A mystical hotel built in the beginning of the 19th C. that welcomed British mountaineers who set out to conquer the Alps. An eagle's nest at an altitude of 2,100m. A 30-minute walk, or go cross-country with snow-shoes, from the highest cable-car station, Blatten-Belalp. Ideal as a look-out post for trips towards the Aletsch glacier and forest.

Contact and information:
Hotel Belalp
Fam. Thür-Fahrni
Postfach
3914 Belalp
www.hotelbelalp.ch
From 65 francs/night, double-room, breakfast
Photo: Hôtel Belalp

To see:

- Aletsch glacier: listed as a UNESCO natural world heritage, this glacier is the biggest in the Alps, with impressive measurements - 23km long and a surface of 86km2. Coming soon: activities organized at the different stations www.bettmeralp.ch, www.riederalp.ch , www.aletsch.ch .

- Alpine garden: next to the Villa Cassel, this biotope holds more than 300 plant species. The path called «On the path of diversity» allows you to discover how alpine plants survive extreme weather conditions. Guided visits through the Swiss stone pine forest and the Massa gorges. www.pronatura.ch/aletsch