Massa Gorge, Blatten

The Massa Gorge near Blatten bei Naters is a unique natural wonder in Valais. The gorge was formed by the Great Aletsch Glacier and the power of water in the white marble, captivating visitors with impressive hiking trails, exciting adventures, and spectacular views.

Whether it’s a leisurely hike, canyoning, a climbing experience, or crossing the suspension bridge – the Massa Gorge offers diverse experiences for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.

A Gorge of White Marble

The Massa Gorge is particularly impressive due to its bright, smoothly polished marble rocks. Over millennia, glacial water and the Massa river have carved deep channels, rock faces, and natural basins into the landscape.

The combination of water, rock, forest, and alpine mountain scenery makes the gorge an extraordinary natural experience. Along the paths, new perspectives of the wild landscape constantly open up.

The Massa Trail

The historic Massa Trail follows the Riederi Suone, which was built as early as the 14th century. The trail partly leads along narrow paths carved into the rock high above the gorge, offering spectacular views into the depths.

The Massa Trail is open again. The hike is impressive but requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. Sturdy hiking boots and good preparation are highly recommended.

Hike through the Massa Gorge

The classic route leads from Blatten bei Naters through the Massa Gorge towards Ried-Mörel. Depending on the variant, the hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

• Start: Blatten bei Naters
• Destination: Ried-Mörel
• Distance: approx. 8 kilometers
• Hiking time: about 3 to 4 hours
• Character: narrow gorge and Suone trail
• Requirements: sure-footedness and a head for heights

Canyoning in the Massa Gorge

Canyoning offers an intense way to experience the Massa Gorge. Equipped with wetsuit, helmet, and climbing harness, participants follow the wild stream bed of the Massa.

Depending on the tour, experiences include jumps into deep water pools, climbing over rocks, and abseiling. An abseil of over 30 meters provides a special adrenaline rush.

Canyoning is conducted with professional equipment and expert guidance. It is suitable for adventurous guests who want to experience the gorge up close.

Belalp–Riederalp Suspension Bridge

Since 2008, the Belalp–Riederalp Suspension Bridge has connected the two mountain regions. The bridge is 124 meters long and spans about 80 meters above the Massa Gorge through the alpine landscape.

Those who cross the bridge are rewarded with an impressive view into the gorge and up to the glacier gate of the Great Aletsch Glacier. The suspension bridge is a highlight for anyone who wants to combine nature, views, and thrills.

Massa Gorge Climbing Area

Climbing enthusiasts also get their money’s worth in the Massa Gorge. Under the guidance of experienced mountain guides, children and adults can gain their first climbing experience and apply the basics directly on the rock face.

A special highlight is the spectacular abseiling into the depths. The climbing experience combines courage, movement, and fun, and is suitable for beginners as well as families and groups.

The Aletsch Panorama Trail

The Massa Gorge and the suspension bridge are located on a particularly impressive section of the Aletsch Panorama Trail.

The route leads from Belalp over the suspension bridge, through the Aletsch Forest, and further towards Riederfurka. Glacier views, ancient stone pines, rocky gorges, and wide panoramas make this hike a special experience in the Aletsch Arena.

Nature Experience for All Ages

The Massa Gorge offers various ways to discover alpine nature. Families can combine their visit with a hike and the suspension bridge. Adventurous visitors can choose canyoning or climbing, while hikers can explore the historic Massa Trail.

Depending on the activity and route, requirements, duration, and difficulty vary. Good planning is therefore important.

Safety and Equipment

The Massa Gorge is a wild natural landscape with steep rock faces, narrow paths, and some exposed sections. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are required for the Massa Trail.

Sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, sufficient drinks, and sun protection are recommended. For canyoning and climbing, the prescribed safety equipment must be used. Weather and trail conditions should be checked before the excursion.

Contact & Information

Further information on hiking trails, the suspension bridge, canyoning, climbing offers, and current conditions can be obtained from Belalp Tourism and the Aletsch Arena:

• Massa Gorge: belalp.ch/en/massagorge
• Belalp–Riederalp Suspension Bridge: Information on the suspension bridge
• Aletsch Arena: aletscharena.ch
• Aletsch Panorama Trail: Route and hiking information

Belalp Tourism
Rischinustrasse 5
3914 Blatten bei Naters
Tel: +41 27 921 60 40
Email:

FAQ about the Massa Gorge

1. Where is the Massa Gorge located?

The Massa Gorge is located near Blatten bei Naters in Valais, between the Belalp and Ried-Mörel regions.

2. How was the Massa Gorge formed?

The gorge was formed by the Great Aletsch Glacier and the power of water in the white marble.

3. Is the Massa Trail open?

Yes, the Massa Trail is open again. Due to narrow and partly exposed sections, sure-footedness and a head for heights are required.

4. What is the Massa Trail?

The Massa Trail is a historic path along the Riederi Suone, which was built as early as the 14th century.

5. How long does the hike through the Massa Gorge take?

The hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the variant, and leads from Blatten bei Naters towards Ried-Mörel.

6. Is the hike suitable for families?

Families with mountain-experienced children can hike the Massa Trail. Due to the narrow and partly exposed sections, the route is not suitable for strollers.

7. What can you experience during canyoning?

During canyoning, you follow the Massa stream bed, jump into water pools, climb over rocks, and abseil down over 30 meters in some places.

8. Is there a climbing area?

Yes, in the Massa Gorge, children and adults can climb and abseil in the rocky landscape under the guidance of experienced mountain guides.

9. How long is the Belalp–Riederalp Suspension Bridge?

The suspension bridge is 124 meters long and spans about 80 meters above the Massa Gorge through the alpine landscape.

10. What can you see from the suspension bridge?

From the bridge, an impressive view opens up into the Massa Gorge and up to the glacier gate of the Great Aletsch Glacier.

11. Is the Massa Gorge part of the Aletsch Panorama Trail?

The Massa Gorge and the suspension bridge are located on a particularly impressive section of the Aletsch Panorama Trail.

12. What equipment is recommended for the Massa Trail?

Sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, sufficient drinks, and sun protection are recommended.

13. Can canyoning and climbing be combined in the Massa Gorge?

Depending on the provider and program, various adventure offers can be combined. Implementation depends on the season, weather, and availability.

14. How do you reach the Massa Gorge?

The classic hiking trails start in Blatten bei Naters. The suspension bridge can be reached via hiking trails from Belalp or Riederalp.

15. How can one get information about the offers?

Further information can be found at belalp.ch/en/massagorge or by phone at +41 27 921 60 40.