Binntal Landscape Park
The Binntal Landscape Park is a regional nature park of national importance in the Swiss canton of Valais, nestled in the high Alps of the Upper Valais. It comprises the four villages of Binn, Ernen, Grengiols and Bister, a rural, sparsely populated mountain region rather than an urban centre. The park is dominated by high mountains rising to over 3,200 metres above sea level, with valleys radiating from around 900 metres, and is crossed by historic passes such as the Albrun. It is not defined by a lake but by the Binna river and its tributaries, along with numerous streams and mountain lakes. The region is renowned as the 'valley of hidden treasures' for its extraordinary mineral wealth, including the world-famous Lengenbach mineral mine, and for its exceptionally rich flora and fauna. Its villages and hamlets are exceptionally well preserved and are recognised as sites of national importance, giving the park a strong historical character. The park is a protected landscape combining untouched nature, cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, with the village of Binn at its heart.
Summer activities
In summer the Binntal Landscape Park offers an extensive network of hiking trails, from easy valley walks to demanding alpine and mountain routes, including the Stoneman Glaciara Hike with its suspension bridges and ridge sections. Mountain bikers and e-bikers can tackle routes such as the Binntal Loop, the Äbnimatt Bike and the tough Grengiols–Breithorn tour, while the Stoneman Glaciara is a renowned multi-day cycling challenge. The park is also a magnet for mineral and geology enthusiasts, with the rock adventure trail between Fäld and the Lengenbach mineral mine, guided crystal-hunting excursions and a stone explorer set for children. Further summer offers include mule trekking, suspension bridges, barbecue areas and the magical forest adventure trail of Wasen.
Winter activities
In winter the Binntal Landscape Park offers a quieter, nature-oriented alternative to large ski resorts, with no artificial snowmaking. The park maintains prepared winter hiking trails and marked snowshoe routes such as the Alp Trail, the Chäserstatt Trail, the Erner Galen Trail and the Natura Trail, as well as several sledging runs, including the family-friendly run through the Binntal to Fäld. A natural ice rink operates above Grengiols in cold winters. The park is also known for its many beautiful ski tours and snowshoe tours, served by additional winter bus services and a dedicated snow tour bus.
Culture and entertainment
Culture is central to the Binntal Landscape Park, which combines a rich natural landscape with a lively cultural life. The park is home to over 20 chapels and churches, many built in the 17th and 18th centuries, including important pilgrimage sites such as the Heiligkreuz chapel and the Maria Hilf forest chapel. Its villages and hamlets are exceptionally well preserved and recognised as sites of national importance, with Ernen known as a music village hosting high-quality classical concerts with international artists in summer. The park also features the TWINGI art biennale in the Twingi Gorge, the Binntal Regional Museum with its archaeological and mineral collections and rotating exhibitions, and a range of cultural events from village clubs to internationally renowned music festivals.
