Brig, Switzerland

Brig is the capital of the district of Brig in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.

Brig
Municipality
Coat of arms
Location of Brig
Brig Show map of Switzerland Brig Show map of Canton of Valais
Coordinates: 46°19′N 7°58′E
Country	Switzerland
Canton	Valais
District	Brig
Area [1]
• Total	38 km2 (15 sq mi)
Elevation	691 m (2,267 ft)
Population  (31 December 2018)[2]
• Total	13,056
• Density	340/km2 (890/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (Central European Time)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (Central European Summer Time)
Postal code(s)	3900
SFOS number	6002
Surrounded by	Lalden, Mund, Naters, Ried-Brig, Simplon, Termen, Visp, Visperterminen
Twin towns	Langenthal (Switzerland), Domodossola (Italy)
Website	www.brig-glis.ch SFSO statistics

Glishorn with municipalities Brig-Glis and Naters

History

The historic town of 5,000 people is part of the Brig-Glis municipality. The name 'Brig' comes from Briva, or "bridge." Its medieval name was Briga dives. It is a small town in the Swiss canton of the Valais, at the foot of the northern slope of the Simplon Pass, on the right bank of the Saltine stream, and a little above its junction with the Rhone. Its older houses look very Italian. Its buildings were built during the 17th century, because of a single member of the local Stockalper family.

Location

Brig is close to the Swiss-Italian borders. The language used when talking between one another is a unique German dialect, used only in this canton. Brig is popular among winter sport athletes, since it is surrounded by many Alp summits. The town itself is close to Rhone river. Due to the height, the temperatures in winter often remain below zero, resulting in frost. During the summer season, heat can be intense.

The place of meeting in the town is the train station, which links it to other Swiss cities.

Economy

The wealth of Brig is because of the Simplon Pass. The opening of the carriage road across the Simplon (1807) and of the tunnel beneath the pass (1906), as well as the fact that above Brig is the steeper and less fertile portion of the Upper Valais (then much frequented by tourists), greatly increased the importance and size of the town.