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
Panoramapad 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 glacier gorge. 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 cable car to Riederalp.
Eggishorn Topp (2927 m)
Moderate • 2 hours • gondola + 45 min walk
Take the gondola to Fiescheralp and walk in 90 minutes to the Eggishorn plateau. From here you see the full length of the Aletsch Glacier plus the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Finsteraarhorn. Impressive for all ages.
UNESCO High Altitude Trail
Long-distance • multiple days • various stages
The official UNESCO route follows the full perimeter of the Aletsch Arena area over several days. You stay overnight in mountain huts and walk through ecologically protected land. LuxLax is an ideal base for day-stage hiking.
Aletschwald Forest Reserve
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, small mountain lakes and an impressive glaciated cirque at the end. Quiet, little visited and spectacular. Starting point: Lax via the restored suonen (5 min from LuxLax).
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 map or app Swisstopo
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
- Hiking gear rental (poles, shoes): Fiesch village
What is the best season?
June – August: Everything open, warmest temperatures, alpine flowers at their best. Ideal for families. Most popular period.
September – October: Quieter trails, autumn colours, clear skies. Best photography conditions. Few tourists.
Winter (snowshoeing): Many routes are also available in winter on snowshoes. A completely different experience.
LuxLax: your base
5 minutes by train from Lax to the gondola from Fiesch to Fiescheralp. LuxLax is the perfect base for hiking in the Aletsch Arena.