Binn
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Access to the village of Binn is mainly by postbus, a year-round service thanks to the tunnel opened in 1965, which allows access even in winter. By car, starting from Brig, one drives along the road to Fiesch, before reaching the valley.
Introduction
Binn is an Alpine municipality in Canton Valais, located in the valley of the same name, within the district of Goms. Its extensive and wild territory is a true naturalistic 'treasure chest', appreciated by geologists, hikers and lovers of biodiversity for the variety of its landscapes and mineral wealth. The main centre of the region, the village of Binn stands at 1400 m a.s.l. and offers a panorama dominated by forests, streams, high-altitude pastures and peaks that mark the border with Italy, in particular with Piedmont and Val d'Ossola.
Description
The settlement origins of the valley date back to ancient times, as testified by archaeological finds and the local mining tradition, strongly linked to the Lengenbach mine, famous for its extraordinary variety of minerals, some of which are unique in the world. From a historical point of view, the village of Binn has been mentioned since at least the 13th century, with the parish church of St Michael attested from 1296-1298; the demographic evolution has been constant, if modest, and today the community counts about 144 inhabitants, usually called 'binner'.
The area is protected by the Binntal Regional Nature Park, established as the first official nature park in the Valais to safeguard the peculiar floristic, faunal and mineral biodiversity, as well as the traditional forms of settlement of the place. The valley, narrow and almost 'secret' between the mountains, opens up to a surprising variety of environments: mountain lakes, peat bogs, mixed forests, alpine meadows. Frequent nature trails allow the discovery of both views and geological sites as well as small villages (Imfeld, Fäld, Giesse, Wilere, Ze Binne).
Local traditions are alive thanks to a cultural fabric of festivals, guided hikes and craftsmanship. Particularly well known is the story of the 'crystal hunters', which attracts visitors from all over the world to experience mining excursions. In the tourism sector, the municipality's most important monument is the Zen Binnen Dam, as well as the Hotel Ofenhorn in Binn, a historic example of Alpine architecture, which welcomed illustrious travellers such as Winston Churchill in the Belle Époque. The gastronomic offer is characterised by quality and respect for mountain traditions, with local products and typical Valais dishes.
Information
Area: 65.09 km²
Altitude: 1,393m
Maximum elevation: 3.236m - Punta d'Arbola
Number of inhabitants: 153
Name in dialect:
Patron Saint: St. Michael
Neighbouring municipalities: Baceno, Ernen, Grengiols, Reckingen-Gluringen
Internet site: www.binn.ch