Hikes

Bettmerhorn – Hängebrücke Aspi-Titter

Wanderung entlang des Aletschgletschers, Bettmerhorn

Bettmeralp

-8/-4°

Closed

For hikers with a head for heights: this route features a steep downhill section and crosses the Aspi-Titter suspension bridge.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

15.57 km

Duration

5:30 h

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

Description

Situated at the foot of the Fiesch Glacier, 120 metres above the waters of the Weisswasser River, the Aspi-Titter bridge connects the Conches Valley to the Aletsch Glacier. The bridge allows the public to access the enchanting landscapes of the Aletsch Arena’s resorts after a demanding hike. The Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is visible along the entire route. Experienced hikers can also look forward to landscapes shaped by the eternal ice, colourful alpine flora and an idyllic glacial lake.

Turn-by-turn directions

The hike starts at the Bettmerhorn View Point, close to the Bettmerhorn cable car station. First, make your way downhill towards the Rote Chumma via “Uf de Setzu”. The spectacular Aletsch Glacier will be visible throughout this section of the route as you draw closer to it with every step. You’ll then take a path that is hewn into the rock, following its stone steps towards Märjelen and the lake of the same name, until you reach the Gletscherstube mountain hut. After this, follow the Märjelenweg trail to the Burg mountain hut, and continue until you reach the Aspi-Titter suspension bridge. You’ll need to watch your step during this relatively steep section, which includes a descent of some 600 metres. You’ll also need a head for heights as you make your way across the suspension bridge. Once you reach the other side, continue downhill to the centre of Bellwald via Obflie, Ried and Gasse. From there, take the cable car to Fürgangen and return to Fiesch by train.

Start

Bettmerhorn (2649m)

Destination

Bellwald (1559m)

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Author's recommendation

After the downhill section, take a well-earned break at the Burg mountain hut. With a bit of luck, you might spot some ibex with your binoculars.

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 the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), then take the 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 take the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway back to Brig. The timetables of the cable cars and trains can be found under sbb.ch.

Approach

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

At the end of the hike, return by public transport from Bellwald to Fürgangen (cable car) and Fürgangen to Betten valley station with the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (train).

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)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

For all hikes:

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.

For mountain hikes:

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.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Best practice guidelines

Preparing your hike