Lax: small village, great adventure, crossroads of 3 nature reserves
Lax is situated at 1.100 m altitude in the heart of the Obergoms, right at the foot of the Aletsch Arena. The village may have only a few hundred inhabitants, but what surrounds it is impressive: the largest glacier in the Alps, three car-free mountain villages, 100 km of ski slopes and countless hiking trails through UNESCO-protected landscape. This is the Valais that few tourists know – and where you always want to return.
UNESCO World Heritage
Aletsch Glacier – ice that stops time
23 kilometres long, up to 900 metres thick and over a million years old. From the Eggishorn (2,800 m) you look directly down on this world wonder. In summer you can walk to the glacier, traverse it with a guide or cross via the suspension bridge. In winter the ice blue reflects in the sunlight with metres of powder snow on top. The gondola Fiesch–Fiescheralp–Eggishorn departs 5 minutes by train from LuxLax.
100 km piste • 3 resorts
Aletsch Arena ski area – snow-sure late into the season
Three mountain villages, one ski pass: Fiescheralp, Bettmeralp and Riederalp together form the Aletsch Arena. One hundred kilometres of slopes from blue to black, 13 kilometres of sleighing slope, cross-country ski trails and a 12 km snowshoe route. Snowboarders find their way in the halfpipe and fun park at Fiescheralp. The gondola to the ski slopes at 2,000 m is a 5-minute train ride from LuxLax – no car, no hassle.
Mei t/m oktober
Summer in Valais – hiking, cycling and swimming
When the ski area closes in April, a completely different adventure begins. The alpine meadows turn yellow and purple with alpine flowers. Hiking trails to the Bettmerhorn (2,872 m) offer views you will not forget quickly, or consider the Seilpark high above the trees in Bettmeralp. The Goms valley is a hidden paradise for mountain bikers and e-bikers. After a day in the mountains, cool off in the high-altitude Bettmersee or take a dip in the indoor pool at the Feriendorf Fiesch, just a few minutes from LuxLax.
What there is to do
Skiing, sledging and cross-country skiing
100 km of slopes across three connected resorts. 13 km ski/sleighing slope Fiescheralp–Lax right to your door and 100 km of cross-country ski trails in Obergoms.
Hiking
More than 200 km of marked trails. UNESCO Aletschwald, suspension bridge, Bettmerhorn – for every level.
Mountain biking
The Goms and Binntal are paradises for MTB and e-bike. Rental available in Fiesch.
Paragliding
Fly directly from Fiescheralp to Fiesch with a certified guide – unforgettable views of the glacier.
Swimming
The Bettmersee lake and the indoor pool in Fiesch. In summer wonderfully refreshing after a long hike and in winter relaxing after skiing.
Village exploration
Ernen (medieval), Fiesch (marketplace) and Lax (rustic mountain village with ReLax walking route) – each with its own character.
Culture & music
The Musikdorf Ernen organises an international classical music festival every summer.
Stargazing
At 1,100 m, barely any light pollution. The night sky above the Aletsch Arena and Binntal is breathtaking.
The nearby villages
Each village has its own story. Together they form the soul of the Goms in Valais.
Lax
Rustic mountain village at 1,100 m with the well-known dark brown wooden houses. The church dates from the 18th century. ReLax walking trail next to the station to unwind. Only 5 min by train from the gondola in Fiesch – this is your home base.
Ernen
Beautifully preserved medieval village with wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Home of the famous Musikdorf festival.
Reckingen
Authentic village with beautiful flower meadows and an old wooden bridge.
How to get there?
Car
~9 hours from Amsterdam via the Furka or Lötschberg car tunnel. Parking at the door with 2 private parking spaces at LuxLax.
Train
Lax train station 300 metres from LuxLax with direct connections to intercity trains in Brig (Glacier Express route). No car needed.
Plane
Geneva Airport or Zurich Airport (3.5 hours). Both with direct train connections to Lax via Brig.
Ready to discover Valais?
Stay at LuxLax and use it as a base for everything the Aletsch Arena and surroundings have to offer.