Hiking in the Binntal valley’s mineral paradise

The Binntal valley in Oberwallis is a picturesque side valley in the Goms region and is beloved of nature-lovers and mineral fans alike. It is replete with pristine landscapes, an abundant cultural scene, beautiful hamlets and historic towns in the quaint Valais style. The Binntal valley contains various conservation areas and nature protection zones with streams, moorland and dry grasslands. However, it is also home to more than 700 species of plants, including 14 gentians and eight types of wild orchid. Despite the romantic appeal of the area’s untouched nature, it remains relatively unknown.

Impressively varied

We start our hike in magical Maniboden and head towards Italy. Our destination: the Mässersee, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland. We hike to the lake on a beautiful forest trail that’s soft underfoot. Once we arrive at Mässersee lake, we are greeted by an idyll lifted straight from the pages of a picture-book: crystal-clear emerald green and blue water and croaking frogs. The lake is overlooked by the dark massif of the Schwarzhorn and surrounded by a handful of gnarled old trees. Our gaze moves northwards to the Altsch region. We pick bilberries and marvel at the toadstools. The route continues on from the lake, becoming rockier and more slippery.

Wallisite, binnite and fool’s gold

As we return from Mässersee lake, we pass the Lengenbach mineral mine. There is a waste heap in front of the tunnels where you might find a glittering crystal, if you’re lucky. More than 20 kinds of minerals have been found in the Binntal valley to date, including some with locally inspired names like ‘wallisite’ or ‘binnite’. Researchers can’t access the minerals hidden deep in the mountain, though. If you’d like to delve into the world of crystals and minerals yourself, you can go scavenging for treasures in the Lengenbach mineral mine: it’s one of the ten most famous mineral sites in the world. Golden-yellow pyrite, known colloquially as ‘fool’s gold’, is particularly popular among children.

We’d like to thank our partner LOWA.

Zer Brigge/Fäld (1518 m) - Mässerchäller (1884 m) – Schäre (1978 m) – Manibode (2026 m) – P. 2146 – Mässersee (2119 m) – Mässeralp – Mineraliengrube Lengenbach (1652 m) - zurück zum Ausgangspunkt