Brig, Switzerland

Brig-Glis town center, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brig-Schweiz.jpg
Author: Kramer96


Brig (officially: Brig-Glis, French: Brigue-Glis, Italian: Briga-Glis) is a small town in Upper Valais, Switzerland. Located at an altitude of 691 m (2,267 ft) above sea level, Brig covers 38 sq km (14.7 sq mi) and has a population of 12,000 (2011 estimate).

Human habitation in Brig goes back to the Bronze Age, though the village for first mentioned in 1215, as Briga. There is a distinct Italian influence to the town, particularly in the early part of its history, and this can be seen from the architecture, particularly its older houses.

Brig is located by the River Rhône. It was named Brig, which means "bridge", in reference to the crossing of the river. As such, the early family settling there took on the surname of de Briga.

The finest building in Brig is the Renaissance-Baroque Stockalper Palace built in 1658-78 by Kaspar Jodok Stockalper. It has three square towers crowned by copulas. Today the building houses a museum.

Stockalper Palace, Brig
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brigue_-_Ancien_et_nouveau_Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Stockalper.jpg
Author: Ludovic Péron

Visiting Brig

Take a train from Thun or Kandersteg to reach Brig.

Sights & Attractions in and around Brig