Camping Giessen im Binntal, Wallis
Camping Giessen im Binntal, Wallis
Camping Giessen im Binntal, Wallis
Camping Giessen im Binntal, Wallis
Camping Giessen im Binntal, Wallis
Camping Giessen im Binntal, Wallis

Flora and Fauna

Binntal has many rare flowers; yellow Alpine Anemone (Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia) blooms next to hundreds of Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon), Elder Orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina) stands cheek-by-jowl with Black Vanilla Orchid (Nigritella nigra); here and there the practiced eye will spot a mountain Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus). Saxifrage (Saxifraga), Speedwell (Veronica), Pink (Dianthus) and Bellflower (Campanula) are present in a multitude of colours and forms and the splendid white St. Bruno’s Lily (Paradisea liliastrum) decorate the spring meadow. Alpine Columbine (Aquilegia alpina), Golden and Long-flowered Primrose (Androsace vitaliana, Primula halleri), Schleicher’s Gentian (Gentiana schleicheri) or Blue Sow-thistle (Cicerbita alpina), the widespread White Butterbur (Petasites albus) and the rare Willow-valerian (Valeriana saliunca) scent the pure mountain air. Especially the side valley, the Längtal heading towards Saflisch Pass, is rich in unique plants. In the second half of May the Tulip of Grengiols (Tulipa grengiolensis, compare Rundweg Tulpenring Grengiols), which blooms nowhere else in the world, is not to be missed. The Valais Stock (Matthiola valesiaca) can be found in the Twingi gorge between Ausserbinn and Binn.

Manifold birds, butterflies, grasshoppers, beetles, salamanders and the occasional snake also enrich the landscape.

In spring, when snow lingers in the heights, and in autumn using their last chance to eat their fill, whole herds of deer roam the lower meadows. Chamois can be seen at the higher elevations. Marmots inhabit certain areas, e.g., the Alp Freichi, and are not at all afraid of people. Less common but still a frequent visitor is the alpine arctic hare; brown in summer, and white in winter.

Many species in the park are rare or even endangered. Thus the valley also offers seldom seen birds, such as the white-throated dipper that is at home on the Binna River. Here and there the hiker spies a black grouse, an alpine accentor or an eagle, among many others. More common are hawks circling over the alpine meadows.

A real find is the reddish amber snail, only a few millimeters long, and found only in Graubünden and the Twingi gorge.

The Binntal nature reserve strives to protect the habitat of these animals and plants, preserving it for the enjoyment of posterity.

Would you like to experience more, see more? Then sign up for one of the theme walks offered by the Binn tourist council.

Last update: 01.05.2020