Blatten Bei Naters: Hiking and Village History

Blatten Bei Naters is a mountain village in the municipality of Naters in the Swiss canton of Valais, at an altitude of around 1,300 metres above sea level. For planning your trip, the trails through the Massa Gorge, various themed paths and the old village provide specific points of interest. You can choose your excursions based on whether you are looking for a hike, an outdoor experience or an insight into village history.

The Massa Gorge and Nature Trails

The Massa Gorge is a natural wonder of white, polished marble, shaped by the Great Aletsch Glacier and the force of water. The entrance to the gorge is in Blatten. From there, the Massaweg leads through the gorge to Ried-Mörel. Canyoning offers a different kind of experience: in the Massa Gorge, there are jumps of up to 8 metres and a rappel of more than 30 metres into the rock formation known as the “Cathedral”. Check the conditions and availability of the activity before your trip.

The Aletsch Via Ferrata also runs along the cliffs around the Gibidum Reservoir. One striking section is the Nepal Bridge: it is 80 metres long and 40 metres high, crossing the Massa where it flows into the reservoir. Terrain and safety conditions are important when climbing; check the latest conditions before your tour.

Hiking Trails with Different Features

The Massaweg follows the former Riederi irrigation channel, first mentioned in 1385. This gives the route through the gorge a historical connection. As trail conditions depend on the weather, take them into account before setting out.

Another hike, the rocky terraces high above Naters, reaches Blatten bei Naters via the Blindtälli. Along the way are forested sections, picnic and barbecue areas, and a waterfall near the final ascent. By comparison, the Massaweg continues through the Massa Gorge to Ried-Mörel and follows the former irrigation channel. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their stated landscape features and destinations, without assuming a hiking time or difficulty level.

Those interested in wildlife and plants can find information boards about native flora and fauna along the wildlife trail. There is a wildlife observation post in Holzji, and the Holzji Trail also passes nearby. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Themed Trails and Activities in the Hexenkessel

Vero’s Witches’ Trail in the Blindtal starts in Blatten bei Naters and ends in Geimen. Along the themed trail, you solve tasks to discover a magic spell. The Rischinerwald Ball Run Trail, by contrast, is a 3.37-kilometre circular themed trail. It starts at the valley station of the Belalp cable cars in Blatten and features six handcrafted wooden ball runs.

The Hexenkessel rope park has a zip line more than 200 metres long. A separate children’s course is for visitors at least 1 metre tall. The park operates seasonally and is weather-dependent. The Hexenkessel leisure park also has other specific attractions: its mini-golf course features 16 magically decorated stations, each with a story to discover. The Hexenkessel playground includes a swimming lake and a barbecue area; these facilities may be seasonal.

Along the audio-themed trail through Antonius Forest, QR codes on information boards share stories about Vero. Vero’s Treasure Hunt is a hike from Belalp to Blatten bei Naters with eight puzzle stations. The trails therefore differ in format: one focuses on stories and QR codes, while the other involves solving puzzles along a hike.

Village History and Practical Information

On the Chapel Trail in the old village, there is a group of larch-wood houses built in the 17th century. A stately chapel marks the highest point and centre of Blatten. The Wichje bakehouse offers an introduction to baking rye bread; guided tours are available on request.

Blatten bei Naters can be reached by public transport from Brig or Naters. Check the latest timetables before travelling. Paid parking is available at Chienzlichrommu and in the car park in Blatten bei Naters; parking regulations may change. In winter, Belalp is the ski area associated with the Blatten region. A gondola lift and a cable car run from Blatten to Belalp.

Discover more destinations: Mehlbaum, Tschuggen.

Return to the main travel overview: Naters.