Bettmeralp
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
The natural surroundings offer a habitat rich in rare species of flora and fauna, in direct contact with the Aletsch Forest and the great Alpine glaciers; the area is the subject of frequent environmental protection initiatives, with precise rules for the movement of dogs and the preservation of paths. The location and climatic conditions - around 300 days of sunshine per year - favour excursions in every season, with ever-changing and spectacular views.
Introduction
Bettmeralp is an alpine village and municipality in Canton Valais, situated on a sunny terrace above the Rhone Valley, nestled in the heart of the Aletsch Arena. This quaint, car-free centre, accessible only by cable car from Betten station, enjoys a privileged position opposite the four-thousand-metre peaks of the Valais Alps - the White Horn, Dom and Matterhorn - and is only a stone's throw away from the Aletsch Glacier nature site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its environmental and scenic importance.
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Description
Officially founded in 2014 with the merger of the municipalities of Betten and Martisberg, Bettmeralp can boast a much older history, documented by the chapel of St Mary of the Snows, built at the end of the 17th century. Local traditions are still cultivated and shared today, both in popular celebrations and in everyday life; the Traditions-Wuchunänd event is an opportunity to learn about Valais customs passed down with pride and participation. The local dialect, the wooden architecture of the alpine huts and the gastronomic offerings tell of an area that has been able to preserve its identity.
The economic life of the village revolves around tourism, with offers designed for families and nature lovers, but also for those seeking winter and summer sports: the Aletsch Arena ski area includes more than 100 km of ski slopes suitable for all levels, 22 km of cross-country skiing trails and numerous paths that can be followed on foot, with snowshoes or mountain bikes. In summer, more than 300 km of marked trails lead through meadows and forests; famous are the hikes to the Bettmerhorn (2647 m), where you can admire the largest glacier in the Alps, and those connecting Bettmeralp with the nearby Riederalp and Fiescheralp, passing scenic stations such as Moosfluh and Märjelensee.
It is easy to find your way around thanks to a well-organised network of tourist and information infrastructure, including starting points for excursions that are also accessible to families with pushchairs and visitors with disabilities. The numerous hotels, flats and mountain huts make for a comfortable and varied stay; the traffic-free environment invites for tranquillity and a rediscovery of the natural dimension.
To reach Bettmeralp, one has to travel by train or car to the Betten valley station, where ample parking spaces are available. From here, a modern cable car takes you directly to the village centre in about eight minutes. Rail connections from Brig - the hub of the international line - ensure efficient connections to the rest of Switzerland and Italy; the village is regularly served by the Furka-Oberalp Railway.
Information
Area: 28.79 km²
Altitude: 1957m
Maximum elevation: 4.193m - Aletschorn
Number of inhabitants: 439
Name in dialect:
Inhabitant name:
Patron Saint: St. Mary of the Snows
Neighbouring municipalities: Fiesch, Fieschertal, Grengiols, Lax, Mörel-Filet, Naters, Riederalp
Website: www.bettmeralp.ch