Brig Switzerland

Brig Switzerland (5/31-6/2/2024)

Brig Switzerland

Brig is a hidden gem in the Swiss Alps, especially If you are looking to visit a charming Swiss alpine town with a small town feel not crowded with tourists. Brig has a small well-preserved medieval old quarter with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the famous 17th-century Stockalper Palace. Wandering through Germain-speaking Brig’s Old Town is like stepping back in time with its beautiful medieval buildings and colorful facades. English is spoken everywhere.

Brig's Main Square Sebastiansplatz

Brigg’s main shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse, leads from the train station to the beautiful main square, Sebastiansplatz - 15-minute walking distance. The tourist information office located at 2 Bahnhofstrasse just across from the train station provide lots of information about Brigg and the surrounding area and the staff will assist you in planning your explorations.

Pat at Hotel duPont - Brig

Brigg’s well-preserved Old Town squares and pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can experience authentic Swiss cuisine and hospitality. With its spire seen over the town, the distinctive Gothic-style Brig Church is an interesting visit for those interested in churches. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Hotel duPont located in Brig’s main square.

Alpine Town - Brig Switzerland

Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Brig is located in the south-western part of Switzerland located on the Glacier Express train route and just about 2 hours from either Locarno to the east or Zermatt to the south making it a perfect half way stop. Brig is easily accessible by train and Brig’s town center is about a 10-minute walk from the train station.

The stunning natural surroundings of Brig also make it an excellent base for outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding are popular pursuits for adventure seekers. The nearby thermal baths and wellness centers provide relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploration.

Stockalper Palace

A top attraction in Brig, the Stockalper Palace (Stockalper schloss) is an impressive 17th-century Baroque building that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history. It is one of the most important baroque palace buildings in Switzerland with formal gardens, grand halls, and views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Brig. The inner courtyard has great views of Brig. There is a free exhibition detailing the history of the nearby famous Simplon Pass.

Stockalper Palace

Guided tours and the historic Kaspar Stockalper House Museum are available for those who want to learn more about the history and architecture of the Stockalper Castle as well as the life and legacy of wealthy trader Kaspar Stockalper and the influential Stockalper family, who played a significant role in the development of Brigg and the region. Stockalper Palace easy is walking distance from Brigg’s train station and surrounded by several restaurants and shops.

Aletsch Glacier

For nature lovers, the Alps largest glacier, Aletsch Glacier, is located 14 miles to the north of Brig extending 13 miles south from the Jungfrau mountain. It offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and skiing. The fastest way to get from Brig to Aletsch Glacier is by short train rides followed by gondola trip up the mountain.

Bettmeralp Town

We enjoyed a wonderful day excursion from Brigg to Betten and Bettmeralp. Car-free Bettmeralp is a beautiful Swiss mountain village that takes you back in time. Traditional wooden chalets dot the charming villages of Betten Dorf and Bettmeralp and there are several nice restaurants serving hearty Swiss meas. 

View of Swiss Alps from Bettmeralp

Starting mid-June, you can also take a cable lift (Bettmerhorn) from Bettmeralp to a lookout with views of the Great Aletsch Glacier. This area is a 6,463 feet high mountainous area known for the Aletsch Arena ski resort and starting points for Alpine hiking trails in the summer. On hot days, a swim in Lake Bettmersee provides a welcome opportunity to cool down.

Pat at Bettmeralp Church

You can purchase a round trip ticket to Bettmeralp at the Brigg train station from the automatic ticket machines. The train to Betten leaves out front of the train station. Once you arrive at the Betten train station walk the up the stairs to the large-cabin gondola to Bettmeralp.

Brigerbad Thermal Spa

For a relaxing soak after hiking or exploring, Brigerbad Thermal Spa is a popular natural hot spring thermal spa featuring a large outdoor pool and several indoor pools as well as a sauna, steam room, and massage services. It is said to have therapeutic properties that can soothe and heal the body. The outdoor pool boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Open every day of the year, Brigerbad is located about 4 miles west from Brigg across the river from the Eyholz train station. Route 621 bus is the most direct option to reach Brigerbad from central Brig.

Simplon Pass

Just a short drive from Brig is the historic Simplon Pass through the Alps. It is one of the most beautiful alpine passes known for its panoramic views. At the top of the pass, visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering. The area boasts several well-marked trails appealing to all levels of fitness and ability. The rugged landscape is dotted with alpine flora and fauna making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Stockalper Trail

Serous hikers will enjoy the Stockalper Trail, a scenic hiking trail that follows the route taken by Kaspar Stockalper's trading caravan. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is well-marked and can be completed in a day or over several days with overnight stays in mountain huts.

Glacier Express

One of Europe's most scenic railways extend east and west from Brig. The Glacier Express is a train ride that travels the fascinating journey from Zermatt, through Brig all the way to St. Moritz. The train carriages are designed to make the most of the extensive views and have full restaurant and bar facilities. Even doing a day trip on a regional train to Zermatt is worth it.

 

Swiss Chocolate - YUM!

Interesting fact: Switzerland has long been known for its fine chocolate and cheese. The Swiss chocolate industry produced over 200,000 tons of chocolate worth $1.7 billion in 2018. It mostly goes to Switzerland, Germany, UK, France, and Canada. The Swiss chocolate brands make up around 40% of the world’s global chocolate production. Alpine milk sets Swiss chocolate apart. It is sourced from high-altitude farms in the Swiss mountains. Due to it being denser and less aerated, alpine milk gives Swiss chocolate a rich fragrance and an extremely milky texture. I liked Läderach Chocolate with stores in many Swiss cities.

Map - Brig Switzerland

Best time to visit Brig is during the summer season (June to September). The weather is pleasant and warm, with temperatures ranging from 64-77°F, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The months of July and August are the busiest months with higher rates and crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in June or September. If you enjoy winter sports, then December to March is the best time to visit Brig as it is a popular destination.

While visiting Brig, it is nice to use some Essential German phrases:
Thank you – Danke (dan-kuh)
You’re welcome – Bitteschön (bit-tuh-shun)
Please, excuse me, or pardon – Bitte (bit-tuh)
Yes – Ja (jah)
No – Nein (nine)
Hello – Hallo (hallo)
Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen (Owf Veeder-sane)
German – Deutsch (“doych”)

We enjoyed our visit to Brig.

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