Circular hike from Bettmeralp through the Aletsch Forest and back

Tip
12.85 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Hike
  • 4:15 h
  • 12.85 km
  • 566 m
  • 505 m
  • 1,924 m
  • 2,333 m
  • 409 m
  • Start: Bettmeralp, mountain station cable car
  • Destination: Bettmeralp, valley station Gondola Bettmerhorn

The first section of the route leads you from Bettmeralp up to Bettmersee and along the west shore to the fork towards Gopplerlücke. Now follow the Herrenweg to the Berghaus Toni (Riederalp West). From there, continue climbing to Riederfurka, where a visit to the Pro Natura Center Aletsch in Villa Cassel is recommended. Well informed about the Aletsch Forest and the UNESCO World Heritage, you then start from Riederfurka for the hike (Moränenweg) through the protected Aletsch Forest. After about 30 minutes, the view opens up to the impressive Great Aletsch Glacier. Passing centuries-old larches, continue hiking towards Moosfluh and Biel. Here you switch to the side of the sun plateau and begin the last stage of the hike: The descent to Bettmersee and back to Bettmeralp.

Important: The Aletsch Forest has been under strict nature protection since 1933 – please adhere to the posted rules!

Aletsch Arena AG
Aletsch Arena AG

Good to know

Directions

Bettmeralp – Bettmersee – Gopplerlücke – Herrenweg – Riederfurka – Moränenweg – Moosfluh – Biel – Bettmersee - Bettmeralp

Safety guidelines

Summer sports report

The use of hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. The conditions on site may cause changes to the route. The Aletsch Arena AG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signs and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Loop Road

  • Stop at an Inn

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Pavements

Street
Asphalt
Trail
Path

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

Directions & Parking facilities

Along Cantonal Road 19 to the exit Bettmeralp valley station. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp.

Large paid parking lot/parking garage at the valley station of the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG).

By train from Brig or Oberwald to Bettmeralp valley station. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp.

Additional information

Aletsch Arena AG
Furkastrasse 39
CH-3983 Mörel-Filet
+41 27 928 58 58
info@aletscharena.ch
www.aletscharena.ch

Literature

At the mountain railways and info centers of the Aletsch Arena you get a free panoramic map.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The exhibition and alpine garden of the nature conservation center in Villa Cassel at Riederfurka are worth seeing! Be sure to plan a visit!

Map

Topographic maps SwissTopo: 1:25,000: 1269 Aletsch Glacier

Location and Contact

Circular hike from Bettmeralp through the Aletsch Forest and back
3992 Bettmeralp