Brig -- Simplon Pass Gateway, Stockalper Palace, and the Heart of the Upper Valais

TL;DR: Brig (officially Brig-Glis) is the historic capital of the Upper Valais, strategically positioned at the northern foot of the Simplon Pass -- the great Alpine crossing between Switzerland and Italy that Napoleon turned into a highway. The town is dominated by the Stockalper Palace, the largest private Baroque palace in Switzerland, built by the 17th-century trade baron Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper. As a major railway junction where the Glacier Express, Lotschberg, and Simplon lines converge, Brig is one of the most important transit hubs in the Swiss Alps. Zurich to Brig takes 2 hours by direct IC train; Zermatt is 1 hour 20 minutes away.

Quick Facts

Top 5 Things to Do in Brig

1. Visit the Stockalper Palace (Stockalperschloss)

The Stockalper Palace is the largest private Baroque palace in Switzerland, built between 1651 and 1671 by Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper -- the "King of the Simplon" -- who amassed enormous wealth controlling trade, salt monopolies, and mercenary contracts over the Simplon Pass. The palace features three massive towers topped with golden onion domes (named after the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar), an arcaded Italian-style courtyard, and a Baroque chapel. Guided tours reveal the lavish interiors and tell the story of Stockalper's dramatic rise and fall. Entry: CHF 10 adults; guided tours CHF 14 (2026 prices). Hours: Tuesday--Sunday 10:00--17:00 (May--October); courtyard and garden free and open year-round. GPS: 46.3150, 7.9870. Allow 1--1.5 hours.

2. Explore the Brig Old Town (Altstadt)

Brig's compact Old Town clusters around the Stockalper Palace and the Sebastiansplatz (main square). The streets are lined with 17th- and 18th-century Valais town houses, some with Renaissance sgraffito decoration, shuttered windows, and stone staircases. Key buildings include the Jesuit Church (Kollegiumskirche, built 1672--1687), the Sebastianskapelle (Sebastian's Chapel, 1636), and several historic inns. The Old Town is small -- a 20-minute walk covers the main streets -- but atmospheric, with a distinctly Italianate character reflecting the town's centuries of connection to Italy via the Simplon. Free to explore at any time.

3. Drive or ride the PostBus over the Simplon Pass

The Simplon Pass (2'005 m) is one of the great Alpine crossings, connecting the Upper Valais to Domodossola in Italy's Piedmont region. Napoleon ordered the construction of a proper road over the pass in 1800--1805, creating one of the first modern highways through the Alps. Today, the pass road is open from approximately May to November and is spectacular to drive or ride by PostBus. The PostBus from Brig to Simplon Dorf takes approximately 35 minutes; the full route to Domodossola takes approximately 2 hours. PostBus ticket: approximately CHF 18 to Simplon Dorf (Swiss Travel Pass valid). The Simplon Hospice at the summit, operated by Augustinian monks since the 17th century, is worth a stop. GPS (Simplon Pass summit): 46.2505, 8.0335.

4. Ride the Glacier Express (Brig to Zermatt or St. Moritz)

Brig is a key stop on the Glacier Express route between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Brig--Zermatt segment (1 hour 20 minutes by Matterhorn Gotthard Railway) passes through the Valais valley with views of the Matterhorn, while the Brig--Andermatt--St. Moritz segment crosses the Furka and Oberalp passes. Regular trains on the same route are free with the Swiss Travel Pass (panoramic supplement: CHF 49, 2026 prices). Even if not taking the full Glacier Express, the Brig--Zermatt train is one of Switzerland's most scenic railway journeys, free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

5. Take the thermal baths at Brigerbad

Brigerbad, 5 km west of Brig, is the largest open-air thermal bath complex in Switzerland. Fed by natural thermal springs, the complex includes indoor and outdoor pools (up to 38°C), water slides, a Roman-Irish spa, and panoramic sun terraces overlooking the Rhone valley. Entry: CHF 25 adults for 3 hours (2026 prices). Hours: daily 09:00--21:00. Getting there: Bus from Brig (10 min) or 15-minute drive. GPS: 46.3050, 7.9380. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon before or after a mountain excursion.

History & Culture

Brig's history is inseparable from the Simplon Pass. For millennia, the mountain crossing between the Upper Rhone valley and northern Italy has funneled trade, armies, and travelers through this narrow valley. The Romans used the Simplon route; medieval merchants carried salt, spices, and silk over the pass; and in 1800, Napoleon recognized its strategic importance and ordered the construction of a modern highway -- the first engineered road across the western Alps.

The town's most remarkable figure is Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper (1609--1691), often called the "King of the Simplon." Through a combination of political acumen, salt trade monopolies, and military contracts (supplying mercenary troops to foreign powers), Stockalper became one of the wealthiest men in Europe. His palace in Brig -- with its three golden-domed towers, Italian courtyard, and lavish interiors -- was deliberately designed to rival the residences of princes. His power eventually provoked the jealousy of his fellow Valaisans, who forced him into exile in Italy in 1678. He returned to Brig shortly before his death.

The 19th and 20th centuries brought the railway. The Simplon Tunnel, connecting Brig to Iselle (Italy) through the Alps, was completed in 1906 and at 19.8 km was the world's longest railway tunnel at the time. The Lotschberg tunnel (connecting Bern to the Valais) opened in 1913, making Brig a critical north-south railway junction. The Lotschberg Base Tunnel (2007, 34.6 km) further enhanced Brig's connectivity, cutting travel time from Bern to under 70 minutes.

Today, Brig is a small but strategically vital town -- a railway crossroads where the east-west Rhone valley route (Glacier Express line) meets the north-south Lotschberg and Simplon routes. It serves as the commercial and administrative center of the Upper Valais (Oberwallis), the German-speaking half of Canton Valais.

Top Attractions

Stockalper Palace (Stockalperschloss)

The largest private Baroque palace in Switzerland.

• Entry: CHF 10 adults; guided tours CHF 14 (2026 prices)
• Hours: Tuesday--Sunday 10:00--17:00 (May--October); limited winter opening
• Courtyard and garden: Free, open year-round
• GPS: 46.3150, 7.9870
• Highlights: Three golden onion-dome towers, arcaded courtyard, Baroque chapel, historical exhibitions on Stockalper's trade empire
• Swiss Museum Pass: Free entry
• Allow: 1--1.5 hours (guided tour recommended)

Brig Old Town

Compact historic center around the Stockalper Palace and Sebastiansplatz.

• Key landmarks: Stockalper Palace, Kollegiumskirche (Jesuit Church, 1672--1687), Sebastianskapelle (1636), Zendenrathaus (historic town hall), Renaissance town houses
• Entry: Free
• GPS (Sebastiansplatz): 46.3158, 7.9865
• Allow: 30--60 minutes

Kollegiumskirche (Jesuit Church)

The Church of the Spiritus Sanctus (Holy Spirit), built 1672--1687 as part of the Jesuit college complex, is one of the finest Baroque churches in the Valais. The interior features elaborate stucco work and ceiling paintings.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Daily, typically 08:00--18:00
• GPS: 46.3155, 7.9858

Simplon Pass and Simplon Hospice

The historic Alpine crossing, with Napoleon's road, the Augustinian hospice, and dramatic mountain scenery.

• Pass elevation: 2'005 m
• Road open: Approximately May to November (weather dependent)
• Getting there from Brig: 35 min by PostBus to Simplon Dorf, 50 min to the pass summit; or by car (30 km)
• GPS (pass summit): 46.2505, 8.0335
• Swiss Travel Pass: Valid on PostBus services over the pass
• Highlights: Napoleon's Eagle statue, Simplon Hospice (can be visited), views of the Bernese Alps and Italian border mountains

Brigerbad thermal baths

Switzerland's largest open-air thermal bath complex.

• Entry: CHF 25 adults for 3 hours (2026 prices)
• Hours: Daily 09:00--21:00
• Getting there: Bus from Brig (10 min)
• GPS: 46.3050, 7.9380
• Facilities: Indoor and outdoor thermal pools (28--38°C), water slides, Roman-Irish spa (additional fee, CHF 20), sun terraces
• Season: Year-round (outdoor pools particularly enjoyable in summer and autumn)

Activities & Experiences

Railway experiences from Brig

Hiking near Brig

Aletsch Glacier excursion

The Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km long, UNESCO World Heritage), is accessible from the Aletsch Arena -- a network of cable cars from the Rhone valley villages of Morel, Betten, and Fiesch, all within 20 minutes of Brig by train. The Eggishorn viewpoint (2'927 m, cable car from Fiesch) offers the most spectacular panoramic view of the glacier.

• Getting there from Brig: MGB train to Fiesch (20 min), then cable car to Eggishorn
• Cable car round trip (Fiesch--Eggishorn): CHF 48 adults (CHF 24 with Swiss Travel Pass, 2026 prices)
• Allow: Half day to full day

Winter sports

Brig is within easy reach of several ski areas:

• Aletsch Arena (Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiesch): 104 km of pistes, 15--20 min by train + cable car
• Simplon region: Cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails
• Brig itself: Not a ski resort but an excellent base for accessing Valais ski areas

Getting Around

On foot

Brig's center is compact:

• Train station to Stockalper Palace: 5 minutes
• Train station to Old Town (Sebastiansplatz): 5 minutes
• Train station to Kollegiumskirche: 7 minutes
• All central attractions within 10 minutes of the station

By train

Brig is a major junction:

• Zermatt: 1h 20min (MGB, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn)
• Andermatt: 2h (MGB, Furka route)
• Visp: 10 min (SBB/MGB -- change here for faster Zermatt connections)
• Bern: 1h 10min (IC via Lotschberg)
• Domodossola (Italy): 30 min (SBB via Simplon Tunnel)

By PostBus

PostBuses from Brig serve the Simplon Pass route, Aletsch villages, and upper Valais valleys. Swiss Travel Pass valid.

Where to Eat

Traditional Valais cuisine

Budget options

• Migros Restaurant: Self-service, CHF 10--15, near the station
• Bakeries: Fresh Walliser Roggenbrot (rye bread), pastries from CHF 4
• Take-away Valais plate: Several delis and shops sell Trockenfleisch (dried meat), cheese, and bread for picnicking, from CHF 10

Valais specialties to try

• Raclette: Melted Valais cheese scraped onto potatoes, cornichons, and pickled onions -- the quintessential Valais dish. Brig restaurants serve it year-round
• Walliser Teller: A platter of Valais dried meats (Trockenfleisch, Rohschinken, Trockenwurst), Raclette cheese, rye bread, and pickles
• Walliser Roggenbrot: Dense, dark Valais rye bread, traditionally baked in communal ovens. UNESCO Intangible Heritage
• Cholera (Valais pie): Despite the name, a delicious covered pie filled with cheese, leeks, potatoes, apples, and pears -- a traditional Valais autumn dish
• Fendant: Valais Chasselas white wine, crisp and mineral, the classic accompaniment to raclette and fondue

Where to Stay

By budget

Where to stay: area guide

• Station area: Most practical for train connections. Brig is primarily used as a transit hub, and station-area hotels are convenient for early-morning departures to Zermatt or the Glacier Express
• Old Town: More atmospheric, near the Stockalper Palace, short walk from station
• Transit option: Many travelers pass through Brig without staying. If changing trains, the Old Town and Stockalper Palace are a 5-minute walk from the station and can be visited during a 1--2 hour layover

Day Trips from Brig

Practical Information

Getting to Brig by train (SBB / MGB / BLS)

Tip from ch.tours: Brig station has two sides: the SBB platforms (north) for trains to Zurich, Bern, and Italy, and the MGB/Glacier Express platforms (south) for trains to Zermatt and Andermatt. The underground passage connects both. When changing from an IC to the Zermatt train, allow at least 10 minutes for the transfer.

Swiss Travel Pass in Brig

The Swiss Travel Pass covers:

• Free: All SBB trains (IC, IR, RE) to Brig, MGB trains to Zermatt and Andermatt, BLS Lotschberg trains, PostBuses over the Simplon Pass and in the Valais, Stockalper Palace entry (with Swiss Museum Pass benefit)
• 50% discount: Aletsch Arena cable cars (Eggishorn, Bettmerhorn, Moosfluh)
• Not included: Brigerbad thermal bath entry (CHF 25), Glacier Express panoramic supplement (CHF 49)

Weather by season

Weather data: MeteoSwiss climate normals for Brig (station 3900)

Emergency & practical numbers

• Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 112
• Police: 117
• Ambulance: 144
• Tourist Information: Brig Simplon Tourismus, Bahnhofplatz 1, +41 27 921 60 30
• Opening hours: Monday--Friday 08:30--12:00 and 13:30--18:00, Saturday 09:00--12:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brig worth visiting?

Yes, Brig is worth visiting for the Stockalper Palace alone -- it is one of the most impressive and least-known historic buildings in Switzerland. Combined with the atmospheric Old Town, the Simplon Pass connection, and the excellent railway access to Zermatt and the Aletsch Glacier, Brig offers far more than a transit stop. Most visitors are surprised by how much character this small town has.

How many days do you need in Brig?

A half-day (2--3 hours) is sufficient to see the Stockalper Palace and Old Town, making Brig an excellent layover stop between trains. One overnight stay allows you to add a Simplon Pass excursion or an evening at Brigerbad thermal baths. As a base, 2--3 nights allows day trips to Zermatt, Aletsch Glacier, Domodossola, and the Lotschental.

How do you get to Brig from Zurich?

Take a direct IC train from Zurich HB. The journey takes 2 hours and trains run hourly. A second-class ticket costs CHF 64 (free with Swiss Travel Pass). No changes required.

What is the Stockalper Palace?

The Stockalper Palace (Stockalperschloss) is the largest private Baroque palace in Switzerland, built between 1651 and 1671 by Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper, a merchant baron who controlled trade over the Simplon Pass. Its three towers with golden onion domes, Italian-style courtyard, and elaborate interiors make it a unique architectural landmark in the Swiss Alps.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid for Brig?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains to Brig (SBB, BLS, MGB), PostBuses over the Simplon Pass, the train to Zermatt, and provides 50% discounts on Aletsch Arena cable cars. It also covers the Glacier Express route (regular trains) -- only the panoramic supplement is extra.

Can you visit Brig as a day trip from Zurich?

Yes, with 2 hours each way by direct IC train, a day trip from Zurich allows 4--6 hours in Brig. This is enough for the Stockalper Palace, Old Town, and a meal. However, day-tripping from Zurich through Brig to Zermatt is a long day (3+ hours each way to Zermatt), so an overnight in Brig or Zermatt is more comfortable.

Is Brig a good base for visiting Zermatt?

Yes, Brig is a practical (and more affordable) base for visiting Zermatt, which is 1 hour 20 minutes away by MGB train. Hotels in Brig are significantly cheaper than in Zermatt, and the train connection is reliable and scenic. However, for more than a day trip to Zermatt, staying in Zermatt itself is more convenient.

What is the Simplon Pass?

The Simplon Pass (2'005 m) is a historic Alpine crossing between the Upper Valais (Switzerland) and the Piedmont region (Italy). Napoleon ordered the construction of the first modern pass road in 1800--1805. Today it is a scenic driving and PostBus route, open from approximately May to November. The Simplon railway tunnel (19.8 km, opened 1906) runs below the pass year-round.

Insider Tips from Locals

1. The Stockalper Palace courtyard concerts: In summer (July--August), the Stockalper Palace courtyard hosts open-air concerts and cultural events. The acoustics in the arcaded courtyard are excellent, and the atmosphere -- Baroque architecture, golden domes above, music echoing off the stone walls -- is magical. Check the Brig-Simplon Tourismus calendar for dates.

2. Explore Brig during a train change: Many travelers change trains in Brig (e.g., from the IC to the Zermatt line). If you have a 1--2 hour layover, walk the 5 minutes to the Stockalper Palace and Old Town. The palace courtyard is free and open, and the Old Town can be seen in 30 minutes. Most transit passengers stay in the station and miss this.

3. Brigerbad thermal baths as an evening activity: After a day trip to Zermatt or the Aletsch Glacier, stop at Brigerbad on the way back. The thermal baths are open until 21:00, and soaking in the warm outdoor pools as the sun sets over the Valais mountains is the perfect end to an active day. Take the bus from Brig (10 min).

4. Drive the Simplon Pass for the views: While the Simplon railway tunnel is efficient, the old pass road is one of the most dramatic drives in the Alps. Napoleon's road climbs through gorges, past the hospice, and into a stark high-alpine landscape before descending into Italy. If you have access to a car, this is one of the great Swiss pass drives. The PostBus is a good alternative if you do not drive.

5. Domodossola market on Saturday: Take the 30-minute train through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola (Italy) on a Saturday morning for the bustling Italian market in Piazza Mercato. Buy fresh Italian produce, cheeses, and wines, then have an espresso and pizza for a fraction of Swiss prices. Return to Brig by early afternoon. Swiss Travel Pass covers the train.

6. Valais apricots in July: The Valais is Switzerland's apricot capital (the village of Saxon, further west, is the center of production). In July, roadside stands and markets around Brig sell fresh Valais apricots -- the most fragrant and flavorful you will ever taste. Buy them for snacking or try apricot-based desserts and Abricotine (apricot brandy).

7. The Lotschental valley is a hidden world: Take the BLS train from Brig toward Kandersteg and alight at Goppenstein (20 min). The PostBus climbs into the Lotschental -- a deep, isolated valley famous for its traditional wooden chalets, the Tschaggatten carnival masks (February), and the Langgletscher. It feels genuinely remote and is almost tourist-free.

8. Use Brig as a budget Zermatt base: Hotels in Brig cost 40--60% less than equivalent options in Zermatt. The MGB train runs hourly, and with a Swiss Travel Pass, the train is free. Stay in Brig, day-trip to Zermatt for the Gornergrat and Matterhorn views, and return to Brig for dinner and a comfortable night at a fraction of the cost.

Source: ch.tours | Last updated: March 2026 | Data from MySwitzerland.com, SBB (sbb.ch), Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (mgbahn.ch), MeteoSwiss, Brig Simplon Tourismus (brig-simplon.ch), Canton of Valais (vs.ch)