This is the “Best-of-the-Best” hike that I have ever done. Along the trail there are plenty of stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier and all the Valais 4000m+ mountains.
The path along the ridge is absolutely thrilling. Its like walking on a “needle path” along the submit of a mountain range for 3 km. It is suitable only for sure-footed hikers without fear of heights!
Betten to Bettmerhorn
From Betten, take the 10 minutes cable car to Bettmeralp. Then at Bettmeralp you have to walk through the village for about 15 mins to reach the cable car that goes up to the Bettmerhorn.
The Climb to Bettmerhorn
The hike starts at the Bettmeralp cable-car mountain station. It takes about half an hour to reach the summit of the Bettmerhorn (2,647m) via a fixed rope route.
Thrilling Ridge Walk
This section around 1.5 km is really not for those have fear of heights. Care needs to taken at both side of the ridge as any slip or fall would be terrible. Along many sections there are ropes and steels bars to assist with the hike and one must not venture out of the white-blue trail marker.
In Via Ferrata, there are some sections of the climb which are really scary. Here, the churning feeling in your stomach and wobbly legs continue for almost 2 hours. In fact, my other family members said that this hike is more scary than climbing vertical wall. To have a feel of our experience, take a look at the 2 videos below.
Awesome scenery throughout…but no time to enjoy as there are stretches that required full concentration.
Endless submit with sea of rocks. Wonder how all these ends up at the top of the submit
Thrilling Submit Hike
Can you count how many submits and climbers are there in the above image? We were quite intimidated by the steepness and the sharpness of the trail. There are actually 4 submits and 5 little climbers.
Alestch Glacier is always visible throughout the hike.
The Last “Needle” Submit
A sense of relief after passing the needle submit.
Steep descent down to Elselicka
At the final section, we faced a little dilemma. The original plan was to walk up to Eggishorn station, then descend with cable car. But most of us were very exhausted already, so we choose to walk down to the mid level cable car station instead. Despite the short distance, this hike could be quite exhausting. It is definitely not a “sight-seeing” hike as we have to be very focus at every single step. Still, I would really recommend this trail for anyone who enjoy occasional thrilling moments on their travel.
This section is really steep. Vincent and Felix can seen on the opposite side of the ridge.
Vincent must be complaining again.
2 Responses
The hike was really a thrilling experience! It is simply amazing to have captured and recorded those unforgettable moments, although it is still kind of frightening when looking back.
I still remember the feeling up there until now. Unbelievable hike. Glad you are with us.