recommended route
Aletschbordweg
Winter Hikes
· Valais
-
Belalp WalkPhoto: Pascal Gertschen, Valais/Wallis Promotion
This winter hike from Belalp mountain station to Aletschbord and back might be easy, but it’s also very impressive. The Great Aletsch Glacier alone is an utterly fascinating experience, with its gigantic 27 billion tonnes of ice.
moderate
Distance 2.8 km
0:50 h
91 m
56 m
2,133 m
2,082 m
There are 36 metres in altitude difference to cover on the connecting road between Blatten mountain station at 2,094 metres in altitude and Aletschbord at 2,130 metres in altitude. Which means you won’t exactly find yourself out of breath on this winter hike – or at least, not because of the climb. But the view of the Great Aletsch Glacier – the longest in the Alps at 20km and part of the UNESCO Jungfrau Aletsch World Heritage Site – just might take your breath away. Coupled with the striking view of Valais’s four-thousand-meter peaks, it makes an unforgettable impression. The panoramic terrace of Hotel Belalp offers another unique view, as well as some wonderful cuisine. The hotel opened for business during the Belle Époque in 1858 and was renovated in 2015 in keeping with the original style. In its early days it primarily welcomed guests from England, as well as the Irish alpinist and scientist John Tyndall, who spent an amazing 44 summers there.
Author’s recommendation
Although this is a short route, take the time to enjoy the exceptional view of the imposing Aletsch Glacier on Aletschbord and replenish your energy levels at Hotel Belalp.
Author
Corrado Wyssen
Update: September 07, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Aletschbord Belalp, 2,133 m
Lowest point
Belalp Mountain Station, 2,082 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
0 km
Forested/wild trail
2.8 km
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
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Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Tips and hints
More information about the destination:
Start
Belalp Station amont (2,095 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'641'231E 1'135'745N
DD
46.371819, 7.974476
DMS
46°22'18.5"N 7°58'28.1"E
UTM
32T 421125 5135871
w3w
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Destination
Aletschbord Belalp
Turn-by-turn directions
The winter hike starts at Belalp mountain station. From there, walk for roughly 30 minutes on the connecting road between the station and Hotel Belalp to Bruchegg and on to Aletschbord. Watch out for skiers coming in the opposite direction on this section of the route. The return journey follows the same route.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Accessible by train and bus. From Brig station, take the PostBus to Blatten (Belalp).Getting there
Motorway A9 direction Brig. Continue direction Naters until Blatten.Parking
Short-stay car park
For durations of less than one day, the best option is the short-stay car park (fee payable).
Indoor / outdoor car parks
Guests who stay for longer than 2 days in Blatten-Belalp can park in the outdoor or indoor car parks. Payment can be made at the ticket machines or at the information and ticket counters in Blatten.
The car parks cost CHF 12.00 a day in winter and CHF 9.00 in summer.
Guests who have paid the tourist tax or who are members of Pro Blatten enjoy a discount of 15%.
Rischinu car park
During the winter season, the car park in Rischinu may be used free of charge. A regular shuttle bus carries guests to the base station of the cable car and gondola in comfort.
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'641'231E 1'135'745N
DD
46.371819, 7.974476
DMS
46°22'18.5"N 7°58'28.1"E
UTM
32T 421125 5135871
w3w
///penned.error.hurricane
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Blatten has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:50'000: 264S Jungfrau
Equipment
We recommend:
- good footwear
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water, picnic
- camera
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
2.8 km
Duration
0:50 h
Ascent
91 m
Descent
56 m
Highest point
2,133 m
Lowest point
2,082 m
Morning
Afternoon
Avalanche conditions
·
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 1 Waypoints
- 1 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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Photos from others