Ried-Brig

Ancient grave finds at “Heidenhubel” in Brig, as well as discoveries of graves under Burgspitz, in Lingwurm, and in “Alte Gasse” in Ried-Brig, confirm that the Brigerberg was inhabited before the Roman era, which is understandable given its excellent location. In the last third of the first millennium AD, the Alemanni, who advanced into the Upper Wallis via the Grimsel, Gemmi, and Lötschberg passes, settled the Brigerberg. In addition to the Brigerberg Plateau, the Gantertal with its two communities, Grund and Ganter, was also inhabited year-round during the Middle Ages. The abandonment of these high-altitude settlements is likely due to deteriorating climatic conditions and population decline caused by the plague.

In the 17th century, Stockalper brought work and a degree of prosperity to the Brigerberg through his trade over the Simplon. Since the construction of Napoleon's road over the Simplon, tourism, transportation, and road maintenance have provided additional income opportunities. Between the two World Wars, many Termer and Rieder worked in slate mining for roofing tiles. A significant event that first exposed the Brigerberger to technological innovations was the first Alpine flight, which Geo Chavez started from Brigerberg in 1910.

In 1850, the two communities of Brigerberg had a population of 810. Since then, the population has grown steadily. The only interruptions to this growth were the large wave of emigration at the end of the 19th century and the period after World War II, when many Brigerberg residents had to seek work and housing in Brig or other cities and regions of Switzerland. After 1975, the population of Brigerberg increased significantly. The excellent connections with public and private transportation have made Brigerberg a highly sought-after residential area.