Breithorn

Breithorn above Grengiols is a 2,599 m summit in the Lepontine Alps, in the Swiss canton of Valais. It is not the famous 4,000-metre Breithorn near Zermatt. This one is a quieter mountain, known mostly to mountain bikers and hikers in the Binntal Landscape Park.

Where is the Grengiols Breithorn?

The peak belongs to the municipality of Grengiols and rises east of the Bättlihorn. To the north it looks over the lower Goms, the upper stretch of the Rhone valley, and to the south over the Saflischtal. Its prominence is 148 m, with Monte Leone as the parent peak. The German name means "broad horn". The village of Grengiols sits at 995 m, so the climb to the summit is around 1,600 m.

How do you get there?

Start in Grengiols, which is served by public transport (SBB and PostBus). The tourist office at the Konsum shop, Dorfplatz 9, can help with details. The route climbs straight out of the village, with no flat sections to recover on.

What can you do on the Breithorn?

The best-known outing is the Grengiols – Breithorn – Grengiols loop, which the Binntal park calls its toughest mountain bike tour.

• Length: 15 km, about 1,500 m of ascent
• Time: around 3 h 15 min
• Technical and fitness grade: hard
• Season: July to October

From the top you get a panorama over the region. The route then drops through the Furggen area and down the Saflischtal to Hl. Kreuz. From there you can put the bike on the PostBus, or ride back through the Twingischlucht gorge, along the Roman road and over the Schärtbrigga bridge, to Grengiols.

What will you see on the way?

• The Twing gorge, once a difficult stretch of the trade route over the Albrun pass to Italy, with small natural rock tunnels and rare flowers.
• The hamlet of Hockmatta, first recorded in 1393, with a chapel at its western edge.
• The Furggen alpine cooperative, known for traditional cheese made in a big copper vat over an open fire.
• In Grengiols itself, the village cooperative shop Konsum, founded in 1910.

When should you go?

Between July and October, when the trail is open and clear of snow. Riders may not leave the marked hiking trails around Furggen. The loop demands good fitness and bike-handling skill, and there are no shortcuts for less experienced riders.

FAQ

Is this the same Breithorn as the one near Zermatt? No. The Zermatt Breithorn is 4,164 m high in the Pennine Alps. This one is 2,599 m high in the Lepontine Alps.

How long is the bike loop? About 3 hours 15 minutes over 15 km, with roughly 1,500 m of climbing.

Is it suitable for beginners? No. The Binntal park rates it hard for both technique and fitness.

How do you get back to Grengiols? From Hl. Kreuz, take the PostBus with your bike, or ride through the Twingischlucht gorge and over the Roman Schärtbrigga bridge.