Brig

Facts about Brig

• Location: in the Alps, central
• Region: Upper Rhone valley (Valais)
• Brig can be reached by train
• Popular attractions: Glacier Express, Centovalli railway, Bettmerhorn
• Town size: town
• Elevation: 678 m (2224 ft)
• Travel time from Zurich: 2h10 by train, 3h25 by car

Strategically situated town

Brig lies along the river Rhone, in a wide sunny section of the Upper Rhone valley. The Simplon Pass to Italy starts in Brig, so travelers to and from Italy have been passing through Brig for centuries. Brig is the border station for trains to and from Italy. Many trains to various destinations in Switzerland stop in Brig as well, including the Glacier Express.

Pros and cons of Brig

Brig is one of the larger towns in the Rhone valley, but it isn't a big tourist center. Many tourists prefer the various smaller villages up in the mountains, like Rosswald, Rothwald, Blatten and Belalp. These villages are situated amidst beautiful alpine scenery and make a great base for local hiking and winter sports. Brig, on the other hand, is the best base if you prefer to explore a wider region. From Brig, you can easily take trains and buses all over the Valais and thus see and do a lot in little time. Also, Brig has a nice little town center with many shops and restaurants.