Brig, Switzerland A Little Gem In The Alps

Brig, Switzerland is a lovely little town situated in the Valais region nestled under the Alps next to the Simplon Pass. If you prefer to visit less touristy towns and cities, especially during the height of the busy season, Brig should be on your list! With a blend of quaint alpine charm, cobblestone streets, and local architecture, Brig’s central location makes it the perfect hub for visiting other Swiss attractions. 

Where is Brig Switerland located?

Brig, is in the south-western part of Switzerland, in the Canton of Valais. It is just around 2 hours (or less) from either Locarno to the east, or Zermatt to the south, which makes it a perfect half way stop if you’re visiting other Swiss villages. 

(I was hosted by Valais-Wallis Tourism (Brig-Simplon), Hotel de Londres, and Brasserie Des Cheminots at the Ambassador Hotel in Brig, Switzerland. We were also provided with Swiss Passes for rail transportation, thanks to Switzerland Tourism.)

Swiss Travel Pass

If you’re traveling around Switzerland, I highly recommend getting a Swiss Travel Pass. The pass includes all public transportation from trains and busses to trams and ferries. It also includes admission to over 500 museums and art galleries, as well as discounts on funiculars, cable cars, and cog wheel trains! Plus the trains in Switzerland are spotless, on time and offer fabulous views of the Alps.

I was traveling with Christina from Christina’s Cucina from Lugano, Switzerland where we took a Cruise and Cook Tour.  We used our Swiss Travel Passes to take the train from Lugano to Locarno, and then Locarno to Domodossola. Although Domodossola is in Italy, the pass covers the trip through Italy, which is a nice perk. Domodossola to Brig is just a 30 minute trip.

Once we arrived in Brig, we walked a few blocks, really less than 10 minutes from the railway station, to the center of Brig.

Where to stay

There are several hotels in Brig ranging from the mid 100 range to over 300 (Swiss Francs). Some are more historical and charming, while others are more modern. We were hosted at Hotel de Londres which is right in the middle of the Old Town. Although this charming hotel has the feel of the “new kid on the block” with its sparkling clean rooms and minimalist style, the Hotel de Londres has been around since 1884. Prices start in the mid-200’s.

Although there is no lobby, the central gathering spot is the cozy English inspired lounge, with soft chairs, and tables for games or dining.The Hotel de Londres includes a full English, or Valais style breakfast. This is a nice perk as not all local hotels include breakfast. 

We started our afternoon with a glass of wine from the honor bar, and then went out to the terrace to take in the beautiful views of the Alps and the quaint square.

Breakfast is a variety of teas in addition to the homemade granola, jams, cheeses, and breads.

In addition to the cold meats, cheeses, cold and hot cereal, stewed and fresh fruit, they offer eggs any style. Of yes, and of course cappuccino!

Other hotels and inns

• Schlosshotel is a self check in hotel with very basic rooms. But it is budget friendly with prices for rooms starting around 100 Swiss Francs (CHF). Breakfast is included.
• The Hotel Ambassador is another charming hotel that offers monthly specials and has a restaurant on the premises. Room prices start at the low 300 CHF range and include breakfast.

​Where to eat?

Stroll the town for local bakeries for a cup of coffee and a Swiss pastry or light nibble. Look for raclette and walliser teller (a platter of cured meats and cheeses) which are both local dishes.

We dined at the Brasserie des Cheminots located in the Hotel Ambassador with Brig tourism ambassador, Jurg. Although the restaurant has a lovely dining room, it was a balmy Swiss summer evening, so we opted to sit on the patio. We started with an platter of “amuse bouche” which included smoked salmon and a gazpacho shooter. For our starters, I had the oxtail soup, Jürg had the goose liver pate and Christina had the seafood soup.

• Schlosskeller for Swiss and European dishes at reasonable prices.
• La Terrazza features Italian cuisine.
• The Hotel Simplon Restaurant has both traditional Swiss dishes as well as European and even international dishes. 

Lastly, don’t forget to sample Swiss wines when you have a chance. Switzerland produces some really delicious wines, and we sampled Swiss wines wherever we were. I asked why we don’t see more Swiss wines in the US? The Valais region produces such a small amount of wine, they rarely export it.

What language do they speak in Brig?

While German is the most common, because of its proximity to both Italy and France, you’ll find many people will speak one or both. Nearly everyone speaks English as their second or third language as well.

What to do in Brig?

Stockalper Palace

We met our Brig tour guide at the hotel in the late afternoon. Romaine gave us the history of Brig as we walked to Stockalper Palace.Stockalper Palace was built in the mid to late 17th century by Kaspar Stockalper. The Stockalper family made their money through extensive trading, including a salt monopoly. 

Because of the close proximity to Italy, the palace has a decidedly Italianate feeling, with arches and towers, which reminds me of Venice.

Stockalper’s Palace, Brig, was built from 1658 to 1678 by Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper. (photo courtesy of Switzerland Tourism; Christof Sonderegger)

Visit the beautiful manicured gardens and Baroque style Jesuit church adjacent to the palace grounds.

Thermalbad Brigerbad 

These natural thermal baths and spa are located a few miles out of town and offer incredible views of the alps. A three hour pass will run 30 CHF.

Outdoor activities

One of the main reasons to stay in Brig is its close proximity to the Aletsch Arena and Glacier. In the summer there is plenty of hiking and climbing, and in the winter the region offers skiing and snowboarding. Or just take a lift to the Unesco World Heritage Aletsch Glacier site which is magnificent in the summer. (And with global warming, who knows how much longer the glacier will be around!)

Simplon Pass

The Simplon Pass has been an important trade route since Roman times. Located between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps, it was one of the most direct routes across the central Alps due to its relatively gentle incline and was a primary connection between France and Italy. In the 17th century, the Stockalper family built a road over the Simplon Pass, which made trading easier. Since they controlled the road, they controlled the trading as well. It was also used by Napoleon to move his troops across the Alps. The Stockalper family grew to become one of the most influential and wealthy families in the region.

The Simplon Tunnel was completed in 1906 and is about 12 miles. The Simplon-Orient Express train route from Paris to Istanbul was popular in the early 20th century, and can still be taken today.

Want to try some Swiss dishes at home?

Swiss Fondue

Swiss Rosti

Chocolate Fondue