Aletsch via ferrata

4:00 h
3.54 km
67 m
66 m
1,428 m
1,483 m
55 m
Start: Parking near the artificial lake of the Gibidum dam, near Blatten bei Naters.
Destination: Gibidum dam (east side)

The Aletsch Via Ferrata circles the Gibidum lake at the upper Massa Gorge. The 3km long trail consists of some ambitious parts

Dizzying climbing passages close to the water surface and a 80m long and 40m high Nepal-bridge. Especially thrilling: when the barrier lake is full, you climb only a few meters above the freezing glacier water!

Valais/Wallis Promotion

Pavements

Unknown

Asphalt

Path

Via ferrata

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

The via ferrata starts immediately from the car park above the concrete wall. Well-secured, you climb through a channel down to the water, before heading into the valley using natural and many artificial steps, your left side attached to the wire rope, walking "au bord du lac". When the lake is full, you come very close to the (milky-green) water at several points, each time before making short climbs. The opposite bank gradually comes closer, and then you catch sight of the absolute highlight on this route, the longest via ferrata suspension bridge in the Alps. The steep rocks of the Stockflüe call for a vigorous effort, and this is followed by a few very open traverses which also force the climber slightly out from the rock face.

Tour information

Loop Road

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

Directions & Parking facilities

Highway A9 direction Brig and exit at Furka on the cantonal road 19 direction Furka / Grimsel / Nufenen / Brig-Glis. In Brig, continue to Naters and then up to Blatten bei Naters. In Blatten, leave the village to the north and follow signs to the Gibidum dam (Stausee Gibidum).

Parking near the artificial lake of the Gibidum dam, near Blatten bei Naters.

Frequent bus connections from Brig to Blatten. The via ferrata is located approximately 1km walk from the center of Blatten.

Additional information

Rental:

Alpincenter Belalp

Find more information about the destination here:

Blatten-Belalp

Literature

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker : Die Klettersteige der Schweiz

Safety guidelines

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Map

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1269 Aletschgletscher

Tours