Aletsch Forest

The Aletsch Forest, located directly next to the Alps' largest glacier, is a one-of-a-kind nature reserve that has been protected by Pro Natura since 1933. The affiliated nature reserve center is located on the Riederfurka in Villa Cassel (Riederalp). The Aletsch Forest is located on the southern lateral moraine of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps. Visitors on an altitude hike through the protected Aletsch Forest will be amazed not only by the trees, but also by the spectacular views of the glacier, Matterhorn, and surrounding mountains.

Stone pines dominate the landscape between 1,800m and 2,200m, with only a few larches, spruce, and beech trees interspersed. Stone pines are gnarled and extremely resilient trees that make up the majority of the trees in the Aletsch Arena's protected Aletsch Forest. They have successfully adapted to the harsh climate above the Great Aletsch Glacier. Some of these stone pines are up to 1,000 years old, making them Switzerland's oldest trees. The forest has many hiking trails that visitors are not permitted to deviate from.

Location: Fiescheralp, Valais, Switzerland