Binntal Landscape Park

Binntal Landscape Park (German: Landschaftspark Binntal) is a landscape park in the Swiss canton of Valais, covering the Binntal valley and neighbouring communes. It was created in 2002 and gained national recognition in 2011. Its information centre stands on the village square of Schmidigehischere, the main village of the commune of Binn.

Where is it and what does it include?

The park lies in the upper part of Valais, in an Alpine valley that has kept a quiet, barely affected character. Its member communities are Binn, Ernen, Grengiols, Bister, Niederwald and Blitzingen. The valley is also listed in the federal inventory of landscapes of national importance (BLN 1701) as a barely altered Alpine valley with a varied cultural landscape.

What can you see in Schmidigehischere and nearby?

Schmidigehischere is the main settlement of the commune of Binn. Other hamlets in the commune include Ze Binne, Wilere, Giesse and Fäld. The village has a stone arch bridge dating from 1564, standing on the old Albrun Pass route. Stop by the village square, where the park's information centre offers maps and trail advice.

Why are mineral lovers drawn to the Binntal?

The valley is known as one of the most important mineral localities in Europe. More than 200 different minerals have been found here, over half of them in the Lengenbach mine, which sits in a side valley above the hamlet of Fäld (Imfeld). There, the stream has exposed a roughly 300-metre band of pure white dolomite marble. Finds are mostly tiny, rare specimens rather than large crystals or gemstones, and more than 40 minerals were identified here for the first time. A geological trail leads from Imfeld to the mine, and visitors look for pyrite, or fool's gold, outside its gates. Exact figures vary between sources because they come from tourism material, so treat them as approximate.

How do you explore the park on foot?

The park has about 150 km of well-maintained hiking trails. A popular route runs from Imfeld to Lake Mässersee and on to Binn, mixing mountain scenery with local culture. The Binna stream rises at the foot of the Ofenhorn, and the Hotel Ofenhorn opened in 1883, a reminder of the valley's early tourism.

Frequently asked questions

When was the park founded? It was created in 2002 and nationally recognised in 2011.

Where can I get information on site? At the information centre on the village square in Schmidigehischere.

Can I look for minerals? Visitors search for pyrite outside the Lengenbach mine gates, reached by a geological trail from Imfeld. Check the rules at the information centre first.

How long are the trails? About 150 km of maintained hiking paths.

Is the valley protected? Yes, it appears in the federal BLN inventory as a landscape of national importance.

The Binntal suits anyone seeking Alpine quiet, hiking and a touch of geological adventure. Plan walks after talking to the staff at the information centre, who know current trail conditions. Nature, settlement history and rare minerals come together here, making it work for a day trip or a longer stay in Valais.