Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch
Overview
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Intro
The Aletsch Forest, situated right by the largest glacier in the Alps, is a unique nature reserve that has been protected by Pro Natura since 1933. The affiliated nature reserve centre is located in Villa Cassel on the Riederfurka (Riederalp).
The Great Aletsch Glacier is the longest river of ice in the Alps. The Aletsch Forest came into being in the region in front of the glacier, where the soil was no longer covered by eternal ice. Gnarled and extremely resilient, stone pines make up the majority of the trees in the protected Aletsch Forest in the Aletsch Arena. They have adapted perfectly to the harsh climate above the Great Aletsch Glacier. Some of these stone pines are up to 1,000 years old, making them the oldest trees in Switzerland. The forest boasts many hiking trails, from which visitors are not allowed to stray.
The Pro Natura Centre Aletsch on the Riederalp – opened in 1976 as Switzerland’s first nature reserve – is dedicated to protecting nature in the Aletsch Arena, with its unique flora and fauna. Exhibitions, events, guided excursions and much more make a visit to Villa Cassel on the Riederfurka a worthwhile and educational experience.
Special exhibitions held each year and an alpine garden comprising more than 200 different plants from across the region can be found at the Nature Reserve Centre Villa Cassel. The former summer residence of English banker Ernest Cassel is just a short walk from the Riederalp and the starting point of various theme trails such as the Cassel Trail, the Moraine Path and high-altitude hikes in the Aletsch region.
In 2019, the Pro Natura Centre was extensively renovated and is now carbon neutral. Enjoy an overnight stay in this historical setting, with the power now supplied by an air/water heating pump and a photovoltaic system.
Wedding
At the beginning of the last century, the English banker Sir Ernest Cassel built a sophisticated summer residence on the Riederfurka not far from the glacier with a dream view of the surrounding mountain world in Villa Cassel in order to benefit from the fresh Alpine air. During Sir Ernest Cassel's lifetime, renowned guests came and went in and out of the pompous half-timbered villa. For decades the Villa Cassel was used as a hotel after the death of its builder. For more than 40 years it has been the headquarters of the Pro Natura Centre Aletsch and houses an environmental education and nature conservation centre. Due to its sophisticated nature amidst the impressive panorama, the meadow in front of Villa Cassel is perfect for weddings for all couples who would like to continue their story together next to the historic building before they celebrate it on Riederalp. Catering has to be organized by the wedding party itself.
General information
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Groups
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| Weather |
Indoor, Outdoor
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| Execution |
Fix
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| Category |
Education, Nature
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Group & pricing information
| Language |
German
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| Further prices (starting from) |
Adults: CHF 8.00 (group from 10 persons: CHF 6.00 / person)
Children (6 - 16 years): CHF 4.00 Children accompanied by family members: free of charge |
Booking Information
Book online
The contents listed here are maintained by the regional / local tourist offices or service providers, which is why Switzerland Tourism can not guarantee the contents.
Discover the surroundings
Contact
Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch
Riederfurka
3987
Riederalp
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)27 928 62 20
Fax +41 (0)27 928 62 23
aletsch@pronatura.ch
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