From Binn to Simplon Pass

This hike is inspired by the Walser Tour and the Mineralien Tour. This magnificent route crosses numerous mountain pastures, where the dwellings are very varied: from wooden chalets to stone chalets. The hamlet of Salecchio Superiore consists of magnificent wooden chalets, several centuries old, all very well preserved. The chalet that houses the dormitories of the Rifugio "Zum Gora" dates back to the 17th century. In Italy, the route at the foot of the peaks bordering Switzerland, including Monte Leone, takes us through two regional parks: the Parco Naturale dell'Alpe Veglia and the Parco Naturale dell'Alpe Devero.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Binn - Binntal Hütte

   6.89 mi 3,228 ft 423 ft

   This stage is common to both the Walser Tour and the Valrando Mineral Tour. A few houses line this path in Freichi and then in Blatt. The Ofenhorn can be admired all the way to the Binntal Hütte. Although this is German-speaking territory, French is surprisingly the dominant language in this hut. The Binntal Hütte belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club: Delémont section.

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2. 2
   

   Binntal Hütte - Rifugio Margaroli

   5.65 mi 1,896 ft 2,165 ft

   This second stage crosses the Italian-Swiss border at the Albrunpass. You will enter the Val Formazza. The highest point of the day is at Scatta Minoïa. After the Ettore Conti bivouac, the descent to Lake Vannino is very pleasant and easy. The Rifugio Margaroli is located at the end of the lake. This relatively short stage gives you the opportunity to climb up to Lake Sruer at 2,351 m. (Absolute tranquillity guaranteed and magnificent views of Lake Vannino).

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3. 3
   

   Rifugio Margaroli - Salecchio Superiore

   6.83 mi 1,565 ft 3,812 ft

   This third stage is very wild and not very busy. After Lago Vannino and Passo Busin, you will discover another lake, Lago Busin Inferiore. During the descent to Salecchio, you will notice the Walser habitat as you pass through hamlets such as Case Francoli and Salecchio Superiore. The dormitory at Rifugio Zum Gora dates back to the 17th century.

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4. 4
   

   Salecchio Superiore - Crampiolo

   6.83 mi 3,392 ft 2,431 ft

   This fourth stage is marked by the crossing of two passes, the Passo Muretto and the Bocchetta di Scarpia. You will also cross several mountain pastures such as Alpe de Salecchio, Alpe de Pojola and Alpe de Sangiatto. In the evening, upon arrival in Crampiolo, you will have the opportunity to visit Lago Devero.

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5. 5
   

   Crampiolo - Alpe de Veglia

   10.03 mi 3,373 ft 3,346 ft

   This fifth stage crosses the Devero and Veglia Natural Parks. During the day, you will cross two more passes, the Scatta d'Orogna and the Passo di Valtendra. After the second pass, the landscape becomes more harmonious. A pretty little stream and a long passage through the woods accompany the descent to Alpe de Veglia. Alpe de Veglia is a group of small hamlets located close to each other at the bottom of a very steep valley. Major peaks such as Monte Leone (3,553 m) and Bortelhorn (3,194 m) surround these peaceful hamlets.

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6. 6
   

   Alpe de Veglia - Simplon Dorf

   13.19 mi 4,596 ft 5,587 ft

   This sixth stage marks the return to Switzerland. You will cross the Passo dei Gialitt and pass through the last Italian mountain pastures of "Camoscella" and "Vallescia". After the Swiss mountain pastures of "Alpjerung" and "Corvetsch", you will descend towards the Simplon Pass road and rejoin the Stockeralper Weg at Alter Kaserne. This beautiful trail will take you to Gabi and then Simplon Dorf.

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7. E
   

   Simplon Dorf - Simplon Pass

   5.45 mi 1,690 ft 33 ft

   This final stage will take you from the village of Simplon to the Simplon Pass. Along the way, you will notice two remarkable buildings in this arid landscape: the Alte Spittel and the Barralhaus. Once you reach the Simplon Pass, you can take a short detour to see the Simplon Eagle and the imposing hospice.

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