In this article our guest author Marc Isler describes a two-day hike from Fäld in the Binntal to Alpe Crampiolo / Alpe Devero via the Geisspfad and the way back via Albrunpass / Binntalhütte into the Binntal. Hike&Dine sincerely thanks Marc for his contribution.
Our experience on the hike from Binntal – Alpe Devero / Alpe Crampiolo
Since we got married in Binntal ten years ago, this two-day hike was on our wish list. Now it was the beginning of July: The children with the grandparents, the overnight accommodations in April already booked and the weather forecast very good we drive by car to Binn. Spectacular is already the arrival, be it by post bus or by car drives. Shortly before Binn, you drive through an almost 2-kilometer-long tunnel Steinmatten built in 1964.
Free interactive map of the hike from Binntal – Alpe Crampiolo
If you click on the icons above you can see a free map of the hike from Binntal – Alpe Crampiolo. You can also download a GPX file of the hike to use with your smartphone or smartwatch. Find here an interactive map of the hike from Fäld in the Binn Valley to Alpe Devero / Alpe Crampiolo.
Arrival in Binntal in Binn
Arrived in the picturesque village of Binn we enjoy a fine dinner and overnight stay in the Swiss Historic Hotel Ofenhorn. The historic hotel, built in 1883, includes 30 guest rooms, 65 beds, a Belle Époque dining room, a recommended restaurant and a beautiful hotel garden. Strengthened by the breakfast buffet (sandwich for the hike strike officially allowed!), we drive the next morning by car to Fäld, where enough parking spaces are available (cost for 2 days about CHF 2).
From Fäld in the Binntal up to the Geisspfad
From there we choose the ascent in the direction of Geisspfad. We quickly gain altitude and after 2 hours make a short detour to the picturesque Mässersee (2120m), where you can swim. In the further steep ascent we walk through rubble further up the mountain. After a total of about 3.5 hours, the fantastic view of the Geisspfadsee opens up. The climb was exhausting, but the incredibly varied route compensated us for every meter of altitude.
Across the national border from the Geiss path to Passo della Rossa
After an extended lunch break we cross the national border on the Geisspfadpass / Passo della Rossa (2481 m.a.s.l.). From there the descent becomes demanding through a valley interspersed with huge boulders to a ladder built in 1964 as a friendship between the two valleys of Binntal and Devero.
We were glad to have the descent behind us. At our feet: The Alpe Devero. Shortly before, a small path branches off to the left to Alpe Crampiolo, which is probably little used. Since we are staying overnight at Alpe Crampiolo, we take the turnoff. After about 12 km or 5:50 hours we arrive at the idyllic Alpe Crampiolo.
Overnight stay at Alpe Crampiolo
We spend the night at the Agriturismo Alpe Crampiolo with the Olzeri family, who pamper us warmly. The rooms are pretty and comfortable, the huge dinner 4 courses (To start polenta au gratin, then a piece of lasagna, for the main course veal and potatoes and tiramisu for dessert) unforgettable. Good to speak a few words of Italian. You can pay by card without any problems.
Dine Tip: Dining at the Swiss Historic Hotel Ofenhorn
The Swiss Historic Hotel Ofenhorn is a Belle Epoque hotel with a very good cuisine. Read all about the food and rooms at the Swiss Historic Hotel Ofenhorn here.
Our experience on the hike from Alpe Devero / Alpe Crampiolo to the Binn Valley
We feel the previous day in our legs! And it’s raining, too. But we defy the weather, leave our beautiful Italian accommodation and start walking in the rain towards Albrun Pass.
Free interactive map of the hike from Alpe Devero to Binn Valley
If you click on the icons above you can see a free map of the hike from Binntal – Alpe Crampiolo. You can also download a GPX file of the hike to use with your smartphone or smartwatch. Find here an interactive map of the hike from Fäld in the Binn Valley to Alpe Devero / Alpe Crampiolo.
From Alpe Crampiolo along Lago de Devero to the Albrun Pass
Passing Lago Di Devero, the weather is already getting better again and so we master the ascent via a mule track to the Albrun pass in about 3 hours in mostly dry weather.
From the ascent to the Albrun Pass we see once again the picturesque Lago Pianboglio. On the way we do not meet any people except for some wild animals. Shortly after the pass follows the Binntalhütte, where we strengthen ourselves with a soup.
The descent into the Binn Valley from the Albrun Pass
The descent back to Fäld in Binntal (day 2: 15 km, 5 hours) is pleasant, but not very spectacular compared to the impressions of the last 1.5 days. On the descent from the Binntalhütte in the direction of Fäld we pass some beautiful waterfalls. Back in Fäld, the Bärgkristall hostel invites you to a last drink before the journey home.
Conclusion of our hike from Binntal to Alpe Devero / Alpe Crampiolo and back
We recommend this difficult two-day hike to all those who feel like hiking from a wild and romantic Valais side valley to Piedmont and being rewarded for the great effort with spectacular landscapes. But the hike is not to be underestimated, especially in the descent on day 1 from the Geisspfadpass you have to be very surefooted, definitely not for small children.
More pictures from the hike from Binntal to Alpe Devero
Here you can find more pictures of the hike from Binntal to Alpe Devero:
