The Massa Trail – following the trail of the Sander

The starting point for this spectacular hike through the untamed Massa Gorge is Blatten near Naters. The trail first takes you through the Blattnerschliecht forest to Gragg, where there is a slight risk of slipping in wet weather, so good sturdy shoes are recommended.

Next, it continues along the former Riederi Suone (irrigation channel), which was first mentioned in records in 1385. The steepest rock face, around which six long irrigation channels ran at dizzying heights until the end of the 1930s, has now been made less of a challenge thanks to a short tunnel, but there are still a few safe yet exposed sections to negotiate. The breathtaking views over the Rhone Valley and the Valais Alps are an absolute delight, and when the water level is high enough, the mighty gorge can impressively convey the power of this force of nature.

The hike ends at the cable car station in Ried-Mörel. Alternatively, after leaving Massa Gorge, you can descend to Bitsch.