Binntal

The Binntal is a regional nature park in the upper Valais, and its distinction is mineralogical. The dolomite and schist here have produced an exceptional range of rare species - the Lengenbach quarry above Fald has yielded dozens of minerals new to science, several found nowhere else in the world, and specimens from it sit in museums internationally. Supervised digging sessions run in summer, and a small museum in Binn displays the finds. Beyond the geology the valley is a quiet one of stone-and-timber hamlets, larch woods and paths over to Italy by the Albrun pass, a route used for centuries. Until a road was built through the narrow Twingi gorge in 1936-1938 the valley was hard to reach, and a 1.9-kilometre tunnel built in 1963-1964 made the road safe in winter.

The landscape

• The Lengenbach quarry - source of minerals new to science, some unique to it.
• Supervised digging - summer sessions for collectors at the site.
• Stone-and-timber hamlets - the quiet valley settlements.
• The Albrun pass - the old walking route over to Italy.

When to go

Late June to October. A day.

What to expect

Digging is only in organised sessions and finds are regulated - private collecting outside them is not allowed. Postbus service is limited. Accommodation is a handful of guesthouses. The valley is genuinely quiet, which is either the point or a disappointment.

Nearby

Ernen with its painted houses is at the mouth; the Aletsch region is west.

Key facts