Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail Walking Holiday
A popular trail with mindboggling views of the Jungfrau Aletsch Glacier in the Valais
27 June 2026
–
10 October 2026
Enquire
Book Now
Country
Switzerland
Grade
Moderate / Challenging
Duration
6 Nights
Style
Self-Guided
Type
Village-to-Village
Price
£1285
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Unforgettable walks -
With you every step
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Handpicked hotels with warm hospitality
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Mountain holiday specialists since 1997
Discover the Alps largest glacier.
There are many views in Switzerland that can leave you in awe, but match the magnificent swoop of the Aletsch Glacier, which must be one of the very best views that Switzerland has to offer.
This 6-night mountain walking holiday features two of Switzerland’s most popular hikes. Enjoy amazing views from the old Lötschberg trainline’s viaducts and suspension bridges, often dominated by the Great Aletsch Glacier. As you approach the glacier, marvel at an alpine landscape of rock and ice set against 4000m peaks and deep blue skies. Concluding the week, you’ll walk an exquisite trail through the traditional mountain village of Bellwald, with spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of Valais.
On a Collett’s village-to-village holiday, you do the walking – and we do the rest. Comprehensive maps and route notes ensure effortless self-navigation, while your baggage is transported daily to charming overnight stops.
Take a look through this page for everything you need to know about our Aletsch Glacier village-to-village walking holiday, and when you’re ready, click the ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’ buttons, complete the information and let our skilled enquiry team help you make this holiday a reality.
At a Glance
Dates
27 June – 10 October 2026
(You can start any day)
Price
£1285
Single Supplement – £290
Grade
Moderate / Challenging
Expect to walk for 4 – 7 hours each day, with between 560m – 1020m of ascent and 420m – 1265m of descent
What’s Included
Handpicked Hotels – 6 nights Bed & Breakfast in 3* & 4* hotels
Luggage Transfers – each day between hotels
Travel App – this has all you need to follow the route
Service-Hotline which is available 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm and provided by our local partner in Switzerland
Please note tourist taxes, cable cars (Blatten – Belalp and Bellwald – Furgangen) and train travel (Furgangen – Brig & Ausserberg – Brig (return)) are not included in the price, and will need to be paid locally.
Optional Extras
Additional Nights –
Gampel Steg – £100pp
Bellwald – £100pp
Zurich – 3* Hotel – from £100pp, 4* Hotel – from £125pp
Geneva – contact us
Single Supplement – £40
Travel
The best airports to fly into are Zurich and Geneva. From either airport then take a stunningly beautiful train journey to Gampel Steg in the Valais. Trains leave both airports regularly throughout the day, and it generally takes 2½ to 3 hours.
On Day 7 (your last day), the train from Bellwald to either Zurich or Geneva takes between 3 and 4 hours (with one or two easy changes) so if you have an early flight home we recommend adding an extra night in either city at the end of your holiday.
Itinerary
Day 1
ArriveMake your own way to Gampel-Steg. We recommend flying to Geneva or Zurich Airport and catching the train to Gampel Steg. Arrive and settle in.
Overnight – 3* Hotel, Gampel-Steg (B&B)
Day 2
Gampel-Steg – Ausserberg/Brig12km, 4 – 5 hours walking, 680m ascent / 300m descent
You start your week with a classic and popular hike, abundant in panoramic views. Walking by the scenic Lötschberg Railway, you will come to the impressive Bietschtal bridge, before following a charming path alongside historic irrigation channels known locally as ‘Suonen’. Your reward is a suspension bridge with sublime views of Brägji and Riedgarten. From Ausserberg take a scenic train ride to Brig (not included).
Overnight – 3* Hotel, Brig (B&B)
Day 3
Ausserberg/Brig - Belalp15 – 20 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 560-1265m ascent / 870-945m descent
After taking the train back to Ausserberg, today your hike is again characterised by Suonen and the railway. Early on you are treated to a fabulous view of the Baltschieder viaduct. Pipes for irrigating the dry south-facing slopes line the route, whilst you will be fascinated by information boards relating to the Südrampe (south ramp) section of the BLS railway and also the Swiss Guards Museum. From Naters, you proceed to Blatten, either on foot or you can hop on the bus if you prefer. Then a cable car whisks you up to beautiful Belalp (not included).
Overnight – 4* Hotel, Belalp (B&B)
Day 4
Belalp - Riederalp11 km, 4 – 5 hours walking, 590m ascent / 775m descent
Today, from Aletschbor, you are treated to the best views of the Aletsch Glacier’s snout and lower sections. You cross a suspension bridge to the Aletschwald, a forest of Swiss pines 100 years old. Villa Cassel looms like an eagle’s nest on the Riederfurka ridge, surrounded by the magnificent mountains of Valais. A wondrous day ends at precariously-perched Riederalp.
Overnight – 3* Hotel, Riederalp (B&B)Day 5
Riederalp - Fiescheralp17km, 5-6 hours walking, 710m ascent / 415m descent
Today, a string of vantage points provides more mind blowing natural spectacles: to the north, the Aletsch Glacier in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To the south, the 4000m peaks of Valais. On the gentle descent to Lake Märjelensee, flower-rich cotton grasses and small sparkling tarns contrast exquisitely with the rock and ice.
Overnight – 3* Hotel, Fiescheralp (B&B)Day 6
Fiescheralp - Bellwald14km, 5 – 6 hours walking, 495m ascent/ 1135m descent
Your trail starts by following ancient alpine paths down to the Burg, a massif of metamorphic rock (gneiss) polished and smooth by the glaciers. Against the impressive backdrop of the Goms mountains, the Fiescher Glacier becomes clearly visible and will absorb you as the day unfolds. The 160m long Aspi-Titter suspension bridge indicates your trek is nearing its conclusion, as it leads you to the idyllic Goms mountain village of Bellwald.
Overnight – 3* Hotel, Bellwald (B&B)Day 7
DepartAfter breakfast, make your own onward travel arrangements from Bellwald – it is easy to reach most destinations in Switzerland by train.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
The Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, is located in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps within the UNESCO-listed Jungfrau-Aletsch region. Stretching over 23 km and fed by several tributary glaciers, it offers spectacular views of its ice tongue, surrounding peaks, and rugged alpine scenery. Walkers can enjoy both short scenic trails and longer glacier-front hikes from vantage points like Fiescheralp, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn, accessible by cable cars. Visiting from late spring to early autumn provides the best conditions, with clear trails and stable weather, making it a striking and educational alpine experience.
Yes, you can walk to and alongside the Aletsch Glacier. This 6-night walking holiday showcases two of Switzerland’s most iconic hikes. Wander along the historic Lötschberg railway line, crossing viaducts and suspension bridges with breathtaking views of the Great Aletsch Glacier. As you near the glacier, take in the dramatic alpine scenery of rock and ice framed by towering 4000m peaks and vivid blue skies. The week concludes with a scenic walk through the charming mountain village of Bellwald, offering spectacular vistas of Valais’s snow-capped summits.
The Aletsch Glacier is located in the Bernese Alps of southern Switzerland, within the canton of Valais. It is the largest glacier in the Alps, stretching for about 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the Jungfrau region down toward the Rhône Valley. The glacier lies within the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch,” an area known for its stunning mountain scenery and unique alpine ecosystems.
This route follows waymarked and signposted trails only, making navigation generally straightforward in good weather. The terrain ranges from well-trodden woodland paths to steeper sections on looser, rocky ground. Surefootedness is essential, and in the higher mountain areas a good level of hiking experience and fitness is required. A head for heights is also necessary, as the route includes an unavoidable crossing of the suspension bridge in the Massa Valley. Early in the season, you may also encounter patches of late-lying snow.
Why book with Collett’s?
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Unforgettable walks
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With you every step
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Handpicked hotels with warm hospitality
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Mountain holiday specialists since 1997
Need to Knows
Trusted Local Partner – Please note that this holiday has been organised by us in association with a trusted local partner.
Luggage transfers – This is limited to one piece of luggage per person, 20kg max. Your luggage must be clearly labelled with the tags provided.
Booking Conditions – Please read our full terms and conditions here before booking.
Travel Insurance – Having adequate and valid travel insurance is a condition of booking with us. Details of our insurance partner, Campbell Irvine, are here, should you wish to get a quote.
ETIAS & EES – The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is not due to be introduced until late-2026. Currently there is not an exact date as to when it will come into force. This means you do not need to have a ETIAS for travel to Europe at the moment. The Entry / Exit System started to be operational in October 2025, and be fully implemented in April 2026. For more information read our blog article here.
ABTA – Independent travel advice and help is always available from ABTA by calling 020 3117 0599 or visiting www.abta.com.
Travel Advice – Check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice here.
Health Information – You should carry either an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) Neither is an alternative to adequate travel insurance. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
