Hikes

Bettmerhorn – Aspi-Titter suspension bridge

Wanderung entlang des Aletschgletschers, Bettmerhorn

Bettmeralp

-2/4°

Closed

Anyone embarking on this route should be free from vertigo since it involves a steep descent and crossing the Aspi-Titter suspension bridge.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

15.57 km

Duration

5:30 h

Auf dem Weg zur Fußgängerbrücke Aspi-Titter

Blick auf die Aspi-Titter-Brücke / Im Hintergrund das kleine Wannenhorn

Alter Dorfkern von Bellwald und Wannenhorn

Description

The Aspi-Titter bridge, which floats up to 120 meters above the Weisswasserschlucht at the foot of the Fiescher Glacier, connects the Goms with the Aletsch Glacier. Beyond it, after a strenuous hike, the enchanting landscapes of the Aletsch Arena unfold. You keep the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in view along the entire route. In addition, ice-shaped landscapes, colorful alpine flora, and an idyllic glacier lake reward you for the strenuous path.

Turn-by-turn directions

The hike starts at the Bettmerhorn viewpoint, near the upper station of the Bettmerhorn cable car. First, head down over «Uf de Setzu» towards Rote Chumma. On this section, the spectacular Aletsch Glacier is always in front of you and gets closer with every step. Then take a rock-carved path with stone steps in the direction of Märjelen and Märjelensee up to the mountain hut Gletscherstube. Now follow the Märjelenweg to the Burghütte and the Aspi-Titter suspension bridge. This part includes a descent of about 600 meters in altitude, is quite steep, and requires sure-footedness. You should also be free from vertigo to cross the suspension bridge. Once on the other side, continue via Obflie, Ried, and Gasse to Bellwald. From there, take the cable car to Fürgangen and return by train to Fiesch.

Start

Bettmerhorn (2649m)

Destination

Bellwald (1559m)

Download GPX

Download KML

Author's recommendation

After the descent, take a well-deserved break at the Burghütte. With a bit of luck and a pair of binoculars, you might spot ibexes.

Technical information

Altitude

2652m

1559m

Ascent

+358m

Descent

-1449m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Betten valley station (change in Brig from SBB to Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), then cable car up to Bettmeralp. Ten-minute walk through the village to the Bettmerhorn gondola. At the end of the hike, take the cable car from Bellwald to Fürgangen and from there the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn back to Brig. Timetables for cable cars and trains can be found at sbb.ch.

Approach

Take the cantonal road 19 to the Betten valley station exit. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to the Bettmeralp.

After finishing the hike, return with public transport from Bellwald to Fürgangen (cable car) and from Fürgangen to Betten valley station via Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (train).

Parking

Large, paid parking lot/parking garage at the valley station of the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG).

Equipment

We recommend:

Good footwear
Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
Headgear
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Picnic
Camera
Binoculars (optional)
Walking sticks (optional)
Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy for sharing and respecting. The mountain world is a place to meet and share unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. So that all users can benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Use of the various routes is always at your own risk.

For all hikes:

Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, the protection of grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
Close gates after passing through them.
Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitude can be very strong, even in overcast weather.
Plan your hike carefully: take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.
Weather conditions can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to return early.

For high alpine hikes:

Inform your family about your route. If possible, avoid being alone.
Do not walk on glaciers without a mountain guide.
Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along waterways below dams and reservoirs: Water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Proper Behavior

Preparation for a Hike