- 4:00 h
- 3.37 km
- 131 m
- 142 m
- 1,434 m
- 1,500 m
- 66 m
- Start: Blatten bei Naters, dam wall (1474 m)
- Destination: Blatten bei Naters, dam wall
The Via Ferrata Aletsch climbing route runs along the rock face around the Gibidum reservoir. It is secured with iron rungs, steel cables, and railings, yet it still features some quite challenging sections—especially along the eastern shore. On the steep rock walls of the Stockflüe, climbers need to use their hands and strength, as there are some exposed and slightly overhanging traverses.
A particular thrill is the 80-meter-long and 40-meter-high Nepal bridge, which spans the Massa River at its confluence with the Gibidum reservoir.
Good to know
Directions
The entrance to this via ferrata at the west end of the dam wall is signposted. First, descend to the shore of the reservoir. Then you climb along the western shore via numerous iron pins, tree trunk bridges and natural footholds. At the end of the reservoir you reach a suspension bridge to reach the other side. The way back along the eastern shore is a bit more challenging, but still manageable. Alternatively, you can continue climbing normally. Finally, descend back to the dam wall and cross it to return to the starting point.
Blatten bei Naters - Stockflüe - Aletsch via ferrata - Blatten bei Naters
Safety guidelines
Please note when the water level is high: There is a section of the via ferrata which is under water when the water level is high. However, there is another via ferrata section above this point to avoid the water. Please pay attention to the alternative via ferrata route for this section.
Weather: If you are travelling on via ferratas, you should check the weather forecast. Bad weather can be life-threatening. Via ferratas must be avoided if there is a risk of thunderstorms.
Risk of falling rocks: There is a risk of falling rocks on via ferratas, usually caused by previous climbers or wild animals. You should therefore protect yourself with a helmet.
When climbing a via ferrata, make sure that you always keep a sufficient distance from the climber in front of you. There should only ever be one person at a time on an anchored section.
Tour information
Loop Road
Best to visit
Pavements
Equipment
The via ferrata is free of charge. The equipment can be rented at the Belalp Bahnen AG counter or from Blatten Belalp Tourismus AG.
Via ferrata set + helmet: CHF 25.00
Harness: CHF 15.00
Carabiner: CHF 15.00
Helmet: CHF 5.00
Directions & Parking facilities
From western Switzerland: A9 Lausanne - Vevey, or north-western Switzerland: A12 Bern - Vevey: A9 - Sierre: main road Sierre - Brig
From north-western Switzerland: A6 Berne - Thun - Spiez: main road Spiez - Kandersteg (Lötschberg tunnel car transport) - Goppenstein - Gampel - Brig
From eastern and central Switzerland: Andermatt - Realp (year-round Furka car transport; in summer via Furka Pass) - Oberwald - Brig
From Ticino (in summer): Airolo - Nufenenpass - Ulrichen - Brig
Or via Centovalli - Domodossola - Simplonpass - Brig
From Italy (Aosta, Mt. Blanc Tunnel): Aosta - Grand Saint Bernard tunnel (over the pass in summer) - Martigny: A9 motorway - Sierre: Sierre - Brig main road.
Or via Domodossola - Simplon Pass - Brig
Blatten bei Naters
From Brig you can reach Blatten bei Naters via Naters, then continue in direction of "Rischinu". Free parking spaces are available there.
You can find more information at: www.belalp.ch
From Blatten you can reach the via ferrata in the direction of Rischinen/Gibidum reservoir in about 2.5 km on foot.
You can find the timetable and further information on how to get there at: www.belalp.ch
Additional information
If you have any questions, please contact:
Belalp Bahnen AG
Blatten - Belalp Tourismus AG
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
An exciting and thrilling experience for young and old.
Via ferrata sets, harnesses, and helmets can be rented from the Belalp Bahnen.
Nearby
