Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch glacier is the largest in the Alps and has recently been marked out by UNESCO as a world nature site.With a length of 23 kilometers, an average width of 1,800 meters, and a surface area of approximately 100 square kilometers, the Aletsch Glacier has an impressive 27 billion tons of ice. The ice mass moves from the northern flanks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau down into the valley of Valais, and its meltwater flows through the wild Massa Gorge into the Rhone. As a landscape of extraordinary beauty, the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch Region was included in the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites in 2001. The sun-drenched terraces of Fiescheralp, Bettmeralp and Riederalp are half way between the valley and the sky. Six cable cars convey guests from the Rhone Valley to the resort villages and into the hiking paradise of the Aletsch Region, at an elevation of about 2,000 meters. From here they can travel to the most beautiful vantage points such as the 2,927-meter Eggishorn, which offers a panoramic view of the Aletsch and Fiescher glaciers.
Rope Park
SPORT, SKILL AND GEOGRAPHY Opened June 2012: the Swiss Rope Park – offering fun and sport in equal measure. This is no ordinary rope park – it consists of a number of challenging trails laid out like the topography of Switzerland and designed to test your skill, concentration and courage. HIGHLIGHTS
BELALP – RIEDERALP SUSPENSION BRIDGE
A hike with a very special high. The gently swinging Belalp – Riederalp suspension bridge, situated 80 meters (262 ft) above the freezing glacier water, is sure to raise your adrenaline levels with 124 meters (406 ft) of thrill awaiting you. Hiking is definitely a lot of fun on this route. Duration: approximately 5 hours Blatten from Naters - Belalp - Aletschbord - Aletschji - Suspension Bridge - Grünsee - Ascension through the Aletsch forest up to the Riederfurka - Riederalp. On the hike from Belalp to Riederalp you will traverse the silence of the Aletschji and appreciate the Aletsch Forest nature reserve with the Aletsch Glacier for company. The hiking trail Belalp-Riederalp starts out from the Belalp Hotel and goes down the Steigle to Aletschji then Leng Acker and back again over the suspension bridge. The latter is 124m long and spans the 80 metre deep Massa Gorges. An adrenalin high is guaranteed and the crossing is not recommended for people with vertigo. The suspension bridge leads to the foot of the Aletsch Glacier. After crossing the bridge there are 2 possibilities to rejoin Riederfurka: - from Grünsee to the Teife Forest - from Grünsee to Riederfurka then Riederalp via Silbersand |
There are lots of hiking possibilities; see a list of some of them here. Explore the amazing beauty of the Aletsch Arena on more than 100 km (62 miles) of well signposted hiking trails. The hiking area is particularly diversified and offers a breathtaking view of the most beautiful 4,000 m (13,120 ft) high peaks of the Swiss Alps.
Over 900-year-old Swiss stone pines in the Aletsch forest, romantic mountain lakes, hiking trails maintained in their natural state, stroller-friendly paths, numerous rest stops and many more great experiences invite you to marvel, enjoy yourself and stay a while. Take to the skies with a variety of different, modern cable cars and let yourself be enchanted by nature's energy and tranquility. 2-Day Glacier Hike
Aletsch glacier hiking with mountain guide
The two-day guided hiking tour is a highlight of the unique mountain world of the UNESCO World Heritage region Swiss Alps Jungfrau – Aletsch. The Aletsch Glacier hike leads across the great Aletsch Glacier, which at 23 kilometers length and a surface area of 80 square kilometers is the longest and largest glacier in Western Europe. From the Jungfraujoch the mountain guide takes hikers (who are securely fastened by means of a cable rope) via the imposing Aletsch Glacier to Konkordiaplatz (2756 meters above sea level). The Konkordia Hut, where hikers stay overnight, is reached via metal stairs. 1st day about 4 hours hiking. On the second day the hike takes place alongside the middle moraine, past gigantic glacier crevasses, until the route leaves the ice giant at Märjelensee (Märjelen Lake). From here, the route leads across beautiful alpine meadows past the foothills of the Eggishorn to the Fiescher Alp, where the tour ends. At Märjelen Lake hikers have the opportunity to shorten the hike by walking through the long pedestrian tunnel. 2nd day about 6 hours hiking. This glacier hike is feasible by hikers without any previous glacier experience. All you need is surefootedness, a head for heights, good hiking gear and being able to hike for 6hrs. Our special offer with train tickets included is exclusive to grindelwaldSPORTS and great value for money. We organise this trip in collaboration with the Jungfraubahnen. You must register with Grindelwald Sports AG: Online with the Grindelwald Sports AG formor by calling: +41 (0)33 854 12 80. Last registrations at 4 pm on the day before travel. You can pick up and pay for the special round-trip tickets at a Jungfrau Railways station no earlier than the day before. 2014: every Saturday/Sunday, Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday/Friday, from 21 June to 21 September 2014, and Saturday/Sunday, 27/28 September and 4/5 October 2014 |