Aletsch Arena Summer Englisch

Aletsch Arena – Summer on the ice flow

Tangy Alpine air, a place in the sun at the Aletsch Glacier and a clear view of the most beautiful 4,000-meter (13,000-foot) peaks of Valais – welcome to the mountain summer in Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch-Eggishorn. Welcome to the Aletsch Arena.

When the heat is closing in on you in the lowlands, sweat is flowing and the asphalt steaming, there’s only one thing to do: escape to the Aletsch Arena.

The trip by aerial cable car takes between seven and ten minutes from the easily accessible valley communities of Mörel, Betten Talstation or Fiesch to the Aletsch Glacier plateau situated between 1,925-2,222 meters (6,316-7,290 feet) high in a car-free zone. Like the car, everyday cares, stress, hustle and bustle stay behind in the valley. Vacation starts as soon as you alight from the cableway at the Riederalp, Bettmeralp or Fiescheralp mountain stations: a refreshing breeze of tangy Alpine air welcomes every visitor and whisks him into the magical Valaisian mountain world. Traditional Valaisian houses as well as contemporary chalets and hotels adapted to the regional style lend the valley communities as well as the three genuine Alpine villages a pristine charm.

The plateau offers a breathtaking view of the most beautiful 4,000-meter (13,000-foot) peaks in Switzerland – free of charge. Towards the south, the Matterhorn towers majestically, nestled between Weisshorn and the Mischabel Group with the Dom. And if you still want something more: The vista points at Moosfluh and Bettmerhorn, afford you a unique view of the Valais Alps. Looking north from the Eggishorn, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Wannenhorn and Finsteraarhorn mountains. From all three vista points you’ll have a fabulous view of the 23 kilometer (14 mile) long Aletsch Glacier, the longest ice flow in the Alps and the heart of the Swiss Alps’ Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The blocks of ice as tall as a house, pointed icebergs and shimmering blue crevasses of the eternal ice are best admired on a guided glacier tour organized by the local mountain climbing schools. The year-round exhibit EISWELT BETTMERHORN also provides unique and exciting background information on the Aletsch Glacier. Or visit the year-round art exhibit on the Eggishorn.

It is no exaggeration: For alpinists and hikers, the Aletsch Arena is heaven on earth. A 124-meter (407-foot) suspension bridge high above the Aletsch Glacier takes you from Riederfurka to Belap. For sure-footed hikers with heads for heights, the UNESCO World Heritage high trail from Bettmerhorn to Eggishorn is a genuine challenge. A magnificent mountain route leads you high over the great Aletsch Glacier from the Bettmerhorn top station down to the lake known as Märjelensee. You need courage for the fixed-rope route on the Eggishorn. You may try canyoning in the Massa Gorge only with mountain guides.
You prefer to explore the imposing mountain world on two wheels? No problem! One hundred kilometers (62 miles) of mountain bike trails will take you throughout the entire area. Crack downhill bikers won’t want to miss the 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) route from Fiescheralp to Fiesch. You can also enjoy the Aletsch Arena from the air. Fiesch is the Mecca of paragliders and delta flyers. Passenger flights can be booked at the local flying schools.

Nobody will be bored in the Aletsch Arena. The sunny plateau can be comfortably explored on foot on more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of marked hiking trails. If long climbs put you off, simply take the chairlifts or gondolas up. Young guests will enjoy themselves in the family-friendly area as well: On the marmot discovery path, between the Schönbiel chairlift station and the lake known as Bettmersee, the young and the young at heart will learn plenty of exciting and interesting facts about these cute rodents at four stations. If your thirst for knowledge has not been satisfied in Bettmeralp, you can quench it further on the culture discovery path and forest discovery path. The Gogwärgiweg (dwarf trail) takes you from Fiescheralp down to Fiesch. Artistically carved wooden dwarves, known as the Gogwärgini, and traditional dwarf tale from Upper Valais will entertain you. A tour of all eight playgrounds on the plateau will be fun for the young and the young-at-heart as well. Scooters, inline skates, offboard skates, skateboards and mountain bikes can be rented on location. Moreover, everyone will find new friends during the “Join the circus” weeks, the children’s activity program, while playing mini-golf, in children’s climbing courses, or in the Fun Park.

You can also indulge in that special beach feeling in the Aletsch Arena. Bettmersee invites you to relax and go swimming – you’ll find a beach volleyball field, boat rentals, a swimming area, campfire pits and a small lake shop. Those who want a bit more peace and quiet will enjoy the idyllic Blausee high above Riederalp or the mystical Märjelensee, or they can play a round of golf in Riederalp, on the highest golf course in Europe

If, after all this physical activity, you are looking for some cultural pursuits, you can take a break at Villa Cassel at Riederfurka. The Aletsch Pro Natura Center now occupies the stately home where Winston Churchill used to spend the summer. At the exciting interactive exhibitions, you can learn more about the unique UNESCO Swiss Alps’ Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site and the regional flora and fauna. Over the summer, over 300 types of plants bloom in the Alpine garden, and the protected Aletsch Forest with the highest and oldest Swiss stone pines and larches in Europe is likewise on the doorstep of the beautiful Victorian building. An absolute must for all culture vultures: the annual Alpine Open-air Movie Theater Aletsch in front of the villa.

The mountain summer in the Aletsch Arena is also a time to pamper yourself. You can really relax in style in the brine bath in Breiten, the numerous wellness oases of the hotels, or at the sports centers. The numerous restaurants in the area will ensure your culinary well-being. Whether they offer local specialties, typical Swiss dishes or international cuisine, the restaurants are known for their good quality and fair prices.
In the Aletsch Arena, there is something for everybody. Moreover, there are suitable accommodations for every budget, from four-star hotels to simple vacation apartments.

We look forward to seeing you!
Your Schmitta Team