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Aletsch via ferrata

· 2 reviews · Via Ferrata · Valais

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Valais/Wallis Promotion

Aletsch via ferrata
Photo: Valais/Wallis Promotion

Pascal Erhardt
on the September 28, 2017

Guter Klettersteig für Anfänger. Atemberaubende Natur! Nicht ...

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The Aletsch Via Ferrata circles the Gibidum lake at the upper Massa Gorge. The 3km long trail consists of some ambitious parts

moderate

Distance 3.5 km

4:00 h

100 m

66 m

1,483 m

1,428 m

Dizzying climbing passages close to the water surface and a 80m long and 40m high Nepal-bridge. Especially thrilling: when the barrier lake is full, you climb only a few meters above the freezing glacier water!

Difficulty

C moderate

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Risk potential

Highest point

Gibidum dam, 1,483 m

Lowest point

Suspension bridge Massaschlucht, 1,428 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

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Jul

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Cardinal direction

Access

0 m 0:05 h

Wall height

0 m

Climbing length

3,300 m, 3:00 h

Descent

0 m 0:05 h

Track types

Asphalt

0 km

Path

0.4 km

Via ferrata

3.1 km

Unknown

0.1 km

Show elevation profile

Safety information

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Tips and hints

Rental:

Alpincenter Belalp

Find more information about the destination here:

Blatten-Belalp

Start

Parking near the artificial lake of the Gibidum dam, near Blatten bei Naters. (1,482 m)

Coordinates:

SwissGrid

2'643'206E 1'135'605N

46.370430, 8.000135

DMS

46°22'13.5"N 8°00'00.5"E

UTM

32T 423096 5135691

w3w

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Destination

Gibidum dam (east side)

Turn-by-turn directions

The via ferrata starts immediately from the car park above the concrete wall. Well-secured, you climb through a channel down to the water, before heading into the valley using natural and many artificial steps, your left side attached to the wire rope, walking "au bord du lac". When the lake is full, you come very close to the (milky-green) water at several points, each time before making short climbs. The opposite bank gradually comes closer, and then you catch sight of the absolute highlight on this route, the longest via ferrata suspension bridge in the Alps. The steep rocks of the Stockflüe call for a vigorous effort, and this is followed by a few very open traverses which also force the climber slightly out from the rock face.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Frequent bus connections from Brig to Blatten. The via ferrata is located approximately 1km walk from the center of Blatten.

Getting there

Highway A9 direction Brig and exit at Furka on the cantonal road 19 direction Furka / Grimsel / Nufenen / Brig-Glis. In Brig, continue to Naters and then up to Blatten bei Naters. In Blatten, leave the village to the north and follow signs to the Gibidum dam (Stausee Gibidum).

Parking

Parking near the artificial lake of the Gibidum dam, near Blatten bei Naters.

Coordinates

SwissGrid

2'643'206E 1'135'605N

46.370430, 8.000135

DMS

46°22'13.5"N 8°00'00.5"E

UTM

32T 423096 5135691

w3w

///migrants.output.narrates

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker : Die Klettersteige der Schweiz

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1269 Aletschgletscher

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

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Rating

4.5

(2)

Pascal Erhardt

September 28, 2017 · Community

Guter Klettersteig für Anfänger. Atemberaubende Natur! Nicht zu anstrengend aber es sind kleine knifflige Passagen dabei die richtig Spaß machen. Die tyrolienne ist nur mit Führung benutzbar oder eigener seilrolle (der Umgang um die tyrolienne ist lang und sehr unwegsam)

Comment

S S

June 20, 2017 · Community

Dauer nur für den Klettersteig ist nicht 3 sondern 4.5 Stunden. Von bis Blatten b.N. Post 7.5 Stunden.

When did you do this route? August 13, 2016

Comment

carine moss

November 01, 2016 · Community

Road to the start of the klettersteig is very small (only one car can pass at a time, limited visibility). Parking for limited number of cars only (max 10 if I remember correctly), but no worries, even in high summer, not many people do this trail since it is not so close to the more popular hotspots in the neighbourhood. Nice tour. We did it with 2 teens (16 and 17). Not difficult. I woud not recommend to do it in humid weather: some parts of the trail are kind of slippery. Nice views over the artificial lake. Most suitable place to eat your picknick is right after the suspension bridge, near the edge of the pine woods.

When did you do this route? August 05, 2015

Comment

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Reviews

Difficulty

C moderate

Distance

3.5 km

Duration

4:00 h

Ascent

100 m

Descent

66 m

Highest point

1,483 m

Lowest point

1,428 m

Circular route Completely cable-secured

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