Or even heard of it? Brig is located in the Rhone valley in Switzerland, close to the Italian border. Tourists often miss it by only a few kilometres when heading to Zermatt. Or you may pass through on your way to the Simplonpass or Aletsch Glacier.
At least I did until recently. Only after actively looking for a new place to visit, I ended up spending an afternoon in Brig. In retrospect I would say that an afternoon is just about the right time needed for the small town. In case you take the car, there are car parks close to the centre with very reasonable hourly fees. For those without a car, trains stop at the train station 5 mins walk from the centre very regularly.
The Stockalperschloss, a baroque castle in the old town, is the best know and impossible to miss. The park invites to putting a blanket out and have a picknick (next time!) and the inner yard surprised with a second-hand book sale. All free of charge. In addition, it’s more than worth to spend time roaming the narrow streets and alleys, walking uphill towards Simplon. The views get better every altitude meter you put behind you – always a very gentle incline on cobblestone and asphalt, suitable for all ages. Not much is pointed out actively. But when you take the time and explore, the range of architectural styles you find, the range of colours and outstanding details is remarkable. An old-style wooden Valais chalet hidden between concrete buildings, a rose tree with red flowers clinging to a white wall just beneath deep blue window shutters. A modern glass facade right next to a stunning mountain panorama. Some really creative pieces of art in the town centre and the best gelato I have eaten in a very loooooooong time (https://www.facebook.com/gelateria.vorrei).
As so often, it’s again the smaller details and the less obvious here that makes exploring that place a fascinating journey. See yourself, in the pictures below or better, by paying Brig a visit if you get the chance 🙂
