Steve, would you like a hiking recommendation?
This was our fifth time here in Bettmeralp, and yesterday we found a route I never appreciated before. Normally we would hike from Bettmeralp up to Biel (a low saddle in the ridge that separates Bettmeralp from the Aletschgletscher) and then take a trail that traverses the slope above the glacier, northeastward to Marjelensee, where there is a nice mountain restaurant. I love the views of the glacier along that trail. But—-I noticed it is not on the 2024 little hiking map, so I asked in the TI and the agent said it has been closed due to rockfall!!! So instead we hiked various ways in the last 2 days, but my favorite by far was this:
From Bettmeralp walk the paved road to the next village, Riederalp, and take the Moosfluh lift up to the ridge top, where the #39 Erlebniss Trail ( marked in green on signs) runs along the ridgetop. You can either exit the gondola at Blausee midstation and hike up to the trail (recommended) or stay on the gondola to the top and meet the trail there. I prefer the former as you have a longer walk—-facing the gorgeous view of the glacier nearly the whole way. That view is what makes this route the best—you are walking toward it not away, and the view over the glacier changes minute to minute, as the light changes.
You can also reach the #39 trail without the lift, by walking through Riederalp and up to the Pro Natura Centrum (Villa Cassel.). This make a longer hike.
Your goal is Biel, indicated on the trail signs. Once you reach there, you have 2 chouices to descend to Bettmeralp, apart from going back the way you came (which would be the easiest for people wanting an easier hike). But if you choose not to backtrack to the Moosfluh lift, you can either (1) descend to Bettmeralp in a 1-hour hike on a good trail, following signs to Bettmeralp and Bettmersee, or (2). Continue up a fairly steep trail one hour to the top station of the Bettmerhorn gondola, and ride down to the village.
The Road Scholar group itinerary has them doing th #2 option in reverse today—-ride the gondola up the Bettmerhorn, then hike down to Biel and on along the ridge to Riederalp. They will have their backs to the glacier view, but of course they can stop and turn around whenever they want.
We hiked that route yesterday, using the #1 option, and encountered very few other people one the trai, other than the vicinity of the Moosfluh top station. Most of the rest of the time we had the trails to ourselves.
Have a great time in Bettmeralp. We depart this morning, and I am sad to leave.
