Hikes

Alpine hike: UNESCO high-altitude trail from Bettmerhorn to Eggishorn

Alpine Wanderung UNESCO-Höhenweg vom Bettmerhorn zum Eggishorn

Bettmeralp

Closed

The ridge trail promises genuine challenges and fantastic views of the Aletsch Glacier and the Valais mountain scenery. Sure-footed hikers with a head for heights will love it!

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

3.04 km

Duration

3:00 h

Description

The hike starts at the Bettmeralp cable-car mountain station. It takes about half an hour to reach the summit of the Bettmerhorn (2,647m) via a fixed rope route. From there you follow the partly exposed but well-secured ridge trail for about 1.5km, until you reach the steep descent down to Elselicka. Cable handrails are provided for your safety. The path along the ridge is designated an Alpine Route, meaning that it is suitable only for sure-footed hikers with no fear of heights! Keep to the white/blue marked path on this section! From Elselicka, the route follows a well-maintained hiking trail up to the mountain station of the Eggishorn cable car (2,869m), the end of the UNESCO high-altitude trail.

Turn-by-turn directions

Bettmerhorn, top station of aerial cable car – summit Bettmerhorn – Elselicka - Eggishorn, top station of aerial cable

Start

Bettmerhorn, top station of aerial cable car (2647m)

Destination

Eggishorn, top station of aerial cable (2870m)

Author's recommendation

Get yourself the Aletsch Explorer! The combined cableway and train ticket gives you unlimited travel in the Aletsch Arena!

Technical information

Altitude

2871m

2648m

Ascent

+373m

Descent

-149m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

By train from Brig or Oberwald to Betten valley station. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp. 

Approach

Take Kantonsstrasse 19 to the Betten Valley Station exit. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp. 

Parking

Large pay car park near the valley station of the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG). 

Equipment

We recommend: 
  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

Safety information

Summer sports report

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Aletsch Arena AG 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.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • 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.
  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Additional information


Furkastrasse 39
CH-3983 Mörel-Filet
+41 27 928 58 58
info@aletscharena.ch 
www.aletscharena.ch  

 

Literature

Get a free panoramic map at the cable car stations and info centres of the Aletsch Arena.  

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1269 Aletschgletscher

Source

This activity is brought to you by Aletsch Arena AG. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.