Aletsch Forest

A forest brimming with history and life

Aletsch Forest is one of the many enchanting places in the Aletsch Arena in Valais and part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature is still in perfect balance here. Discover the variety of flora and fauna mindfully and carefully while hiking in one of the most beautiful mountain forests in Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of Aletsch Forest. You can reach the beautiful Aletsch Forest from Riederfurka on Riederalp. One of the entrances to the stone pine forest is very close to Restaurant Riederfurka and not far from the Pro Natura Centre Aletsch.

The oldest stone pines in Aletsch Forest are 1,000 years old.

Aletsch Forest was declared a nature reserve in 1933.

The magical Aletsch Forest covers a total area of 400 hectares.

Soak up the atmosphere of the mystical Aletsch Forest

Gnarled, even slightly bizarrely shaped, but beautiful: the Swiss stone pines of Aletsch Forest in Switzerland’s Aletsch Arena are well-preserved and magical, just like something from a fairy tale. Up to 1000 years old, they bear witness to the passing of time and are the origin of this enchanted forest with its unspoilt nature. The Swiss stone pines are without a doubt the main attraction in Aletsch Forest on Riederalp in Valais, which has been a nature reserve since 1933. There are also magnificent spruces and larches in the 400-hectare Pro Natura nature reserve. Aletsch Forest in the Aletsch Arena is a place that is full of life too: you might spot red deer, chamois, black grouse, golden eagles or the cute pygmy owl on a hike in Aletsch Forest. And every now and then you are afforded unobstructed views of the mighty Great Aletsch Glacier. While you are walking mindfully, carefully and thoughtfully through the beautiful, mystical forest, it is also worth looking down from time to time. With luck, you will discover colourful alpine roses alongside the trail. To find out more about the plants, animals and nature of Aletsch Forest in the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland after your hike, visit the Pro Natura Centre Aletsch in Villa Cassel on the edge of Aletsch Forest on Riederalp. The Pro Natura Centre Aletsch on Riederalp opened in 1976 and was the first nature conservation centre in Switzerland. It is dedicated to protecting and preserving nature in the Aletsch Arena with its unique fauna and flora.

Hiking in Aletsch Forest

Hiking carefully and mindfully through the magical Aletsch Forest on Riederalp in the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland always makes you pause and reflect as you admire its beauty and unspoilt nature. The balance of nature in this idyllic forest is fascinating. The same applies to the well-preserved stone pine trees which are the origin of Aletsch Forest. Depending on the season, Aletsch Forest in the Aletsch Arena in Valais offers a variety of highlights. You can hike in the pleasantly cool Aletsch Forest in summer, from mid-June to mid-October. In autumn, Aletsch Forest on Riederalp transforms into a riot of beautiful colours. The variety of shades and golden light turn the already magical Aletsch Forest into a veritable fairy-tale forest. In winter, you can have fun exploring Aletsch Forest on a guided snowshoe tour.

Whatever the season: on a hike in Aletsch Forest in the Aletsch Arena in Valais, you have a clear view of the stunning Great Aletsch Glacier in some spots.

The protected Aletsch Forest's centuries-old Swiss stone pines and superb views of the Great Aletsch Glacier: this tour lets you experience the highlights of a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the tour!

closed medium 12,9 km 4,3 h

This beautiful hike lets nature shows off her plentiful charms: age-old stone pines in the protected Aletsch Forest are followed by breathtaking views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.

closed medium 7,1 km 2,5 h

Centuries-old stone pines, the Great Aletsch Glacier and a landscape shaped by the Ice Age: the trail showcases impressively what nature has created here.

closed medium 13,0 km 5,0 h

The adrenaline buzz on the suspension bridge, the imposing view of the glacier gate and ancient Swiss stone pines in Aletsch Forest make this hike a truly impressive experience.

closed medium 11,4 km 4,5 h

Fabulous hike through the protected Aletsch Forest with views of the Great Aletsch Glacier at Silbersand. At Lake Grünsee you can see how big the enormous ice flow once was.

closed medium 8,9 km 4,5 h

Views of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the mountain scenery, coupled with informative adventure stations: on this hike, education, wonder and enjoyment go hand in hand.

closed medium 6,7 km 2,7 h

from14CHF

Enjoy a leisurely walk and get to know the protected Aletsch Forest.

from50CHF

Explore the lesser-known Riederhorn and immerse yourself in the picturesque Aletsch forest.

from85CHF

Snowshoetrekking Moosfluh - Aletschwald - Riederfurka

from40CHF

High above the glacier we experience the enchanting fairytale forest and the winter silence.

Shinrin Yoku

Forest bathing in Aletsch forest

No, forest bathing in the Aletsch Arena doesn’t involve jumping into a pond or lying in a bathtub. During forest bathing, you are very consciously on the move in the forest and soak it up with all your senses. Aletsch Forest in the Valais, with its up to 1000-year-old Swiss stone pines, provides the perfect setting for this. Forest bathing is not only relaxing, but also beneficial to health. Studies show that the body produces less of the stress hormone cortisol in the forest. Spending time in the forest also lowers blood sugar levels and blood pressure. So, what are you waiting for? Off to the forest – and if you like, combine it with yoga. Of course, you can also discover forest bathing by yourself – for example on a walk through the forest.

from270CHF

Movement, tranquillity and mindfulness in unique surroundings.

from55CHF

Being in the woods, without any thoughts. Discovering the forest, with all its senses.

Benefit

Sleep better with the stone pine

The stone pine smells incredibly good. And it has a soothing effect on you thanks to the essential oils in the pine tree’s resin. Their captivating scent make for personal equilibrium and a good night’s sleep. But that’s not all: did you know that the scent of ancient stone pines calms even the most argumentative of people? The essential oils of the stone pine tree again play a key role here, which is true of many other conifers too. They soothe the senses and regulate stress hormones. Researchers have long been clear about the positive effect of the forest on people’s wellbeing, a fact confirmed by countless studies. So it’s good news that there is now a whole range of pine products – such as a Stone Pine Pillow filled with fine wood shavings, or an aromatic room fragrance.

Spend a night in a bed made of stone pine in the Moon-Wood Room at Hotel Waldhaus on Bettmeralp.