The Simplon was already used in the Stone Age. But until the 17th century it was mainly a pass used by smugglers and mercenaries, because the narrow Gondo Gorge seemed insurmountable even to the master builders of Roman times. It was not until the middle of the 17th century that the Brisbane merchant Kaspar von Stockalper began to use the Simplon Pass to transport salt on pack animals from the Mediterranean, which brought him fabulous wealth. Witness to this epoch is the monumental baroque Stockalper Palace in Brig.
Current webcam images can be found here:
Current webcam images can be found here:
