A hiking paradise on your doorstep
The Aletsch Arena has more than 200 kilometres of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy valley walks to challenging mountain paths above 2,800 metres altitude. What makes it special: you walk through a UNESCO World Heritage area, surrounded by the largest glacier in the Alps, protected alpine forests and spectacular mountain panoramas. From LuxLax in Lax you set off on foot, no car needed.
The best hiking routes
ReLax circular trail in Lax
Easy • 1–1.5 hrs • hardly any elevation gain
The relaxed village loop that starts literally on the doorstep of LuxLax, by Lax station. A flat circuit through and around Lax with rest benches, quiet contemplation spots and sweeping views over the Rhône valley and the mountains – perfect for a gentle morning, a walk with the kids or to acclimatise on your first holiday day.
Panorama trail Moosfluh – Bettmerhorn
Moderate • 3 hours • 400 m altitude difference
The most beautiful walk above the Aletsch Glacier. You walk along the glacier edge from Moosfluh to the Bettmerhorn with views that will stay with you for a lifetime. Accessible by cable car from Riederalp or Bettmeralp.
Aletsch Suspension Bridge & Glacier Gorge
Advanced • 5 hours • 700 m altitude difference
From Riederfurka you walk through the UNESCO-protected Aletschwald forest to the suspension bridge over the impressive glacier gorge. Along the way you pass through several different biotopes. A route that gives far more than any photo can show. Starting point: Lax by train to Mörel, then by mountain railway to Riederalp. Return: by cable car from Blatten, then bus and train back to Lax.
Eggishorn summit (2,927 m)
Moderate • 2 hours • gondola + 45 min walk
Take the gondola to Fiescheralp and then the gondola on to the Eggishorn plateau at 2,869 metres. This is the highest point on this side of the glacier. Enjoy the views and take your time with the glacier information on display. From here you see the full length of the Aletsch Glacier plus the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Jungfrau, Eiger, Mönch and Finsteraarhorn. Impressive for all ages. If you want to go a little higher still, you can climb to the summit of the Eggishorn in 30 minutes.
Aletschwald with 700-year-old trees
Easy • 1.5 hours • little altitude difference
The Aletschwald is the highest-altitude pine forest in the Alps, protected as part of the UNESCO area. A quiet walk suitable for children and beginners. Accessible by gondola to Riederalp.
Fieschertal Valley
Easy/moderate • 2-4 hours • variable
The side valley of Fiesch is a beautifully hidden hiking area with alpine meadows. Quiet, little visited and spectacular. Starting point: behind LuxLax via the restored water channels (suonen). Route 257 on SchweizMobil For those who want to challenge themselves. Continue to the Fürgangen-Mühlebach suspension bridge and walk back to LuxLax via Ernen. More about the Goms Bridge
What to bring
Equipment
- Sturdy hiking shoes (also for easy routes)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (high UV at altitude)
- Water: min. 1.5 litres per person
- Windbreaker (weather can change fast above 2,000 m)
- Free weather app MeteoSwiss
- Free hiking app Swisstopo and a paper hiking map
Practical
- Best season: June to October
- Start early (thunderstorms in the afternoon)
- Mountain rescue phone number: CH+ 1414
- Train (Lax) to gondola Fiesch–Fiescheralp at 300 m from LuxLax
- Rental hiking gear (poles, shoes) and advice Volken Sport in Fiesch
LuxLax: your base
5 minutes by train from Lax to the gondola in Fiesch. A 30-minute drive to the Binntal and Oberwald. LuxLax in Lax is the perfect base for hiking in Goms.