Belalp lies at 2,094 m above sea level, high above the Rhône Valley, and offers views of the Aletsch Glacier. Its network of trails, around 60 kilometres long, seasonal activities and local history give visitors several possible focuses for their stay.

Altitude and History

The Hotel Belalp was built on the Belalp in 1856/1857. John Tyndall is also associated with the area: the Irish physicist and mountaineer spent the summers there, mainly on the Belalp, from 1861 until his death in 1893. His wife Louisa had the monument dedicated to him erected there in 1911.

The hotel, Tyndall’s summer stays and the later monument are distinct historical points of reference. Together, they span the period from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century and complement the nature and sports themes with a specific local history.

Hiking and Choosing a Route

Hikers on the Belalp can explore a network of trails around 60 kilometres long through the destination’s varied mountain landscape. Two named educational trails offer a direct comparison: the Belalp Glacier Trail is 2 kilometres long, and the Tyndall Trail is 3 kilometres long. While the roughly 60 kilometres describe the extent of the trail network, the lengths of the two trails provide a concrete measure for individual routes.

During the holidays, children can collect points while hiking with Vero’s Witch Pass.

Lake, Gorge and Bridge

Lüsgersee is a nationally significant amphibian conservation area and is suitable for swimming in summer. Nature conservation and a seasonal swimming activity are therefore both among the lake’s features.

The 124 m-long Riederalp–Belalp suspension bridge crosses the Massa Gorge at a height of 80 m, directly in front of the glacier gate of the Great Aletsch Glacier. The length and height describe different dimensions of the crossing, while the glacier reference also indicates its location.

The Massa Gorge can also be crossed. The historic Massaweg, in turn, runs alongside a bisse.

Late Summer and Winter

Every year in late summer, the residents of Naters celebrate the traditional Schäful on the Belalp. The sheep return to the Belalp after spending the summer in the inner Aletschji. If the festival is important to your trip, check the specific date for your travel dates.

At Hohstock, winter sports enthusiasts can ski a run with a gradient of up to 60 per cent. The circular cross-country ski trail is about 1 kilometre long and can be reached from the mountain station of the gondola lift at Chiematte.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

Travel by train via Brig, then take PostBus 624 to Blatten bei Naters and continue by cable car to Belalp. The cable car connects Blatten bei Naters with Belalp; its sloping length is 1,767 m, and it covers an elevation difference of 763 m. Check the timetables for each leg of your journey for your travel date.

Comparing the seasons can help you choose your travel dates: hiking and swimming in Lüsgersee are summer activities, Schäful takes place in late summer, and the Hohstock run and circular cross-country ski trail are winter activities. Choose your travel dates based on your preferred focus. If Schäful is important to you, check its specific date; you should also check accommodation availability for your chosen dates.

Discover more destinations: Termen, Eggerberg, Mund, Zwischbergen, Naters, Brig, Ried-Brig, Simplon

Back to the parent travel overview: Brig.