Aletsch Forest
Aletschwald
An ancient forest of pine and larch beside the Aletsch Glacier, with trees up to a thousand years old. It is one of Switzerland’s earliest nature reserves.
The Aletsch Forest lies on the north slope of the Riederfurka ridge, at the edge of the Aletsch Glacier. It has been protected since 1933. Swiss stone pines and larches here can be up to a thousand years old. Rhododendrons bloom on the forest floor in early summer, and chamois and deer are often seen. Trails enter from the Villa Cassel or Moosfluh, and you can walk along the glacier’s edge. Autumn is the most beautiful season, when the larches turn golden. Please stay on the trails and do not pick plants.
Opening hours
Open all day (not advisable to enter in winter snow)
Nearby sights
- Riederalp
- Aletsch Suspension Bridge (Riederalp–Belalp)
- Villa Cassel / Pro Natura Centre Aletsch
- Moosfluh
- Massa Gorge & Gibidum Reservoir
- Bettmersee
- Bettmeralp
- Bettmerhorn