Lötschberg & Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail
Traverse the historic Lötschberg Südrampe
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aletsch Glacier up close
Marvel at the stunning viaducts like the Bietschtal Bridge
Relax after a day of hiking with delicious Swiss cuisine and Valais wine
Hike along the panoramic trail with an incredible view of the glacier and the highest Swiss peaks
Itinerary
You will arrive in the town of Gampel-Steg, in the heart of Valais. After getting settled in your cozy accommodation, rest up before the next day.
This day will take you higher above the valley on the historic trail next to the southern ramp of the Lötschberg railway, one of the most major in the Alps. Hiking on the sunny side of the Rhone Valley will take you past viaducts like the Bietschtal bridge and plenty of both Alpine and southern vegetation. The day ends in the lovely hillside village of Ausserberg.
12 km; 800 m of elevation gain and 420 m of elevation loss
After a hearty breakfast, your hike will continue on the Lötschberg South Ramp. You will hike past the “suonen” historic waterways and across bridges towards Naters. There, you can ease your day by taking a bus to Blatten, and from there, a cable car to Belalp. If you get to Naters sooner, you can check out the Museum of the Swiss Guard.
16 km; 470 m of elevation gain and 800 m of elevation loss
The fourth day will give you a first glance of the Aletsch Glacier as you hike past the Aletcschborg viewpoint towards its glacier gate. After crossing a hanging bridge, you’ll hike through the forest towards Riederalp, where you stay for the night.
11 km; 700 m of elevation gain and 850 m of elevation loss
The most epic day finally begins — it starts with a cable car ride towards Moosfluh from where you start your hike on the panoramic ridge trail. Epic views will accompany you on both sides — the biggest glacier in Europe on one, and some of the highest Swiss 4000ers on the other. You’ll get closer and closer to the glacier itself and descend toward Märjelensee lake, where you can try their delicious apple tart.
After the well-deserved break, a hike through the illuminated Tälligrat tunnel takes you back towards the green valley to your accommodation in Fiescheralp.
12 km; 590 m of elevation gain and 710 m of elevation loss
The last full day of hiking will take you back around the Eggishorn towards the lake you visited the day before, but then turn right towards the valley. You’ll have great views of the Fischer Glacier while descending down to Burg Hut. Soon after, the trail crosses an epic 160-meter-long hanging footbridge, which leads you to Bellwald, where you’ll spend your last day in the mountains.
14 km; 560 m of elevation gain and 1220 m of elevation loss
The only thing left is a short hike down past St. Anna Chapel to Fiesch. There, you can hop on a train to your next adventure in Switzerland or any of the country’s major airports. Traveling by train is a great way to reflect on the incredible hike behind you.
4 km; 20 m of elevation gain and 510 m of elevation loss
Pricing
Included in price
6 x accommodation with breakfast
Tour design and organization
A booklet with a detailed itinerary
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
24/7 service and support during your holidays
Description
Are you ready for a breathtaking adventure in Switzerland? The Lötschberg & Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail Hike is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the heart of Valais and the magnificent Aletsch Glacier, the largest and most stunning glacier in Europe.
This one-of-a-kind hike first takes you along the historic Lötschberg Südrampe trail. As you traverse the sunny side of the Rhone Valley, you’ll be amazed by the stunning viaducts like the Bietschtal Bridge and the diverse Alpine and southern vegetation.
The highlight of the trip, however, is the Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail. This trail takes you along a panoramic ridge, offering breathtaking views of this grand river of ice and some of the highest peaks in Switzerland. This trail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magnificent beauty of the Alps and experience the UNESCO World Heritage site up close.
Experience comfort and luxury while staying in hotels offering delicious Swiss cuisine and tasty Valais wine. You will have all the time to relax after a day of hiking and get ready for the next.
We take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. We book the accommodations and provide a detailed itinerary booklet, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Our goal is to make your hike as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to explore Switzerland’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, and inquire about this panoramic walking holiday.
If you have any extra time in Switzerland before or after, we recommend you visit Zermatt, the scenic town below the foot of Matterhorn. If you have some extra energy, you can explore the area on the Matterhorn Trek.
Map
Start planning today!
Things to know
Hiking in light rain can be done comfortably with the right clothing, but it’s important to understand that hiking during a storm can pose serious risks. To avoid the threat of thunderstorms, it’s advisable to plan your hikes for early in the day during the summer. If the weather forecast predicts extreme conditions, it’s recommended to either change the hike date or seek alternative tour options, which we’d be happy to help you with.
Most of the accommodations offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. You also will not have any trouble finding such menus at restaurants. When you eat at mountain huts, though, they might not serve vegan meals. In such cases, it is best to bring your own food. Either way, tell us in advance and we’ll find a solution together.
Yes, children are welcome to participate in our walking tours, provided they are physically fit and have good footing. To guarantee the safety and enjoyment of young participants, we suggest a minimum age of eight years old to join the tours.
Having the right footwear is crucial for hiking in Switzerland. We highly recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all of our tours. The terrain in the Swiss Alps can be uneven, rocky, and slippery, so it’s important to avoid wearing sneakers, which could increase the risk of injury, especially if you are not experienced in hiking on such terrain.
Having a car can be a convenient way to get around, but it’s definitely not necessary. The public transportation system in Switzerland and the entire Alps is really well-organized and makes it easy to travel from place to place, even across different countries.
Plus, using public transportation is a great way to support sustainable tourism and help preserve the beautiful environment of Switzerland. So don’t stress too much about having a car – the options for getting around are plenty.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Swiss Alps are a highly sought-after tourist destination year-round, and accommodations can fill up quickly. Booking early is essential to secure the housing of your choice, but we will always do our utmost to find the best possible lodging for you based on your preferences.
Getting to Switzerland is relatively easy, as the country is well-connected to the rest of Europe by air, train, and road. The two main international airports in Switzerland are Zurich and Geneva, which serve as hubs for several major airlines and connect to cities across the world. Trains are another popular mode of transportation, with several international trains arriving daily in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. Driving to Switzerland is also an option, with several well-maintained highways connecting the country to neighboring countries. Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, getting to Switzerland is convenient and hassle-free.
Our tours are well-organized and in an easily navigable country, so a guide may not be necessary. Our detailed handout along with the GPS routes will equip you with all the necessary information to enjoy your stay in Switzerland. However, if you prefer the comfort of having a guide, contact us, and we will arrange it for you.