Stadtbüro Brig

Where the ruggedness of the Alps meets the light-footed elegance of the south in a unique combination, there is also room for other alliances. Contrasting, idiosyncratic, contradictory perhaps, yes – but isn't it the peculiar interplay of opposites that creates the lasting appeal?

And the municipality of Brig-Glis is certainly appealing, where urban vibrancy is paired with village comfort and rural tranquility. Since the municipalities of Brig, Glis, and Brigerbad joined forces in 1973, they have been pursuing a common goal, despite their differences: to create security, comfort, and satisfaction for all. With an open view of the world and confidence in their own roots. If one had to describe the local character without resorting to clichés and platitudes, it might be something like this: Brig-Glis is connected to the world and rooted in the independence of its way of life.

Quality of life

Where opposites attract – and blend harmoniously into a whole with its own unique character: Brig, Glis, and Brigerbad, with their local peculiarities and charming contrasts, shape the unmistakable character of today's municipality of Brig-Glis. Urban sophistication, village comfort, and rural tranquility do not contradict each other, but complement each other vitally. Achieving a common goal while respecting diversity and independence – that is the guiding principle.

Center

The unique charm of the town of Brig-Glis is rooted in its geographical location in the heart of the Alps. Where the Rhone Valley lies at 678 m above sea level, with the mighty Aletsch Glacier to the north and the historic Simplon Pass on the threshold to Italy to the south, the original austerity of the Alps enters into a unique union with the light-footed elegance of the south. The exceptionally mild and dry climate, which contributes to the high quality of life and living, often seems more Mediterranean than Swiss. It is no coincidence that Brig-Glis is considered the center of the Upper Valais par excellence: as a service center, school town, and transportation hub, it is equally attractive to locals and visitors alike. This appeal is reflected both in the appearance of the city and in its very special atmosphere, which combines southern exuberance with alpine down-to-earthness.

Convenient transport links

Since the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906, the town's development into a service center has run parallel to its transport links. Around 80% of the local population now works in the service sector. Brig-Glis is an important transport hub where international road and rail routes intersect. The opening of the NEAT Lötschberg a hundred years after the construction of the Simplon Tunnel is another milestone in the town's transport development: the completion of the New Rail Link through the Alps has shortened the train journey to the north by a full 40 minutes – yet another reason for the growing importance of Brig-Glis as a thriving residential and holiday region. The connection to the world on the one hand and the attachment to one's own roots on the other correspond to the local mentality and way of life: Brig-Glis is cosmopolitan by tradition.

City life

How can you stroll through the historic squares of Brig-Glis without being enchanted by the sparkling shop windows and lively street cafés? The city, whose landmark is the magnificent Stockalper Palace with its extensive park, exudes pure joie de vivre. With its picturesque old town and car-free inner zone, Brig-Glis invites you to shop and stroll, indulge and enjoy. As a historic school town that is home to thousands of students, Brig-Glis is particularly fond of culture: theater, concerts, and exhibitions are part of the daily program. The Upper Valais Library and Media Center is also very popular, not only encouraging a love of reading, but also hosting all kinds of cultural events. As a contrast to the vibrant city life, take a trip to the picturesque villages of Glis, Gamsen, or Brigerbad, where time still stands still.

Hunger for education

The fact that the population of Brig-Glis has grown by eight percent since 1990 to around 12,700 inhabitants is testament to the high quality of life and housing in the municipality: quiet, well-kept residential areas in an unspoiled mountain landscape, a wide range of sports and leisure activities, and a diverse educational offering are key factors in this. Since the founding of the "Spiritus Sanctus" college in 1662, Brig-Glis has developed into an educational center with international connections that meets a wide variety of needs, from kindergarten to university education. This may be the reason for the multicultural touch that suits the city as well as a youthful, fresh fragrance suits a mature lady. This, and certainly also the proximity to Italian and French living spaces, which nurture the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Holiday feeling

Where prominent mountain peaks rise and world-renowned health resorts reign supreme; where bubbling thermal waters beckon and nature shines with its treasures, there is no stopping you. A holiday and leisure paradise of fantastic diversity lies on Brig-Glis' doorstep in both summer and winter. With well over a thousand guest beds and a colorful and lively restaurant scene, the municipality is the perfect starting point for excursions in the surrounding area: whether skiing or hiking, cross-country skiing or golf; whether biking, trekking or walking – there are no limits to your urge to get active. A must, of course, is a detour – or rather a dip – in the famous thermal waters of Brigerbad, which enjoy unbroken popularity with young and old alike. For those who prefer tranquility to activity, a sightseeing tour of Brig-Glis is highly recommended: a journey of discovery through the history and present of the city that leaves its mark.