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Brig, Switzerland facts for kids

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Brig
Coat of arms of Brig
Coat of arms
Country Switzerland
Canton Valais
District Brig
Area
 • Total 37.67 km2 (14.54 sq mi)
Elevation
691 m (2,267 ft)
Population
 (Dec 2020 )
 • Total 13,221
 • Density 350.97/km2 (909.01/sq mi)
Postal code
3900
Surrounded by Lalden, Mund, Naters, Ried-Brig, Simplon, Termen, Visp, Visperterminen
Twin towns Langenthal (Switzerland), Domodossola (Italy)
Glishorn-briglina
Glishorn with municipalities Brig-Glis and Naters

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

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.


Images for kids

  • Brig aerial panorama 1

    Brig aerial panorama (June 2022)

  • Kaspar Stockalper

    Kaspar Stockalper

  • Brig Glis railway station

    Brig-Glis railway station

  • Saltina in Brig

    The Saltina in Brig

  • Brig-Schweiz

    Town center

  • Brig, Wallis, Belalp, Switzerland 014

    Modern apartment buildings in Brig

  • Stockalper castle

    Stockalperpalast

  • Brig2

    Small-gauge part of the Brig railway station, with Alpine peaks in the background.

  • Kollegium Brig HausB

    Cantonal school in Brig (HSK Brig)

  • Viola Amherd (2018)

    Viola Amherd, 2018

  • Gianni Infantino (32879983122)

    Gianni Infantino, 2017

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Brig para niños

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Brig, Switzerland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.