ALETSCH ARENA
The Aletsch Arena is the magnificent gateway to the Great Aletsch Glacier, the Alps’ longest ice stream. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a high-alpine paradise offering year-round outdoor adventure above the tree line.
It seamlessly blends three car-free villages—Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp—with epic views, pristine nature, and over 300 days of sunshine, making it Switzerland’s premier natural spectacle.
Most Popular Attractions
Glacier & Viewpoints:
Great Aletsch Glacier (Aletschgletscher): The longest and largest glacier in the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the centerpiece of the region.
Bettmerhorn Viewpoint: Accessible via gondola from Bettmeralp, offering a direct, breathtaking panoramic view over the full curve of the Aletsch Glacier.
Eggishorn Viewpoint: The highest accessible viewpoint in the region (2,869 m) with a 360-degree vista of the glacier, the Matterhorn, and the Eiger.
Moosfluh Viewpoint: The newest and most easily accessible viewpoint, offering stunning views and a direct sightline down the Konkordia Place where the glacier arms meet.
Märjelensee: A scenic mountain lake near the glacier, a popular hiking destination with views of the ice.
Ice Capades: Guided glacier hikes and tours that take you directly onto the Aletsch Glacier (must be booked with an expert guide).
Aletsch Forest (Aletschwald): The oldest high-altitude stone pine forest in Switzerland, located near the glacier and crisscrossed with peaceful hiking trails.
Villa Cassel: A grand historic villa in Riederalp, now a protected natural landmark and the Pro Natura Aletsch Center.
Mountain Village Experiences:
Riederalp Village: A charming, car-free village and family resort, a perfect base for exploring the western side of the arena.
Bettmeralp Village: A picturesque, car-free village famous for the small Bettmersee (Lake Bettmer) and its convenient access to the Bettmerhorn.
Fiescheralp (Kühboden): The eastern gateway to the arena, providing easy gondola access to the Eggishorn and a hub for paragliding.
Alpencenter (Aletsch Arena): The main hub at the Fiescheralp station, offering shops, restaurants, and information.
St. Anne’s Chapel (Bettmeralp): A small, iconic chapel in a picturesque mountain setting, overlooking the lake.
Gondelbahnen and Aerial Trams: The network of cable cars connecting the valley towns (Mörel, Betten Talstation, Fiesch) to the car-free villages and the various viewpoints.
Hiking, Biking & Adventure:
Aletsch Promenade Trail: The classic, mostly flat hiking path that connects Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp, offering constant glacier views.
UNESCO World Heritage Trail: A challenging but rewarding trail that traverses the high-alpine environment around the glacier.
Suspension Bridges: The Massa Gorge bridge hike, which crosses the deep gorge below the glacier’s end (not strictly in the arena, but closely linked).
Mountain Biking Trails: A dedicated network of enduro and flow trails, particularly around Fiescheralp, for all levels of riders.
Family Theme Trails: Gletschi’s Treasure Hunt Trail and other child-friendly paths that make hiking fun for families.
Ski Slopes & Winter Sports: Over 104 km of perfectly groomed slopes across the three resort areas, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking.
Air Zermatt Glacier Sightseeing Flights: Scenic helicopter flights that offer a spectacular perspective of the entire Great Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding peaks.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the UNESCO High Trail: Walk the panoramic route connecting the major viewpoints (Eggishorn, Bettmerhorn, Moosfluh, Hohfluh) with breathtaking views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
Take a Guided Glacier Tour: Join a certified mountain guide for an expedition onto the massive Great Aletsch Glacier itself, the largest and longest ice stream in the Alps.
Experience a Sunrise Ride: Take the first cable car up to Eggishorn (or another viewpoint) before dawn to watch the sunrise over the 4,000-meter peaks and the glacier.
Ski or Snowboard the Aletsch Slopes: Explore over $100$ km of perfectly groomed slopes across the three car-free resorts, often enjoying “ski-in, ski-out” access.
Visit the Pro Natura Center Aletsch: Explore the historic Villa Cassel on Riederalp, which now serves as a nature conservation center and museum, and learn about the Aletsch Forest and its unique ecosystem.
Cross the Belalp-Riederalp Suspension Bridge: Brave the $124$-meter-long suspension bridge, spanning the Massa Gorge, which connects Riederalp with the neighboring Belalp region, offering spectacular views.
Try Paragliding or Hang Gliding: Take a tandem flight from Fiescheralp to experience an adrenaline rush and a unique aerial perspective of the glacier and the surrounding Valais mountains.
Go Tobogganing from Fiescheralp: Enjoy a thrilling $13$-km sled run (one of the longest in the Alps) from Fiescheralp down to the village of Lax in the valley.
Hike the Marmot Trail in Bettmeralp: A family-friendly themed trail where you can observe the local marmot population and learn about their habitat.
Try Alpine Stand-Up Paddling or Fishing: Rent a boat or try SUP on the tranquil Lake Bettmersee (Bettmeralp) during the summer months.
Conquer a Via Ferrata: Tackle the challenging via ferrata routes on the Eggishorn or around the Gibidum reservoir, secured with steel cables and offering high-altitude thrills.
Bike the Stoneman Glaciara Route: For experienced mountain bikers, ride a section of the challenging $127$ km Stoneman Glaciara loop, an epic trail experience in the Valais Alps.
Local Tips & Transport
Car-Free Plateau: The main holiday villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp are entirely car-free. You must park your vehicle in the valley stations (Mörel-Filet, Betten, or Fiesch) and take a cable car or gondola up to your accommodation.
Valley Access is Key: The valley villages are well-connected by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train line, making it easy to travel between the cable car access points (Mörel, Betten, Fiesch) using public transport.
Swiss Travel Pass & Half Fare Card: Switzerland’s public transport system is excellent and passes like the Swiss Travel Pass often provide discounts or free travel on the valley trains. Check local passes like the Aletsch Explorer for mountain lift discounts.
Local Transport on the Plateau: In the car-free villages, transport is handled by small, electric shuttle vehicles (e-taxis) for luggage and guests, especially between the cable car station and your hotel or chalet. In winter, this service is often provided by snowmobiles.
Respect the Glacier: The Aletsch Glacier is a wild and active natural wonder. Never venture onto the ice without an experienced, certified mountain guide. The official guided tours are the safest and most rewarding way to explore it.
High Altitude and Sun Protection: The Arena sits at a high altitude (up to 2,869m at Eggishorn). The sun’s intensity is much greater, so always apply high-SPF sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a hat, even on overcast days or in winter.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Great Aletsch Glacier and the Aletsch Forest are part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to respect all signage and stay on marked trails to protect the fragile alpine environment.
Valais Cuisine: The region is in the canton of Valais, famous for its hearty local specialties. Don’t miss Raclette (melted cheese scraped onto potatoes and pickles), Fondue, and the local dried meat (Walliser Trockenfleisch).
Hidden Gems:
- The Aletsch Forest: One of the oldest Swiss stone-pine forests in Europe, located near the Pro Natura Center, offering beautiful, quiet hiking trails.
- Bettmersee Chapel (Maria zum Schnee): A small, picturesque chapel by Lake Bettmersee, a beautiful spot for quiet contemplation and photography, particularly when surrounded by snow.
- Mountain Huts: Seek out a traditional Berghaus or Hütte (mountain hut) for an authentic lunch or a stay. They often offer excellent local food and stunning views away from the main village centers.
Weather Changes Quickly: Mountain weather can change dramatically in a short amount of time. Always check the local forecast before embarking on a long hike, carry layers of clothing, and be prepared for rain or sudden cold snaps, even in summer.
Top Restaurants
Restaurant-Hotel Eggishorn [$25-$45] – A rustic restaurant on Fiescheralp at 2,222 m.a.s.l. with a huge sun terrace, offering local Valais specialities like Käseschnitten (cheese slices) and Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine macaroni).
Panorama-Restaurant Bettmerhorn [$25-$45] – Located at 2,700 m.a.s.l., this self-service mountain restaurant on Bettmerhorn focuses on regional products and offers traditional mountain dishes like Cholera (a traditional Valais pie) and various rösti dishes with a breathtaking view.
Restaurant Riederfurka [$25-$45] – A special place on Riederalp with a focus on fresh, honest, and regional alpine cuisine, perfect for a relaxing break with stunning mountain views.
Restaurant Bergdohle [$20-$40] – Located on Riederalp, this cozy spot has a rustic alpine charm, timbered walls, and a fireplace, serving traditional Swiss dishes like rösti, fondue, and raclette, alongside grilled specialities.
Bättmer-Hitta [$20-$40] – A rustic and cozy mountain hut between Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, known for its traditional Valais specialties and a large, sunny terrace.
Restaurant Chüestall [$20-$40] – A mountain restaurant on Riederalp, creatively converted from a former cow stall, offering Valais specialties in a rustic setting with a large sun terrace.
Restaurant Danys [$25-$45] – A long-standing restaurant on Riederalp, combining time-honored recipes with a refined take on Alpine dining, featuring cheese fondue, Käseschnitte, and dry-aged meats.
Restaurant Walliser Spycher [$30-$50] – A traditional Swiss chalet-style hotel restaurant on Riederalp, known for its authentic regional and Swiss cuisine.
Heidi’s Hütte [$20-$35] – A small, cozy mountain hut on Fiescheralp near the Heimatt chairlift, perfect for a quick and simple traditional mountain meal.
Restaurant Alpenlodge Kühboden [$25-$45] – A comfortable mountain restaurant on Fiescheralp offering regional Valais and Swiss dishes in a classic lodge setting.
zRiederhoru Restaurant [$20-$40] – A restaurant on Riederalp offering a mix of good bourgeois, regional, and Italian dishes, popular for its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Berghaus Toni [$25-$45] – A family-run hotel restaurant on Riederalp serving a mix of Belgian, international, and local Valais cuisine, including daily raclette and fondue.
Mountain restaurant Horli-Hitta [$20-$35] – A classic mountain restaurant located at the Eggishorn mountain station, offering simple, hearty meals with spectacular views.
Hotel-Restaurant Alpfrieden [$30-$50] – A welcoming restaurant on Bettmeralp known for its warm hospitality and regional cuisine, using market-fresh ingredients.
Hotel Restaurant Aletsch (Bettmeralp) [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Bettmeralp offering Swiss and regional specialties, including dishes prepared on a hot stone, fondue, and raclette.
Restaurant Matterhorn [$30-$50] – Located on Riederalp, this restaurant offers traditional Swiss dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Restaurant Bettmerhof [$30-$50] – A chalet-hotel restaurant in Bettmeralp offering local specialties and a traditional alpine feel.
Restaurant Castello [$25-$45] – A small, family-run restaurant in the heart of Bettmeralp village with a focus on local cuisine and a convivial atmosphere.
Gletschertisch [$20-$40] – A unique spot on Bettmeralp focusing on vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a menu rooted in sustainability.
Pizzeria PiccoBello [$20-$35] – A popular spot in Bettmeralp offering wood-fired pizzas and pasta alongside some local Valais dishes like Cholera, rösti, and fondue (by request).
Restaurant Alpina (Fiescheralp) [$25-$45] – A family-run spot on Fiescheralp offering local specialties like rösti and fondue, alongside international favorites.
Restaurant Walliserstube [$30-$50] – A charming restaurant in Bettmeralp that offers a mix of traditional and modern cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Panorama Hotel & Restaurant (Bettmeralp) [$30-$50] – A deservedly popular restaurant near the Bettmeralp cable car with a varied menu, including soups, sandwiches, pasta, meat dishes, and Valais specialities, often with a modern presentation.
Restaurant Alpenlodge Kühboden [$25-$45] – A spot on Fiescheralp that blends traditional alpine cooking with a fresh, contemporary touch.
Tee-Salon [$40-$70] – Located on Riederalp, this spot is known for its regional, refined cuisine and beautiful setting, offering a more upscale dining experience than a typical mountain hut.
Restaurant Riederhof (Golfhotel) [$50-$80] – The restaurant in the Golfhotel on Riederalp offers a higher-end experience, often featuring gourmet Valais specialties and international dishes in an elegant setting.
Restorante Walliser Spycher (Gourmet Section) [$50-$80] – The gourmet section of this Riederalp hotel often features meticulously prepared Valais dishes and fine dining experiences, showcasing local ingredients with sophistication.
Restaurant Aletsch (Mörel) [$40-$70] – Located in the valley town of Mörel, accessible by lift/train, this restaurant offers traditional Swiss dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, providing a high-quality meal outside the car-free villages.
Restaurant Relais Walker (Mörel) [$50-$90] – Also in Mörel, this restaurant is known for its elegant ambiance and innovative, gourmet cuisine, offering one of the more refined dining experiences close to the Aletsch Arena.
Berghaus Toni (Dinner Experience) [$40-$60] – While traditional during the day, this Riederalp hotel offers a rotating 3-course dinner menu in the evenings, providing a quality, prepared dining experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Albi’s Mountain Rock Café: Located conveniently in the center of Bettmeralp village, this is one of the most popular après-ski spots. It transforms into a lively late-night venue, offering a rock-focused atmosphere, a selection of drinks, and amenities like table football and a pool table.
VIVA Bar: Situated directly on the ski slope and near the ski school assembly point in Riederalp, this classic après-ski bar is the heart of the village’s evening scene, serving everything from Valais wines to classic liqueur coffees.
Lounge & Bar Corner (Hotel Alpina): Found on the Fiescheralp plateau, this cozy hotel bar and lounge is a popular meeting point almost around the clock, providing a snug setting for aperitifs, drinks, and light snacks.
Tipi Bar (Hotel Alpina): An outdoor, unique après-ski experience on the slopes of Fiescheralp, set in an Indian tent with a built-in bar, offering a memorable place to wind down after skiing.
Berghaus Toni Bar & Restaurant: Located directly on the ski slopes and hiking trails of Riederalp, this hotel bar and restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere to enjoy a refreshing drink or a classic Swiss specialty.
Restaurant Castello Bar: A small, family-run restaurant in the heart of Bettmeralp village, featuring an inviting bar area with a cozy interior that fuses Mediterranean flair with Swiss hospitality, perfect for an intimate evening drink.
Gletschertisch (Restaurant/Bar): Situated in Bettmeralp, this spot offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere for après-ski or an evening meal. The bar is known for featuring organic and biodynamic selections on its wine list.
Q-Stall Après Ski: A typical après-ski bar conveniently located in Bettmeralp, known as a popular meeting spot for locals and holiday guests, serving drinks and delicious house-made pizza.
Gletscherbar: Located in Bettmeralp, this bar is recommended for unwinding after a day on the slopes, known for its lively après-ski atmosphere.
Restaurant Matterhorn Bar: Found on the Riederalp, this establishment occasionally hosts events, such as playing records, offering a laid-back spot for a drink and music.
Walliser Spycher Hotel Restaurant Bar: Located in Riederalp, the hotel’s restaurant and bar offer traditional Valais charm and a pleasant spot for a drink, reflecting authentic mountain hospitality.
Bettmerhorn Panorama Restaurant & Bar: While primarily a restaurant atop the Bettmerhorn with stunning views, it’s a great spot for an early evening drink as the sun sets over the Great Aletsch Glacier.
Hotel Alpfrieden Bar: Known for its warm hospitality in Bettmeralp, the hotel’s restaurant and bar offer regional cuisine and an extensive wine list to complement an evening aperitif.
Hotel Aletsch Bar: Located in Bettmeralp, this hotel’s bar provides a comfortable setting for guests and visitors to enjoy a drink in a classic Alpine hotel environment.
Hotel Le Postillion Bar: Found in Bettmeralp, this is another traditional hotel setting offering a comfortable bar for evening drinks.
TimeOut Fiesch: The main and arguably the only true nightclub in the immediate Aletsch region, located down in Fiesch (reachable by cable car/train). It is open year-round, hosts unforgettable evenings with live DJs, bands, and exciting themed events every weekend, offering a modern and trendy atmosphere.
Disco Bachtla: A well-known disco located near the sports center and indoor pool in Bettmeralp, offering a classic Alpine late-night dancing option, particularly popular during the high season.
Albi’s Mountain Rock Café (Late Night): This popular après-ski spot in Bettmeralp stays open late (often until 1:00 am during peak periods) and gets lively, essentially transitioning into a rock-focused club/late-night bar.
Tächi Bar (Late Night): A late-night spot often cited in Riederalp‘s nightlife options, providing a cozy venue for a few final drinks. (Note: May be an older name or smaller bar with limited online presence.)
Hotel Alpina Bar & Lounge (Late Night): The Lounge & Bar Corner on Fiescheralp provides a pleasant and often long-running service, serving as a social hub for drinks long into the evening.
Berghaus Toni (Live Music Events): Located on Riederalp, this venue is known to be part of the “Aletsch-Winterträff” and occasionally hosts live music events, which can create a vibrant, club-like atmosphere.
TimeOut (After-Event Parties): The TimeOut Fiesch venue is central to the regional party scene, hosting many official after-parties for local events and festivals, creating large-scale club nights.
Restaurant Matterhorn (Late Night): While primarily a restaurant in Riederalp, it’s a place where one can sometimes catch a live DJ or a special event late into the night.
Gletschertisch (Late Night): In Bettmeralp, this refined bar offers a late-night option with a curated atmosphere and wine selection, moving beyond the traditional après-ski feel.