Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail Walking Holiday
Price
£1175
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29 June 2024
–
15 September 2024
A popular trail with mindboggling views of the Jungfrau Aletsch Glacier in the Valais
Country
Switzerland
Grade
Moderate/Challenging
Duration
6 Nights
Style
Self-Guided
Type
Village-to-Village
Price
£1175
Discover the Alps largest glacier
“If ever a view in Switzerland is going to leave you dumbstruck (and there are a few great ones to choose from!), it will surely be the infinite swoop of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest ice stream in the Alps.” (Lonely Planet)
This 6 night mountain walking holiday combines two of the most popular hikes in Switzerland. The old Lötschberg trainline offers amazing views from its lofty viaducts and suspension bridges with many a panorama dominated by the Great Aletsch Glacier. As you near the glacier itself, you will be spellbound by an alpine landscape of rock and ice against an enchanting backdrop of magisterial 4000m peaks that soar to deep blue skies in a part of Switzerland that enjoys a more Italian style of climate. Your week concludes on an exquisite trail that takes in the traditional mountain village of Bellwald with its spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of Valais.
Gallery
At a glance
Dates
29 June – 15 September 2024
(You can start any day)
Price
£1175
Single Supplement – £250
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 car and train travel are not included in the price, and will need to be paid locally.
Optional Extras
Additional Nights –
Gampel Steg – £110pp
Bellwald – £110pp
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 - Arrive
Make 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/Brig
Route Statistics – 12km, 4 – 5 hours walking, 800m ascent / 420m 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 - Belalp
Route Statistics – 15 – 21 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 - Riederalp
Route Statistics – 10 km, 3 – 4 hours walking, 695 ascent / 850m 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 - Rideralp - Fiescheralp
Route Statistics – 17km, 5-6 hours walking, 1020m ascent / 755m descent
Today, a string of vantage points provides more mindblowing 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 - Bellwald
Route Statistics – 14km, 5 – 6 hours walking, 640m ascent/ 1265m 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, Belwald (B&B)
Day 7 - Depart
After breakfast, make your own onward travel arrangements from Bellwald.
Need to Knows
Trusted local partner – please note that this holiday is organised and delivered in collaboration with a trusted local partner based in Switzerland.
Group size – the minimum number for the holiday is two, due to safety reasons.
Terrain – this route uses waymarked and signposted routes only, providing mostly straightforward navigation in good weather. Trails vary from well-trodden woodland paths to steeper paths on looser, rocky terrain. Surefootedness is essential and naturally, in the high mountains a certain level of hiking experience and a good level of fitness are essential. A good head for heights is essential as the route crosses the suspension bridge in the Massa valley, which cannot be avoided. Also, early season you might have to cross patches of late lying snow.
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 – be sure to read our full terms and conditions here before booking.
At Your Own Risk – please read the important notes here.
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.
Passport & Visa – any questions should be directed to the relevant embassy of your destination country; find out more here. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a full passport, valid for your chosen destination.
Travel Insurance – having adequate and valid travel insurance is a condition of booking with us. Details of our insurance partner, Campbell Irvine, are 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/
ABTA – Independent travel advice and help is always available from ABTA by calling 020 3117 0599 or visiting www.abta.com.
