Hint

Intro

This loop follows a smooth trail alongside the Great Aletsch Glacier. In 2001, the Jungfrau-Aletsch protected area was made a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the trails here couldn’t be better for running.

Description

The 22km loop stays above 2,000 metres for almost the entire route. Ride the cable car from Betten to the car-free village of Bettmeralp. The route starts at Bettmersee lake, taking you on a short climb to Blausee lake. As you continue on the trail alongside the Great Aletsch Glacier towards Märjelensee lake, you can enjoy magnificent panorama views of this massive river of ice. The Aletsch Glacier is the biggest glacier in the Alps, spanning 23km with depths of up to 1,000m. While the sheer size of the glacier is staggering, it’s also a reminder of how quickly the Alpine glaciers are shrinking and the fragility of the environment.

The views from the summit stretch as far as the eye can see to Aletschhorn, Matterhorn, Mönch, Weisshorn, Dom, Weissmies, and other 4,000-meter peaks. After Märjelensee lake, the tour curves around the Tälligrat to begin the return to Bettmeralp through the forest.

Tip from ALPSinsight: You can take a shortcut through the kilometre-long tunnel at Märjelen.

 

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Bettmeralp
Destination
Bettmeralp
Direction
Round trip
Altitude (meter above sea level)
2393 m
Ascent
848 m
Descent
848 m
Distance
22 km
Physical requirements
Easy
Season
July - October
Theme
Along a glacier, With panoramic view
Route GPX Download Route-GPX

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Contact

Bettmeralp Tourismus
Postfach 16
3992  Bettmeralp
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)27 928 60 60
Fax +41 (0)27 928 60 61
info@bettmeralp.ch
bettmeralp.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

22 km

Ascent

848 m

Travel information: Bettmeralp

Current Offers

  • Bettmeralp Aletsch panorama trail & Lötschberg south ramp

    Iconic hiking trails on the southern side of the alpsThis itinerary combines two of the most popular... from CHF 1,049
    Offer details


    valid: 27.06.2026 - 11.10.2026

    Learn more about Aletsch panorama trail & Lötschberg south ramp
  • Bettmeralp Cable car ride to the Bettmerhorn | Aletsch Arena

    Two cable cars will get you from the valley to Riederalp-Bettmeralp’s sunny plateaux. The first goes... from CHF 15.60
    Offer details


    valid: 17.04.2026 - 30.08.2027

    Learn more about Cable car ride to the Bettmerhorn | Aletsch Arena
  • Bettmeralp Derby Sport Bettmeralp

    Derby Sport is your specialist shop in the heart of Bettmeralp. A competent and experienced team...
    Offer details
    Learn more about Derby Sport Bettmeralp
  • Bettmeralp Trail running "sporty beginners"

    Running on paved paths or asphalt sidewalks can get boring. It is all the more liberating to forget... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 11.06.2026 - 22.10.2026

    Learn more about Trail running "sporty beginners"
  • Bettmeralp Cable car ride to the Eggishorn | Aletsch Arena

    The Eggishorn panoramic viewpoint offers a chance to admire the great Aletsch glacier from its most... from CHF 52
    Offer details
    Learn more about Cable car ride to the Eggishorn | Aletsch Arena
  • Bettmeralp Trail running "experienced runners"

    Switching off your head, disconnecting from your daily routine, following your instincts and running... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 09.06.2026 - 20.10.2026

    Learn more about Trail running "experienced runners"
  • Bettmeralp Join the circus for kids and teens

    Circus holidays for kids and youths Have you always dreamed of riding a unicycle thru the ring as... from CHF 160
    Offer details


    valid: 20.07.2026 - 31.07.2026

    Learn more about Join the circus for kids and teens
  • Riederalp Glacier tour UNESCO - Aletsch Arena

    Riederalp - Aletschgletscher - RiederalpCable car ride to Moosfluh after that a hike from... from CHF 90
    Offer details


    valid: 08.07.2026 - 07.10.2026

    Learn more about Glacier tour UNESCO - Aletsch Arena
  • Ernen Alpine passes trail - Binntal - Grimentz

    Valleys and passes of Valais The Alpine-passes trail connects the most beautiful valleys of Valais.... from CHF 1,515
    Offer details


    valid: 27.06.2026 - 12.09.2026

    Learn more about Alpine passes trail - Binntal - Grimentz
  • Bellwald Cable Car Bellwald from Fürgangen

    You ride the cable car for about three minutes to Bellwald at 1564 m above sea level. The gondola... from CHF 7.20
    Offer details


    valid: 27.04.2026 - 13.10.2026

    Learn more about Cable Car Bellwald from Fürgangen