geocalia
Day itinerary · 46.44° N · 8.08° E
Train to Fiesch, cable car to Fiescheralp, the route through the Tälligrat tunnel to Lake Märjelen and the ice, and a late lunch at the Hotel des Alpes. Works on a Sunday.
Part of Aletsch GlacierAlps
The plan
Any part can be swapped for another without spoiling the day.
EC from Geneva to Brig and regional train to Fiesch
free; 10.6 km, about 3 h and 312 m of ascent; check the tunnel notice
gondola to Fiesch and a walk to the Furkastrasse; kitchen until 21:15
Furkastrasse 33, 3984 Fiesch · +41 27 971 15 06
train with a change at Brig; in Geneva around 20:55
Adds up the activities and meals in the plan at their published prices; travel and accommodation not included.
The route
From the viewpoints you see the Aletsch Glacier; on this route you reach its edge. The plan leaves Geneva on the first train, goes up by cable car from Fiesch to Fiescheralp and does the circular route to Lake Märjelen: you cross the Tälligrat tunnel, come out on the other side of the mountain and walk to the lakes the glacier leaves at its edge, with the ice in front of you. You come down in mid-afternoon and have a late lunch at the Hotel des Alpes in Fiesch, which serves food all day and brews its own beer, before the train home.
The plan starts at Geneva station. There are flights to Geneva from several Spanish cities and the station is next to the airport terminal. Arrive the evening before. If you want a calmer day, sleep in Fiesch, at the Fiescher Hostel, which has its own station: that way you set off walking at 9:00.
7:27 · Train to Fiesch. The EC from Genève to Brig and, at Brig, the regional Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train. You reach Fiesch around 10:20. Check the summer timetable on SBB.
10:30 · Cable car to Fiescheralp. It leaves near the station and climbs to 2,222 m.
10:45 · Lake Märjelen via the Tälligrat tunnel. Follow the yellow signs towards Märjela. The tunnel, straight and lit, is a little over a kilometre long and cool inside: put on a layer before you enter. On the other side, the path reaches the Märjelen lakes and the edge of the glacier, and returns to Fiescheralp. It is 10.6 km and about three hours of walking; take water and food.
15:00 · Late lunch at the Hotel des Alpes. Take the cable car down to Fiesch and walk to the Furkastrasse. The kitchen doesn't close between 11:30 and 21:15: order the chouera, the pie of potato, leek, apple and Goms cheese, or the rösti with bacon and egg, with a house beer.
17:29 · Return. Train to Brig and from there to Genève, where you arrive around 20:55.
The route is free. You pay for the cable car from Fiesch to Fiescheralp, included in the Aletsch Explorer day pass (CHF 55 until 12 December 2026, half price with the Swiss Travel Pass). Lunch at the Hotel des Alpes comes to CHF 25 to 40.
Where to eat
Lunch is half the plan: book before you set off.
What to order: the chouera, the Goms pie of potato, leek, apple and cheese, CHF 27, with a flight of three beers and beer and garlic popcorn, CHF 10
What to order: the Walliser Plättli of cured beef, sausage, bacon and cheese with its rye bread, CHF 32.50 on the winter menu, or the Binntal cheese risotto
What to order: the Valais Chasselas white wine soup, CHF 16, and the Raron perch fillets with lemon and herb butter, CHF 49.50
Map
With where to park at each one.
Getting there
When to go
From July to September, when the route is free of snow; also on Sundays, because the Hotel des Alpes serves food every day with an all-day kitchen. Not suitable on Sundays in November, when the restaurant is closed that day.
Tips
In 2026 it was closed until 24 July, with diversions overhead. The Aletsch Arena publishes updates.
It is high ground with no shade, and storms form easily in the afternoon.
You look at the edge of the glacier; to walk on it you need a guide.
Questions
About 10.6 km, in three hours, with 312 m of climbing.
Yes, if they can walk for three hours. They usually enjoy the tunnel; it is lit.
Yes, from July to September: the Hotel des Alpes is open every day. It is only closed on Sundays in November.
Not for the route or the cable car. At the restaurant you can book on its website, except for the terrace.
More plans like this
geocalia.com/en/switzerland/valais/aletsch-glacier/itineraries/fiescheralp-and-lake-maerjelen-from-geneva
Prices, opening hours and times are approximate: check them before you go. Each place has its own page on Geocalia.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/switzerland/valais/aletsch-glacier/itineraries/fiescheralp-and-lake-maerjelen-from-geneva
