There are itineraries that offer beautiful rides. And then there are routes that leave something behind.
The Aletsch Glacier tour undoubtedly falls into the latter category. This itinerary combines breathtaking views, perfectly groomed trails, some of the best flow trails in the Alps, and the thrill of arriving at the largest glacier in the entire Alpine region.
Together with four friends, we decided to tackle it on an e-MTB, choosing one of the smartest solutions for enjoying the day: starting directly from Bettmeralp, reachable by cable car, thus avoiding unnecessary kilometers of asphalt and saving all the battery for the heart of the excursion.
From here begins one of the most beautiful tours you can experience by mountain bike.
Cycling towards the ice giant
The first few pedal strokes take you along the wide dirt roads that cross the mountain pastures of Upper Valais. The scenery changes constantly: larch forests, alpine pastures, rock faces, and, in the background, the 4.000-meter peaks that dominate this part of Switzerland.
Following the route you reach the characteristic tunnel that connects Fiescheralp with the slope of Märjelensee, a true gateway to one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in Europe.
Just beyond the tunnel the bicycles stop.
The last stretch is rightly reserved for hikers and is covered on foot. A few minutes' walk is all it takes to find yourself faced with something difficult to describe.
The Aletsch Glacier: The Giant of the Alps
The Aletsch is not just a glacier.
It is the largest glacier in the Alps, approximately 23 kilometers long, with a surface area of over 80 km² and a thickness that in some places exceeds 800 meters.
It originates from the confluence of three enormous glacial basins at the foot of the Jungfrau, the Mönch and the Aletschhorn, gathering thousands of years of climatic history before slowly descending along the valley to the Massa Gorge.
Since 2001, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch”, recognized as one of the most important and best preserved glacial landscapes on the planet.
Standing before this immense expanse of ice means observing the power of nature up close, but also realizing how fragile this heritage is today. In recent decades, the glacier has progressively retreated due to rising temperatures, making the privilege of observing it up close even more precious.
For a few minutes time seems to stand still.
You just remain silent.
The Flowtrail Wurzenbord: pure fun
After filling your eyes with so much beauty, you get back in the saddle.
And this is where the tour changes character completely.
The destination is the famous Flowtrail Wurzenbord, one of the most fun trails in the entire area.
Perfectly shaped parabolic curves, continuous changes of pace, natural support and incredible smoothness allow you to let the bike run without ever losing control.
A trail capable of entertaining both those seeking speed and those who simply want to enjoy a cleverly constructed descent.
Aletsch is now a reference destination for international enduro
In recent years, the Aletsch Arena area has become one of the reference points for Alpine mountain biking.
The vast network of natural trails, perfectly maintained flow trails, bike-friendly lifts, and scenic itineraries have made this area an increasingly popular destination for enduro and e-MTB enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Here, technical natural trails, flow descents, panoramic routes and high-altitude itineraries coexist in a rare balance.
A destination that satisfies both adrenaline seekers and those who want to experience the mountains in their most authentic form.
Return
From the Wurzenbord the long descent towards the valley begins.
The trails alternate between fast sections and more technical ones, cutting across the main road several times and offering a constant variety of terrain.
It's a long, fun, and never-monotonous descent that lets you finish the ride with a smile on your face.
The third half
Every memorable outing deserves a worthy conclusion.
For us it means only one thing.
Cross the border again and find yourself in Montecrestese, sipping a cold beer, reliving every curve, every view, and every emotion experienced during the day.
Because some rides don't end when you get off the bike.
They continue in the stories, in the photographs and in the desire to return again.
Technical sheet of the itinerary
- Location: Bettmeralp – Aletsch Arena (Switzerland)
- Type: Panoramic e-MTB tour
- Length: (insert km)
- Positive difference in height: (insert D+)
- Maximum quota: (insert quota)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Main trail: Wurzenbord Flowtrail
- Highlights: UNESCO panoramas, Aletsch Glacier, flow trail, circular route
- Recommended period: June – October
Why do it at least once?
There are many places to go mountain biking.
However, very few manage to combine a unique natural heritage, the largest glacier in the Alps, a network of spectacular trails and perfect organisation for cyclists.
The Aletsch circuit is not just an itinerary.
It's one of those trips that every biker should experience at least once in their life.
