Fiesch: Village History and Trails in Aletsch

Fiesch combines a car-free village centre with traditional chalets and trails that tell the story of the landscape. The village was first mentioned in an official document in 1203. The beginnings of tourism here also have a historical connection: the “Des Alpes” hotel was built around 1860, marking the start of tourism in the area. Traditional hay barns in the village are reminders of practical building methods from times gone by. Stone slabs between the lower and upper sections were intended to keep pests and moisture out.

Historic irrigation paths and waterways

The Laggera high-level trail runs above Lax, Fiesch and Fieschertal and follows the old Laggerawyssa and Fiescherwyssa irrigation channels for much of the way. For many generations, these channels have watered sunny meadows and pastures with water from Fieschertal. Above Fieschertal, a section runs alongside a channel made from local larch wood: it carries water along a rock face, while the hiking trail there runs over a wooden walkway built along its side.

The Wysswasser Trail offers a different kind of waterside landscape. The banks of the cold, clear glacial stream are densely covered with a variety of plants and trees. So when you look at this stretch, it is not just the stream itself that matters, but also its verdant banks. On the return leg of the Aletsch Arena treasure hunt, you follow the Wysswasser stream, which rises at the Fiescher Glacier.

Eggishorn and the Aletsch Glacier

The summit of the Eggishorn lies 2,927 metres above sea level and offers a view along the entire length of the Aletsch Glacier. The Great Aletsch Glacier is a highlight of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous hiking trails lead from the Eggishorn through the high-alpine landscape; the routes take between one and three hours. The trail to Märjela leads right to the edge of the glacier and can be explored on foot or by bike.

From Fiesch, you can reach the Eggishorn viewpoint by taking two cable cars: the first goes to Fiescheralp, and the second continues from there up to the Eggishorn. To reach the circular themed trail at the Eggishorn, travel by train from Brig or Oberwald to Fiesch; from there, walk to the valley station of the Fiesch-Eggishorn cable car. Fiesch is also a starting point for excursions in the Aletsch Arena.

Activities in the village and surrounding area

The Aletsch Arena treasure hunt covers 5.3 kilometres and eight stations, leading through the village to a playground in Fieschertal. It starts at the Aletsch Arena AG Guest and Information Centre in Fiesch, where you can also pick up the treasure map. The route connects stations in the village with a destination in Fieschertal; the return route follows the Wysswasser stream.

The Gogwärgi Trail is described as a family activity in Fiesch for the summer. Sport Resort Fiesch also has a fun 15-hole mini-golf course in summer. As opening hours may change, check the latest information before visiting. Another option is the two-hour cultural village tour of Fiesch, which shares stories from the past to the present about the holiday destination. A small aperitif is offered afterwards; check dates and availability before making plans.

Meeting points and getting oriented

For the Aletsch Glacier Trekking tour, the meeting point is at 8:00 a.m. at the Aletsch Mountain Guide Centre, Fieschertalstrasse 1, right by the valley station of the Fiesch-Fiescheralp gondola. The Aletsch Glacier Circuit has a different meeting point: 8:15 a.m. at the ÖV-Hub Mountain Guide Centre in Fiesch. It starts in Fiesch or on Fiescheralp. Check the latest information about the meeting point and date of each tour before making plans.

Fiesch’s transport hub connects buses, the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway and a gondola to Fiescheralp. For information about events, local businesses and other local topics, the municipality directs visitors to the “Region Goms” app. It also provides notices about events such as road closures and power outages.

Discover more destinations: Ernen, Binn, Reckingen, Obergesteln, Blitzingen, Oberwald, Grafschaft, Fieschertal.

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