Trail running

Along the Great Aletsch Glacier, Bettmeralp

Blick auf den grossen Aletschgletscher

Bettmeralp

Closed

Follow the Aletsch Glacier on a route that allows you to maintain a good pace as long as you can resist the urge to stop and admire the view.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

26.99 km

Duration

4:45 h

Description

The Jungfrau-Aletsch region has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2001. The Great Aletsch Glacier lies at the heart of this region and, with a length of 20 kilometers and a width of up to 1,000 meters, is the largest glacier in the Alps. The route runs along this ice giant on a gently descending path and also offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks such as Aletschhorn, Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Dom and other impressive 4000-meter peaks. At the halfway point, the cozy Märjelenhütte glacier hut invites you to rest. On the return to Bettmeralp, you bypass the Tälligrat and return via a wilder, less frequented but no less breathtaking route back to Bettmeralp. The loop takes you through Unner Tälli, then below Fiescheralp along a flat forest path back to the starting point.

Turn-by-turn directions

After taking the aerial cableway from Betten valley station to the village of Bettmeralp, you cross the car-free holiday village up to the start of the trail run, which is located at the valley station of the Bettmeralp-Bettmerhorn cable car. The first ascent leads you to Bettmersee and Blausee. It continues up the ridge to Biel and Hohbalm. On the other side of the mountain ridge, follow the Great Aletsch Glacier towards Märjelensee and the Märjelen reservoir. After the Märjelen reservoir, the path passes by Tälligrat, crosses the hilly slope of Unners Tälli and finally, after a last forest section, you reach Bettmeralp again.

Bettmeralp (Bettmerhorn) - Bettmersee - Blausee - Märjelensse - Märjelen reservoir - Unners Tälli - Bettmeralp (Bettmerhorn)

Start

Bettmeralp (1982m)

Destination

Bettmeralp (1982m)

Author's recommendation

Due to the risk of slipping in the landscape, follow only the marked paths above the glacier.

Technical information

Altitude

2392m

1931m

Ascent

+878m

Descent

-878m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the train to Brig and the regional train from Bahnhofplatz towards Andermatt to Betten valley station. Change there and take the cable car to Bettmeralp. Timetable is available at www.aletscharena.ch

Approach

Betten valley station is located 12 kilometers northeast of Brig on Furkastrasse/Route 19.

Parking

Paid parking and a parking garage are available at Betten valley station.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good running shoes
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Trail poles

Safety information

Using the trail paths and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. 

For all trails:

  • Use only marked trail paths and observe all signs and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate towards other path users, plants and animals.  

For mountain trails: 

  • Bring additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitude can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail 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 provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early. 
  • Inform your family about your trail route. Avoid traveling alone if possible.
  • Observe warning signs indicating danger at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: Water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Additional information

Further information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism offices of the Aletsch Arena provide you with information about trail running in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo maps: 1:25,000: 1269 Aletsch Glacier

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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