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Gibidumsee.Photo: Fritz Hegi, Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ
The Giw – Gspon high path is a section of the Great Walserweg from Zermatt to the Kleinwalsertal. A thousand years ago, descendants of a Germanic people settled in Upper Valais. This people were accustomed to life in the high mountains and were willing to move on and populate new settlements in previously unused mountain areas. The Great Walserweg does not follow the migration routes of the people of Valais but connects the various places of Walser culture.
The starting point of the hike is the mountain station of the chairlift from Visperterminen to Giw. At first, there is a steep ascent through the forest and then over open terrain to the Gibidumpass. A detour to the Gibidumsee is definitely worthwhile. The lake is fed by the Heido channel. Thanks to its shallow water depth of 2 meters, it warms up quickly in summer and invites you to swim.
The view of the four-thousander Weisshorn as well as the nearly 4000-metre-high Balfrin and Bietschhorn and the Visp valley below accompany you on this hike. The path runs along the tree line and occasionally takes detours into the Lochwald and Riedjiwald forests. In autumn, one can regularly hear the roaring of rutting stags here. However, to catch sight of a stag in the dense forest, you need some luck.
At the point called Sädolti, the descent to Gspon follows. The car-free mountain village has preserved its originality and is also known for the highest football pitch in Europe, the "Ottmar Hitzfeld Gspon Arena".
Hiking highlights:
- Village of Visperterminen with the highest vineyard in Europe and numerous opportunities to taste the wines grown here directly in the wineries
- Gibidumsee with swimming possibility
- Easy, panoramic high path above the tree line
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit from this, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.
For all hikes:
- Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
- Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Be considerate of other trail users, plants, and animals.
For mountain hikes:
- Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Carefully plan your hike: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.
- Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.
For high-alpine hikes:
- Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.
Tips and suggestions
More information about the destination:
Roadbook
The ascent from Visperterminen to Giw is by chairlift, but can also be done on foot if desired. This is followed by a steep climb via Stafel to the Gibidumpass. Above the tree line, you walk through the Alpen Sänntum and Sitestafel. After a short climb to Sädolti, this spot offers a good place for a short break to enjoy the view. Finally, there is the descent into the car-free village of Gspon.
The hike can be extended as desired: for example, by hiking back to Visperterminen via one of the many other paths, or by descending to Stalden on foot instead of taking the gondola. If you want to hike the entire high path to Saas-Grund, you should allow about 7 hours of walking time.
Heidadorf Visperterminen
Gibidumsee
Gibidumpass
Gspon
Public transport
Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Visp. Then post bus to Visperterminen. Detailed schedules for trains and post buses can be found at sbb.ch.
A round-trip ticket is available at the Giw chairlift, which includes the chairlift ride as well as the return trip with the gondola (Gspon – Stalden) and the post bus (Stalden – Visperterminen).
Directions
Motorway A9 and cantonal road 9 to Visp. Follow the signs to Visperterminen and drive on Terbinerstrasse via Unterstalden and Oberstalden to Visperterminen.
A round-trip ticket is available at the Giw chairlift, which includes the chairlift ride as well as the return trip with the gondola (Gspon – Stalden) and the post bus (Stalden – Visperterminen).
Parking
Parking options at the valley station of the Giw chairlift. Follow the local parking guidance system in Visperterminen.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
- Headwear
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Picnic
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)
For certain hikes:
- Swimsuit
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions