 m
Descent
10 m
Highest point
1,484 m
Lowest point
672 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 3 Waypoints
- 3 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Photos from others