The best MTB trails around Baltschieder

West of Visp station, the Vispa flows into the Rhône, which in German-speaking Upper Valais is traditionally called the Rotten. The approximately 8.5-kilometer-long Vispa is formed in Stalden by the confluence of the Mattervispa from the Mattertal valley and the Saaservispa from the Saas valley. Both tributaries carry milky-turquoise water from the glacier-covered high mountain regions around Zermatt and Saas-Fee. After its short course through the Vispertal valley, the Vispa finally joins the significantly wider Rotten. From here, the water continues its journey through the Valais and Lake Geneva, before the Rhône flows on through France to the Mediterranean Sea. The confluence is also a beautiful viewpoint and a fitting place to say goodbye to the Valais once more after a hike through the mountain world around Zermatt. It impressively shows how the water from the Valais Alps shapes the valleys and landscapes far beyond the high mountains.

The Reblehrpfad Visperterminen (Vineyard Educational Trail) provides information on several panels about viticulture in the highest vineyards on the European mainland. Along the path, visitors learn more about vine pruning, different grape varieties, the construction of traditional dry stone walls, and the labor-intensive management of steep vineyard terraces. A special focus is placed on the indigenous grape variety Heida (Savagnin Blanc), for which Visperterminen is known far beyond the region. The educational trail combines impressive views with interesting insights into the centuries-old wine culture of Valais. Interesting: The information panels are bilingual – in High German and the Walliser dialect – thus conveying not only knowledge about viticulture but also a piece of regional culture.

Wine hike through Europe's highest vineyard, combined with a wine tasting at the local St. Jodern winery. Below the village of Visperterminen lies Europe's highest, contiguous vineyard, at an altitude between 650 and 1,150 meters. In short terraces with high dry stone walls, the vineyard, called „Rieben“, overcomes 500 meters of altitude difference in a confined space. Hundreds of these retaining walls turn the steep slopes into small vine gardens, often no larger than two bedsheets. The southern exposure of the slope, in one of Switzerland's driest regions, and the large stone surfaces of these dry stone walls make the „Rieben“ a heat chamber until late autumn, which gives the grapes – along with a few gusts of Föhn wind – the necessary ripeness.

The old Visp developed in the hilly zone because until about 150 years ago there were repeated floods in the valley floor. The Rhone and the Vispa were corrected, expanded and channelized. This made the whole area free for development. Another reason why people built on the hill was the military pressure on the Upper Valais. On a hill with ring walls, one could defend oneself better. Several fires in the 13th and 14th centuries respectively, and the great fire of 1518 destroyed almost all of Visp. Thus, only individual houses built before 1518 can be found.

The St. Jodern Education Center offers bikers optimal infrastructure: The center has 37 single/double rooms and four shared rooms, ideal for bike trips with friends, in a group, or as a solo traveler. The lockable garage is large enough to store approximately 30 bicycles. A service station is also available for minor bike repairs. A bike wash station is available for cleaning bikes. Upon request, you can also enjoy a packed lunch for the road, a hearty breakfast, or a three-course dinner. More information can be found on the website: https://www.stjodern.ch/.

Camping Mühleye is your base in Visp if you enjoy being in a natural environment, not just for biking, but also for relaxing before or after your hike. Surrounded by native trees and shrubs, you can choose from around 200 pitches, ranging from comfort pitches (150 m², luxurious with water and sewage connections) to standard pitches (100 m², very spacious for standard furnishings) to mini-standard pitches (approx. 80 m², ideal for smaller vehicles, VW buses, and tents). On hot summer days, the large swimming pool is also a draw, where you, as a camping guest, even benefit from free entry from 6 p.m. – perfect for cooling off after a fast-paced day on the slopes around Visp. You can find more information about the campsite here: https://camping-visp.ch/.

The quaint old town lies on the banks of the river Vispa, at the entrance to the valley of the same name. The alleys hide many charming restaurants and cafés, perfect for a stop on your bike tour.

Be sure to try the wine, it's worth it 🍷