Fixed rope routes

Aletsch Via Ferrata

Aletsch

Blatten Belalp

-3/2°

The Aletsch via ferrata leads around the Gibidum reservoir in the upper Massa Gorge. The 3 km long via ferrata features some quite challenging sections.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

3.54 km

Duration

4:00 h
Aletsch
Aletsch
Aletsch
Aletsch
Aletsch

Description

Besides dizzying climbing passages above the water surface, there is also an 80 m long and 40 m high Nepal suspension bridge as a special thrill. Particularly special: when the lake is full, you partly swing very close above the icy glacier water!

Turn-by-turn directions

The start of this via ferrata at the west end of the dam is signposted. First, there is a descent down to the reservoir shore. Afterwards, you climb along the western shore via numerous iron pins, log bridges, and natural footholds. At the end of the reservoir, you reach the suspension bridge. Enjoy the view towards the north – you can see the traces of the mighty Aletsch Glacier in the rocks. The return route along the eastern shore is somewhat more demanding, but still manageable thanks to the numerous iron pins. At the end, you descend back onto the dam and cross it to return to the starting point.

Start

Parking lot at the Gibidum reservoir outside the village of Blatten near Naters (1482m)

Destination

Gibidum dam (east side) (1483m)

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Technical information

Altitude

1483m

1428m

Ascent

+67m

Descent

-66m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Round trip
  • Completely cable-secured
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular bus connections from Brig to Blatten. From the village center of Blatten, you reach the via ferrata after about 1 km on foot.

Approach

Access via motorway A9 to Brig, exit Furka onto cantonal road 19 towards Furka/Grimsel/Nufenen/Brig-Glis. In Brig continue to Naters and from there continue to Blatten near Naters. In Blatten, leave the village center in a north-easterly direction and follow the signs to the Gibidum reservoir.

Parking

Parking lot at the Gibidum reservoir outside the village of Blatten near Naters.

Equipment

For walking a via ferrata, a harness with a via ferrata set for self-protection is mandatory. Due to the danger of falling rocks, wearing a helmet is also a must.

Pay attention to good footwear, suitable clothing, and sufficient provisions. Gloves provide additional protection for fingers and joints and prevent abrasions.

Safety information

Weather: Anyone on via ferratas should take the weather forecast into account. Sudden bad weather can be life-threatening. Via ferratas must be avoided in case of thunderstorms.

Falling rock hazard: On via ferratas there is the danger of falling rocks, mostly triggered by preceding climbers or wild animals. Protect yourself with a helmet.

Safety: When on a via ferrata, ensure you keep enough distance to the climber ahead. Only one person should be in a fastening section at a time.

Additional information

Equipment rental:

  • Alpincenter Belalp

Further information about the destination can be found here:

Literature

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker: The Via Ferratas of Switzerland

Maps

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

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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