Traditions

Culture and customs

Nature as a source of culture & tradition

Not everything in the Aletsch Arena revolves exclusively around the unique natural landscape. In fact, this extraordinary area has always had plenty of space for culture, custom and tradition – and is often artistically inspiring.

The broad variety of options and facilities in Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch-Eggishorn, with exhibitions, museums and a wide range of events, is an indication of the living culture and strongly-maintained tradition in the most liberating nature experience of the Alps.

Events Exhibitions Experiences Churches and chapels Legends

authentic

Traditional events

05Dec 24

Culture meets tradition: Nachttrichjen

27Jul 25

Where guests and locals traditionally mix.

03Aug 25

Experience real Valais alpine traditions from the past and the present at the Great Alpine Festival!

19Sep 25

Our food, crafts and traditions!

21Sep 25

Early form of Hornussen.

instructive

Exhibitions

Visit one of the exhibitions to learn more about the Great Aletsch Glacier and the culture and tradition of the Aletsch Arena.

Play, fun, sports!

explore the past

traditional experiences

Experience the artisanry and culture of the Aletsch Arena. Immerse yourself in the past.

Learn exciting anecdotes about Betten Dorf on this entertaining village tour.

from20CHF

How would you like to learn a traditional Valais craft and weave your own Tschiffra?

Watch cheese being made using age-old, traditional methods at the Alpine Museum.

Experience the culture and customs of Fiesch

How is fresh Alpine milk made into creamy butter?Watch a butter churning demonstration to find out.

places of worship

Churches and chapels

nostalgic

Alpmuseum

The Alpine Museum offers an interesting insight into alpine farming in times past. In summer, the nostalgic museum has a range of offers and events on the programme. The "1606 Alpmuseum" Association is the initiator and operator of the Alpine Museum housed in the “Nagulschbalmu” alpine hut. By becoming a member of the association, you can support the museum and help to ensure that the old customs and cultures are not lost.

"1606 Alpmuseum" Association

a piece of Valais

legends - mystical stories

They were often passed down orally over generations. But the legends that have sprung up around the Aletsch Arena have lost none of their fascination. The stories and tales surrounding the Valaisan legends are sometimes eerie, sometimes beautiful. And whether they are wild or mysterious - they all cast a spell over you!

The "eternal" ice of the Great Aletsch Glacier, mystical glacial lakes or the centuries-old Swiss stone pines in the Aletsch Forest have always captured the imagination. Exciting, beautiful or even eerie tales of legends have been created that are still gladly told. And even today, the Aletsch Arena still provides material for legends.

Rollibock - legendary figure

The mythical Rollibock, who lives somewhere in the ice of the Great Aletsch Glacier, is a wild, ferocious-looking beast. Yet he loves nature and has a strong sense of justice.

He loves the stillness and solitude of the magnificent mountain arena, which he has sworn to protect. However, legend has it that the Rollibock can also get very nasty if anyone deliberately harms the countryside or the animals that live there.

Nowadays, the Rollibock is no longer seen as fearsome. In fact, he has a whole lot of friends in the Aletsch Arena: there is a Rollibock Club and a wide range of events are held in his honour.