The Aletsch Glacier (Reservoir) VF starts with a nice hike from Blatten VS to the dam, then is usually followed clockwise from the left side over a long route of many kilometres, part VF, part hiking. The left bank often goes down close to the waterline and is easier than the RH side. The two are joined by a very long hanging bridge with great views, although not the glacier as this has receded far up the valley. :-( Anyway bring strong boots as the metal pegs are thin and hard on your feet. There's not much climbing (+/-250m), mostly traversing but does take 2-3h. Still plenty of places to rest and great views on either side. Emergency exit by the bridge, but it would be a long hard hike up to Bellalp? Grade is 2-3 (B/C) with a few tricky sections. Note that the final zipline has been removed as people were hiting the tree and injuring themselves. To be avoided in the wet (slippery).

Nicolet

July 12, 2024

Description and topo bergsteigen.com/touren/klettersteig/aletsch-klettersteig

Translated by Google •

Vanessa Alexandra ↟↟🜁

August 30, 2025

Anyone hoping for glacier views from the name "Aletsch Via Ferrata" ❄️ will be disappointed – because the route runs several kilometers below the Aletsch Glacier in the Massa Gorge. Instead, it offers a completely different experience: a circular route directly around the Gibidum Reservoir (1,436 m) 🌊, often extremely airy directly above the water!

The approximately 3 km long tour leads through varied forest paths 🌲, walking terrain, and steep rock faces. Particularly impressive are the passages directly on the cliff edge above the water's surface – exposed, but well secured with footholds 🔗. The highlight is the approximately 80 m long Nepal Bridge 🌉, which crosses the lake at a height of almost 50 m – pure adrenaline! 😮

The route is mostly easy to moderately difficult (A-B, in places B/C) and is therefore also doable for motivated beginners if you don't suffer from vertigo. The loop ends back at the starting point at the reservoir.

⚠️ Please note: The via ferrata may be closed at short notice depending on the lake's water level!

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 1,430 m

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Sunday 16 November

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Location: Naters, Brig, Valais, Switzerland

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