Not only was it another wonderful sunrise there was a special treat, one that is not often heard.

Another stunning day in Wallis

Day 1246 – July 30th, 2017

Day 3 Bettmeralp

This morning we woke to the sound of the Alphorn. Below our chalet, just at the platform to the gondola station were three people playing their Alphorns.

This was the very first time I have heard the Alphorn live, it was really cool. A soothing sound famous from Switzerland.

View from our balcony

Three Alphorn players on the Bettmeralp

Where will we walk today?

How about up there…

The view to the Bettmerhorn from bedroom window

With such a clear sky we decided to walk up to the Bettmerhorn station.

After breakfast we strolled through the village to the Schönbiel chair lift. As you can see, this Sunday morning was still very quiet.

Bettmerhorn peak seen from the gondola station Bettmeralp

Bettmeralp, just stunning

Most of the shops were closed until after 9am.

Another village view

We took the high road to the lift area which allowed us a good view of Chalet Claudine. This is the chalet that Moni and family stayed in for many winter ski holidays here on the Alp. Also where we stayed on our first visit during a ski holiday over 20 years ago!

Chalet Claudine Bettmeralp

There are many chalets on the Bettmeralp to chose from, some old style like the one below and others that are more modern. Accommodation for all sorts of people and budget, along with restaurants, shops etc.

Old style Swiss chalet Bettmeralp

Walking etiquette in the Alpine villages

Walking through the Bettmeralp village pedestrians should keep to the ‘talside’ which is the side that faces the city below. There are signs that indicate this, but probably not in the ideal place in summer. Can you find the sign in the photo below?

Unfortunately many people do not realise this and as a result, the entire roads are congested especially with the many electric vehicles that use the route.

Pedestrian walking sign at the top of the lamp post

Going up with the BettmerAlp – Schönbiel chair lift

The chairlift brought us to the top of Schönbiel peak and from here we made our way towards and eventually up to the Bettmerhorn bergrestaurant.

Bettmeralp Schönbiel chair lift

We got on and enjoyed the ride up. You could walk all the way from here if you wished, but knowing our limitations, the hike from Schönbiel would be more than enough.

The view up the mountain towards Bettmerhorn

Selfie going up

The 6 seater chair lift going to Schönbiel

There are lots of walking trails throughout the Aletsch arena which are also used by mountain bikers.

Hiking trails across the Alps with the Bettmerhorn peak

Obviously we got off at the top station Schönbiel, and then began our hike up.

Schönbiel Chairlift top station

Schönbiel top chairlift station ‘Toblerone’

The chair lift brought us from around 1970m to 2280m in 6 minutes, how long will it take us to walk the rest… according to the sign it should be one hour to the bergrestaurant, we will see.

Schönbiel walking route sign @ 2280m

Looking in this direction towards Fiescheralp you have some other walking trails which we explored later in the week.

This direction was the destination another day

Todays destination, photo taken from the Schönbiel station.

Todays hike up to the Bettmerhorn panorama restaurant

And so the walk begins

A stunning view to the village and city below.

Bettmeralp Bettmersee and village with the town of Brig in the distance below

The way up…

The way up, getting higher & harder

We stopped and snacked on our rations with wonderful views around us. Even though there were surprisingly lots of hikers, it was so peaceful.

Roughly half way up

Panorama from the same spot

From this point on it was quite steep in places and loose under foot.

Quite rocky and not easy to walk on

We took it easy and even sometimes went on all fours to help with the balance.

This part was very steep

Certainly not much vegetation up this high, yet mountain thistles and a few other species thrive.

This is a ridge that we came over, not easy to see

One species that exists is the webcam. Even though they are not dominant in numbers they are vital to the armchair viewer.

Bettmerhorn webcam

Finally we reach the top

A few more steps and you are greeted by this amazing force of nature that is the ‘AletschGletcher’ Aletsch Glacier.

Full Aletsch panorama 2017

The Aletsch Glacier from the Bettmerhorn

The hard climb of moments ago washed away by the beauty which our senses try to absorb.

After a while our bodies tell us they want to absorb something else… coffee!

Bettmerhorn panorama restaurant

Panorama restaurant

We enjoyed our caffeine fix and a slice of wähe (fruit tart) very yummy before taking the easy way down by gondola.

Gondola down to Bettmeralp village

Bettmeralp gondola

This was an perfect spot to view the Bettmerhorn peak and the panorama bergrestaurant together. It looks a bit like a spaceship doesn’t it.

Gondola leaving the Bettmerhorn station

Here you get to see and feel (sort of) how high it is when looking down to the village. To the left and out of picture is the Schönbiel chair lift station where we began our hike up.

The view looking down towards the Bettmersee & the village

Bottom gondola station Bettmeralp

A quick visit to the toilet at the station before continuing on with our walk. As if that was not enough… Brassli suggested we take the route past the Bettmersee and around the back way to our chalet.

Festival around the Bettmersee

There were lots of people enjoying the sunny day and the festivities.

The walk continues the long way round

Eventually we were on the path towards our chalet and a well deserved rest.

The view back to the horn and village

Today’s walk was hours and we covered  km