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WALK 5

Gletscherstube Märjela (2373m) – Aletschgletscher – Biel (2286m) – Fiescheralp (2205m)

Distance	10km
Grade	2
Time	3–3½hrs
Height loss	168m
Location	Initially west of the Gletscherstube

The undulating path which traces the left bank of the Grosser Aletschgletscher rewards with stupendous views all the way, and should be walked slowly and with plenty of stops to absorb the scenery. Take a packed lunch and make a day of it.

The Märjelental is brightened by a number of tiny pools

Take the stony path heading down-valley from the Gletscherstube, passing alongside several pools rimmed with cotton grass. When the path forks just above the Märjelensee, take the left branch following waymarks and cairns up the left-hand side of the valley mouth, scaling slabs and stone steps to gain a high point from which you have a stunning view of the Grosser Aletschgletscher’s upper reaches, flanked by Eiger, Mönch and Jungfraujoch. Turn to the left and you should be able to see the Weisshorn and Matterhorn in the distance across the unseen Rhône valley.

Now with the Aletschgletscher on display and the dramatic Aletschhorn cirque across the ice to the west, the path turns above the glacier and climbs, then eases, high above the left bank. This is a spectacular route with exciting views every step of the way. At the Roti Chumme junction (2369m) ignore the alternative path rising to the Bettmerhorn and continue on the lower path ahead, signed to Riederalp and Bettmeralp. The way undulates for a while before rising to another junction; this one with an option left to Hohbalm and Fiescheralp (it could be used as a shortcut back to the cablecar station if needed).

Remain on the lower path, which crosses some rocky areas to reach yet another junction at 2278m. Maintain direction and rise to yet another junction at 2290m. Leaving the trail to Riederalp, go up the slope to the Biel marker just 2mins or so ahead on the ridge between the glacier and the Bettmeralp plateau. Make the most of this location, for once you leave it there will be no more views of the Aletschgletscher, instead it will be the line of the Pennine Alps on the far side of the Rhône valley that will dominate.

Follow signs for the Bettmersee, and crossing the ridge with its tiny pools, you will soon look down on the lake and Bettmeralp itself as the way curves left. Do not descend all the way to the Bettmersee, but after losing some height you will come to a junction where a narrow path cuts ahead to the Furri Hut and Fiescheralp (the Bettmersee trail continues downhill).

On this grassy side of the ridge, cross the hillside losing a little height until you come to another junction at 2139m. Keep ahead (direction Fiescheralp), initially rising among juniper, then cross an open rolling pasture to pass beneath the Bettmerhorn gondola and a small lake below a chairlift. Come onto a dirt road/track near the Furri Hut (refreshments) at 2172m, and follow this to the complex of buildings at Fiescheralp where you can ride the cablecar down to Fiesch.