Aletsch Panorama Trail

Hike undertaken by the author from 24 to 27 September 2023

Getting to Belalp by public transport:

• Take the train to Brig (VS).
• Take bus 604 to Blatten bei Naters, Luftseilbahn.
• Take the cable car at Blatten bei Naters (Belalpbahn).

Leaving Bellwald by public transport:

• Take the cable car from Bellwald (Bergstation) and get off at Fürgangen Bellwald.
• At Fürgangen Bellwald, take the train to Brig (VS) (note: stop on request; press the call button at the cable car station)

• This hike follows the Aletsch Panoramaweg, marked on Swiss maps.

Signposting: at every major junction, you will find signposts

• Sign No. 39 with a No. 39 sticker indicating this trail.
• Sign R: Yellow sign with a hiker pictogram
• Before setting off, it is advisable to check for any trail closures and diversions on the Suisse Topo website. This information is updated in real time.
• In addition to the Visorando app, you can also download the swisstopo app ( free of charge), where you will also find this information.

Transport: Timetables
Weather: before setting off, check the Swiss Weather Service or Météo Blue
Hiking equipment, including good footwear.

• Massaschlucht and Aspi Titter suspension bridges: not recommended for those prone to vertigo or afraid of heights.

Accommodation in Belalp: Hamilton Lodge Hotel
Accommodation in Riederalp:Hotel Sielbersand
Accommodation in Märjelensee: Märjelensee Gletscherstube
Accommodation in Bellwald: Hotel Bellwald

• Belalp: one of Switzerland’s 11 car-free villages.
• Hotel Belalp: an impressive building dating from 1858, in the Belle Époque style.
• Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, measuring 23 km in length.
• Massa Gorge
• Massa Gorge suspension bridge: 124 m long, spanning the River Massa at a height of 80 m.
• Riederfurka and the Victorian-style Villa Cassel, dating from the early 20th century.
• Numerous viewpoints overlooking the three- and four-thousand-metre peaks of the Valais, such as the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn, Monte Leone, the Fletschhorn, etc.
• Riederalp: another of Switzerland’s 11 car-free villages.
• Numerous viewpoints over the Aletsch Glacier and the peaks of the canton of Bern, such as the Aletschhorn, the Mönch, the Sphinx, the Trugberg, etc.
• Märjelensee, the Gletscherstube and the dam.
• Fiesch Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the Alps, measuring 16 km in length.
• Aspi Titter suspension bridge: 160 m long, overhanging the Weisswasser by 120 m.
• Bellwald: its traditional chalets.