The Aletsch Panorama Trail traverses the Härdernagrat ridge overlooking the immense Aletsch glacier, the longest in the alps. We typically do a 3h version ending at the Bettmerhorn viewpoint.
But you can easily customize this one-way trail to suit the needs of your group. Here are a few variations we suggest.
A: Our favorite version with max glacier views
This version spends the most time on the ridge, facing the glacier as you walk. This means you are walking uphill, so it can be strenuous at times, especially the last 1 km up to Bettmerhorn.
Trail: difficult • 2h40 • 8.2 km • 50m down, 770m up
See trail map.
B: Easy & short
This version is on the easiest stretch of the ridge between Moosfluh (cable car) and Hohfluh (chairlift), about 30 - 40 mins. We did this version when the kids were little and with grandpa who couldn't hike very far.
The Hohfluh chairlift only runs for a few weeks in July and Aug. If it's not running, you can simply hike between Hohfluh and Riederalp, adding about 45 mins to your time.
This outing starts and ends in the Riederalp village. So if you came by car, you can park in Mörel.
Trail: easy • 30 mins & 2km or 90 mins & 4.8 km
See trail map / More info on SwissFamilyFun.com
C: Longer version (& budget friendly)
If you want a much longer day, you can start in Riederalp and hike towards the Bettmerhorn viewpoint as describe in option A. Before getting to the peak, stay on the panorama trail, traversing to the Märjelenseen lakes. This brings you very close to the glacier ice.
At the little lakes, there is a mountain hut where you can have a meal or even stay the night. Day trippers continuing to Fiescheralp and take a cable car down to the valley. Then ride a train back to your car or home base.
This version is less expensive because it only uses the cable cars to reach the Aletsch Arena resort (Mörel-Riederalp and Fiescheralp-Fiesch), which are free with the Swiss Travel Pass, GA, and Saver Day Pass.
See sample trail map.
