Gspon

Gspon is a village in the Swiss Alps, located in the canton of Valais. The village is situated in the eastern part of the canton, in the Saastal valley, above Staldenried, at a height of 1,893 metres. It belongs to the latter municipality.

View of Gspon with the Balfrin in background

Accessible by cable car from Stalden via Staldenried, Gspon is a car-free village and a year-round popular tourist destination. In winter Gspon includes a small ski area.

Attractions

Since the village is located in the Alps, it caught attention for hikers. Hiking is considered one of the village's main attractions along to other mountain-related activities. Another attraction is the large green valleys and hills. There are cables that route different locations above and under Gspon from the village itself. Gspon has a famous football pitch that is ranked as the highest pitch in Europe, at almost 2 km above sea level.[1]

Highlights & Facts
  • Highest still operating irrigation channels in Switzerland.
  • Highest football stadium in Europe, the Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium.[2]
  • Hiking and climbing routes in all degrees of difficulty.
  • Snowshoe trekking in winter.
  • St. Anna Chapel, built in 1691.

General Information[3]

The traffic-free village of Gspon is an ideal starting point for both leisurely and challenging hikes. This is where the highest still operating irrigation channels can be found. Two ski lifts open in winter for downhill skiers. No road leads to the idyllic village of Gspon at an altitude of 1899 metres. Access is by cableway from Stalden via Staldenried. The landmark of this tranquil village with a population of 585 is the St. Anna Chapel, built in 1691. The unspoilt landscape is ideal for hikes in all degrees of difficulty.

The Bischofwäg leading from Staldenried through pine forest and the Breiterbach Gorge to Visperterminen was the path along which the bishop of Sion travelled. Visperterminen has the highest vineyard in Europe on a sheltered slope at an altitude of 1150 metres. A green sign-posted viniculture theme path starts at Visp railway station. The Suonen hiking trail to Finileri runs alongside the highest still operating irrigation channels in Europe. Running water, scented forests and beautiful alp pastures transform this circuit path into a delight for the senses. A more challenging trail leads from Gspon via the Gebidum and Bistinen Passes to the Simplon Pass.

There are facilities for downhill skiing in winter. The tranquil, snowbound landscape can also be explored on snowshoes.

References
  1. "The Beautiful Game Has a Beautiful View at Europe's Highest Pitch". Wired. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  2. "Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium: What's it like to play at Europe's 'highest' football stadium?". 13 October 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  3. http://wanderland.myswitzerland.com/en/services/places/ort-0280.html

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