Via Alpina Blue D5

Via Alpina Blue D5 is a 24.1-km point-to-point alpine stage in Valais, Switzerland, climbing 1,049 m from the mountain village of Rosswald to the historic Simplon Pass at 2,005 m. Rated difficulty II, this full-day stage — roughly 10 hours on trail — crosses high alpine meadows, passes below the retreating Chaltwassergletscher glacier, and delivers sweeping views of a mountain corridor that has linked northern and southern Europe for centuries.

About the Via Alpina Blue D5

The Via Alpina Blue Trail is Switzerland's signature long-distance hiking route — 61 stages that traverse the country from east to west, threading through eight cantons and every major Alpine landscape the country offers. Stage D5 sits in canton Valais, one of the most geologically dramatic corners of Switzerland, where glacier-carved valleys meet ancient trading routes that predate the Roman Empire. The Simplon corridor has been a critical Alpine crossing for millennia, and D5 follows roughly the same strategic line that traders, soldiers, and pilgrims have used for centuries.

The route forms part of the Via Alpina international hiking network, a system of five colour-coded trails spanning eight Alpine nations and covering more than 5,000 kilometres of waymarked mountain path. The Blue Trail — 61 stages long — is Switzerland's own designated contribution: a coast-to-coast Alpine traverse that ambitious hikers typically complete over five to seven weeks.

Most hikers tackle D5 as a full-day standalone stage, staying in Rosswald the night before and at Simplonpass — or returning by PostBus to Brig — afterward. Rosswald (roughly 1,800 m) is a car-free mountain village reached by cable car from Brig in the Rhône valley. Arriving the evening before allows time to acclimatise, check the forecast, and start at first light; with 24.1 km and 1,049 m of elevation gain, a full day's commitment is non-negotiable.

The first kilometres leave Rosswald on a contour path circumventing the broad Gantertal valley basin. Wide grassy ledges open panoramic views toward the Bernese Alps, offering a comfortable warm-up before the day's harder terrain. The Stafel chapel — a modest stone structure that has served wayfarers for generations — marks the first notable landmark, followed by the Bortelhütte mountain hut, the natural halfway point and recommended lunch stop.

From the Bortelhütte the route transforms. A brief descent to Rothwald precedes the steepest climb of the stage: a sustained push to the Mäderlicke, a narrow ridge gap separating the Simplon watershed from the northern valleys. The rock shifts from turf to scree and exposure increases. Beyond the Mäderlicke the path traverses the high mountainside below the Chaltwassergletscher — a retreating glacier that serves as a vivid marker of climate change at Alpine altitude. This traverse is among the most memorable sections of any Swiss long-distance stage: a narrow shelf of path with grey ice above and the Simplon valley dropping sharply below. The Simplonpass road and historic hospice come into view shortly after, and a final descent delivers you to one of Europe's most storied mountain crossings.

Route Overview & Stages

D5 is a single point-to-point stage on the Via Alpina Blue Trail. The terrain naturally divides into five sections with distinct character. Total distance: 24.1 km. Total elevation gain: 1,049 m. Total elevation loss: 926 m. Official estimated hiking time: 10 hours 10 minutes.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Rosswald village — A car-free cluster of traditional Walliser chalets at approximately 1,800 m, accessible only by cable car from Brig in the Rhône valley below. Arriving the night before earns you an unhurried sunset over the valley and the quietude of a settlement that sees a fraction of the tourists who crowd the valley floor.
• Gantertal viewpoint — The contour path out of Rosswald traverses above the broad Gantertal. On clear mornings the Bernese Alps fill the northern horizon — an early reward that carries you through the first easy kilometres and sets the visual tone for the stage.
• Stafel Chapel — A small stone wayside chapel worn smooth by centuries of mountain travellers. It marks the first significant waypoint and a natural moment to check your pace before the terrain steepens toward the Bortelhütte.
• Bortelhütte — The natural halfway mark and the only staffed shelter directly on the route between Rosswald and Simplonpass. The hut sits in open alpine terrain above treeline and offers simple hot meals — a critical refuelling point before the harder second half of the stage.
• Mäderlicke ridge gap — The high point of D5 and the most dramatic moment on the stage. The narrow gap opens the full Simplon panorama to the south, but loose rock on the approach demands care, especially in wet or early-season conditions when residual snowfields can cover the final metres.
• Chaltwassergletscher traverse — The path below this retreating glacier is the visual centrepiece of D5. The shrunken ice field above and the rubble of fresh moraines below tell a story of rapid glacial retreat — a sight that lends the stage an emotional weight beyond its physical demands.
• Simplonpass (2,005 m) — One of the Alps' most historically significant mountain crossings. Napoleon engineered the road here in the early 19th century to move troops and artillery between France and northern Italy. The pass remains one of the few paved Swiss Alpine crossings open year-round.
• Simplon Hospiz — The vast stone hospice at the pass, founded in the 17th century by the Congregation of Great St Bernard. It has sheltered travellers for over 400 years and today operates as a guesthouse and restaurant — a fitting reward at the end of a demanding stage.

Best Time to Hike the Via Alpina Blue D5

The reliable hiking window for D5 runs from late June to mid-October. Snow on the Mäderlicke ridge and the high traverse typically clears by early July; as of 2026, above-average winter snowpack in the Simplon region means some years require an extra two to three weeks before the ridge section is safely passable without microspikes. Check current conditions with local mountain services in Brig before committing to a late-June attempt.

July brings long days and wildflowers across the alpine meadows above Rosswald, but afternoon thunderstorms can build rapidly over the exposed ridge. A no-later-than 07:00 departure from Rosswald is non-negotiable to clear the Mäderlicke before weather arrives. Snowfields may still cover parts of the upper section in the first two weeks of July.

August is the single best month to hike D5. The trail is fully snow-free from start to finish, weather windows are longer and more stable than in July, the Bortelhütte and Simplon Hospiz both run at full capacity, and PostBus services operate on their peak summer timetable. The glacier traverse is fully accessible and the scree above the Mäderlicke is dry and grippy underfoot.

September offers cooler temperatures, noticeably fewer hikers, and the first flush of autumn colour on larch stands near Rothwald. Mountain huts begin closing progressively from mid-September — confirm the Bortelhütte is open before you go. Shorter days make the 10-hour stage a tighter fit; a 06:30 start is recommended.

October is for experienced Alpine hikers only. Early snowfall can ice the Mäderlicke and the glacier traverse requires particular care on cold rock. The Simplonpass road may close temporarily after heavy snow, and most trail infrastructure has wound down for the season.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Rosswald (stage start): Several small hotels and pension guesthouses in the village, typically CHF 80–130 per night (approximately EUR 84–136). Capacity is limited in this car-free settlement — book four to six weeks ahead in July and August.

Bortelhütte (mid-route): SAC-affiliated mountain hut with dormitory sleeping (Matratzenlager) at approximately CHF 35–45 per bunk, or private rooms from CHF 65 per person. Half-board with dinner and breakfast is the standard arrangement and strongly recommended, as there are no other food sources in the surrounding area. Reserve directly through the hut at least a week in advance in peak season.

Simplonpass (stage end): The historic Simplon Hospiz offers rooms from around CHF 90–130 per person including breakfast. The Hotel Simplon-Kulm and a handful of smaller guesthouses cluster at the pass. Budget hikers can use designated free camping areas near the pass — no facilities, no booking required. The hospice restaurant serves traditional Alpine food and is open to non-guests; hearty and fairly priced after 10 hours on trail.

Getting There & Back

To Rosswald (start): Take an SBB train to Brig — the city lies on the main Bern–Milan rail corridor, with direct services from Zurich (approximately 2 hours), Geneva (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes), and Basel. From Brig station, the Rosswald cable car departs every 30 minutes and reaches the village in approximately 8 minutes. First cable car runs around 07:30 in summer.

From Simplonpass (end): PostBus line 620 connects Simplonpass to Brig in 45–55 minutes, with multiple daily departures throughout summer. The same line continues to Domodossola, Italy, making a cross-border finish possible for hikers extending the Blue Trail southward. Nearest international airports: Zurich (ZRH, approximately 2 hours to Brig by SBB) and Milan Malpensa (MXP, approximately 2.5 hours via Domodossola and the Simplon railway tunnel). See the Switzerland Tourism Via Alpina page for current transport connections and seasonal timetables.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike Via Alpina Blue D5. Switzerland's waymarked mountain trail network is freely accessible, and this section crosses no national park zones where entry fees apply. The cable car from Brig to Rosswald costs approximately CHF 11–22 depending on whether you purchase a one-way or return ticket. SAC members and holders of reciprocal Alpine club membership (DAV, CAF, CAI, and others) receive a CHF 6–10 per night discount at SAC-affiliated huts such as the Bortelhütte — easily worth the annual membership fee if you are hiking multiple Swiss stages in a season.

Gear & Packing List

D5 is a demanding full-day Alpine stage with sustained elevation change, exposed ridge terrain at the Mäderlicke, and a high-altitude traverse below a retreating glacier. The right kit matters here more than on lower Swiss valley routes.

Backpack: For a single-stage day hike, a 25–40 litre pack with a hipbelt carries the day's food, water, and layers comfortably. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 is an excellent choice for those combining D5 with adjacent Blue Trail stages — its load-transfer system earns its keep on long alpine days. Hikers configuring a multi-week Blue Trail through-hike will want the larger capacity and structural support of the Osprey Aether 65. For a minimalist gram-counting approach across multiple stages, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L is a proven ultralight option that handles the load without punishing your shoulders over a 10-hour day.

Footwear: Stiff-soled, ankle-supporting mountain boots are required. Trail runners are not recommended for the scree approach to the Mäderlicke or the glacier traverse in wet conditions.

Layers: Temperature swings of 12–15°C between Brig at valley level and the Mäderlicke are common. A windproof mid-layer and waterproof hardshell are mandatory; pack a warm hat and gloves even in August.

Trekking poles: Strongly recommended for the steep scree ascent to the Mäderlicke and for protecting your knees on the 926 m of total descent. Tiredness accumulates over a 10-hour day and poles make a measurable difference on the lower traverse.

Navigation: Download the official GPX track as a backup to signage. Yellow-and-white Via Alpina blazes are generally reliable but can be obscured by early-season snowfields above Rothwald.

Water: Fill up in Rosswald and again at the Bortelhütte. The traverse section below the glacier has no reliable water source — carry at least 1.5 litres through this stretch.

Food and calories: A full 10-hour stage burns 3,500–5,000 kcal depending on pace and body weight. Carry enough for the whole day plus emergency rations. If you plan to eat at the Bortelhütte, targeting an 11:30–12:00 arrival works well with a 07:00 departure from Rosswald. For detailed calorie planning before any long mountain day, see How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day?

Similar Trails You Might Like

If D5 appeals for its combination of historic Alpine infrastructure and high-ridge exposure, several nearby routes offer comparable character. The Chamonix-Zermatt Walker's Route is the most celebrated high-Alpine traverse in this region, linking two iconic mountaineering towns through some of the most dramatic terrain in the Alps — a natural next chapter for anyone who completes D5. For a more remote Valais experience, the Tour des Combins stage 5 (Mauvoisin–Cabane Chanrion–Mauvoisin) ventures deep into the Grand Combin massif just west of the Simplon, with equally serious terrain and far fewer hikers. Those drawn to the Via Alpina network will find the Via Alpina Red R104 a higher and more demanding Swiss alternative. The European Long Distance Path E1 (Switzerland section) offers a different north-to-south orientation through the country, while the Via Francigena in Switzerland traces the medieval Canterbury-to-Rome pilgrim road through the Valais — a completely different pace and purpose set against the same mountain backdrop. For a dramatically different cultural context alongside comparable mountain scenery, the Theth to Valbona Hike in Albania pairs well as a back-to-back trip: equally spectacular ridges, far fewer crowds, and a fraction of Swiss costs. Before packing for any of these routes, Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026: 7 Packs Tested and Ranked is a useful reference before committing to a pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike Via Alpina Blue D5?

August is the best single month. The trail is fully snow-free from Rosswald to Simplonpass, the Bortelhütte and Simplon Hospiz both operate at full capacity, and afternoon thunderstorm windows are more predictable than in July. The season runs from late June to mid-October — outside this window, snow on the Mäderlicke ridge and the glacier traverse makes the route unsuitable without mountaineering equipment and experience.

How difficult is Via Alpina Blue D5?

D5 is rated difficulty II on the Swiss mountain trail classification, which requires surefootedness, appropriate mountain footwear, and basic route-reading ability in alpine terrain. The Mäderlicke ascent and traverse below the Chaltwassergletscher are the most demanding sections — exposed in places, with loose rock after wet weather. Strong hikers with Alpine experience will find it challenging but manageable; those new to mountain terrain should build experience on easier Swiss routes first.

How far is Via Alpina Blue D5 and how long does it take?

The stage covers 24.1 kilometres with 1,049 m of elevation gain and 926 m of descent. The official Swiss hiking estimate is 10 hours 10 minutes. A fit and fast party might complete it in 8.5–9 hours; those stopping for meals and viewpoints should budget 11–12 hours. Leave Rosswald no later than 07:00 to ensure you clear the exposed Mäderlicke section before afternoon weather builds over the ridge.

Where can I sleep along Via Alpina Blue D5?

Two main overnight options exist on or near the route. The Bortelhütte at roughly the halfway point offers dormitory beds from approximately CHF 35–45 per bunk and private rooms from CHF 65 — book at least a week in advance in peak season. At Simplonpass, the historic Simplon Hospiz and Hotel Simplon-Kulm provide comfortable end-of-stage accommodation from around CHF 90–130 per person. Free designated camping areas near the pass require no booking and have no facilities.

Do I need a permit to hike Via Alpina Blue D5?

No permit is required. Switzerland's waymarked mountain trail network is freely accessible, and this section crosses no restricted or national park zone where fees apply. The only infrastructure cost is the cable car from Brig to Rosswald, approximately CHF 11–22 for a one-way or return ticket. SAC members and holders of reciprocal Alpine club cards receive a nightly discount at the Bortelhütte that can offset membership costs across multiple Swiss hut stages in a season.