Walking in the footsteps of the Alpine farmers

This hike along the dry southern slopes of Valais demonstrates how important the water supply is here, since it is only thanks to traditional irrigation that the lush green meadows and pastures are still there to be traversed.

It starts at the saffron cultivating village of Mund. The trail towards Birgisch takes you along the Stigwasser Suone (irrigation channel) into the wild Gredetschtal and then follows the course of the River Oberschta to Oberbirgisch. The route goes through the rough pastures above Birgisch, providing an easy descent to Geimerblatt, after which it descends into the valley. Here, you can witness the wayfinding skills of our ancestors, with the section between Moos and Naters being particularly impressive.

If you would like to extend your excursion into the Gredetschtal and are sure-footed, you can try the approach, also starting from Mund, via the Wyssa Suone in the direction of Gredetschtal. A torch is recommended for the walk through the unlit tunnels.