Themed trail Great Aletsch Glacier through the ages

Tip
6.23 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Theme trail
  • 2:15 h
  • 6.23 km
  • 384 m
  • 383 m
  • 1,950 m
  • 2,333 m
  • 383 m
  • Start: Riederalp Mitte
  • Destination: Riederalp Mitte

Martin Nellen has been a mountain guide for 40 years. He long wanted to tell the story of the Great Aletsch Glacier. In cooperation with Dr. Hanspeter Holzhauser (geographer and glacier researcher), this has succeeded on this themed trail. Dr. Hanspeter Holzhauser created the concept and is the author of the texts, images, and graphics. The 4 information boards are based on his many years of research.

From Riederalp Mitte you hike eastward to the valley station of the Moosfluh glacier cable car. The cable car takes you to the starting point of the hike at the Moosfluh viewpoint. From there, follow the path eastward, via Biel down to the Chatzulechern. Four information boards along the path provide you with exciting information about the Great Aletsch Glacier: They inform you about the changes of the Great Aletsch Glacier since the last Ice Age (Würm glaciation) and show how the history of the ice giant can be reconstructed. 

  • The first information board (Moosfluh, 2333 m above sea level) shows the extent of the Great Aletsch Glacier during the last Ice Age.
  • The second board (Biel, 2280 m above sea level) documents the end of the Ice Age: It shows the moraine wall from 11,700 years ago.
  • The third information board is located at the young moraine (2130 m above sea level). It shows the glacier status around 1860.
  • The fourth board is 70 vertical meters above the glacier (2000 m above sea level). It explains how the history of the Great Aletsch Glacier can be reconstructed.

Aletsch Arena AG
Aletsch Arena AG

Good to know

Directions

Riederalp Mitte – Moosfluh – Biel – Chatzulechern – Biel – Moosfluh – Riederalp Mitte

Safety guidelines

Summer sports report

Use of hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. Aletsch Arena AG does not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.  

  • Carry a map with you. Download the full hiking trail description 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 in respect of wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate of other trail users, plants, and animals.  

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Loop Road

  • Stop at an Inn

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Pavements

Unknown
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

Via Cantonal Road 19 to the Mörel-Filet exit, then continue to the signposted parking areas. Take the Riederalp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Riederalp.
  • Limited number of paid parking spaces at Mörel-Filet train station. Additional parking is signposted.
  • Large paid parking garages at the entrance to Mörel-Filet and in the village center.
By train from Brig or Oberwald to Mörel-Filet, then continue on foot to the Riederalp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG). Take this cable car up to Riederalp.

Additional information

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

Literature

You can get a free panoramic map at the mountain railways and info centers of the Aletsch Arena. 

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

For questions about the history of the Great Aletsch Glacier: Dr. Hanspeter Holzhauser, h.holzhauser@bluewin.ch, +41 44 322 99 53.

Want to get even closer to the glacier? Join a UNESCO glacier tour with Martin Nellen!

Map

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

Location and Contact

Themed trail Great Aletsch Glacier through the ages
3987 Riederalp