While in the past it was only courageous crystal hunters who braved the Massa Gorge, it is now accessible to the general public thanks to the building of the Gibidem Dam.
The Massa Gorge was created by the movement of the massive Aletsch Glacier. At 23 kilometres long and with 27 billion tonnes of ice, the glacier forms the core of the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.World Heritage Site. The 6.5km long gorge was slowly carved out over millennia by the enormous masses of ice cutting through the rock. Today the glacier water continues to smooth out the walls of the canyon.
A few years ago, an impressive suspension bridge was built across the roaring waters of the Massa River. Watch out, though. The bridge is over 80 metres high and 124 metres long, so you need strong nerves and a head for heights, but it will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
The Massaweg trail from Blatten bei Naters to Mörel is an interesting hike. Water is the theme of the trail, which leads through the dramatic gorge and over meadows affording a view of the Rhone Valley.
Adventurous souls can try canyoning through the gorge. Equipped with neoprene suits, helmets and a climbing belt, you can follow the stream bed and climb over the boulders. Not to be missed: an 8 metre jump into a beautiful pool of water and a 30 metre abseiling site in the “Cathedral”.
Getting there: By train or car to Brig, then take the PostBus to Blatten bei Naters. As the hike ends in Ried-Mörel, it is best to use public transport from Brig.
