# To the edge of the Aletsch Glacier from Geneva: the Tälligrat tunnel, Lake Märjelen and a late lunch in Fiesch

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.

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/switzerland/valais/aletsch-glacier/itineraries/fiescheralp-and-lake-maerjelen-from-geneva · Revisado: 2026-11-12

## El día
- 07:27 · Salida: 3 h by train (EC from Geneva to Brig and regional train to Fiesch)
  - 10 min by cable car (gondola from Fiesch to Fiescheralp)
- 10:45 · Lake Märjelen through the Tälligrat tunnel (free; 10.6 km, about 3 h and 312 m of ascent; check the tunnel notice)
  - 15 min by cable car
- 15:00 · Hotel des Alpes Restaurant (gondola to Fiesch and a walk to the Furkastrasse; kitchen until 21:15) · Hotel des Alpes Restaurant, €€
- 17:29 · Vuelta: 3 h 30 by train (train with a change at Brig; in Geneva around 20:55)

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.

## Getting there from Spain

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.

## The day, hour by hour

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.

## What it costs

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.

## Cómo llegar

### Without a car
Train to Fiesch and the cable car. It is the most comfortable option: the restaurant is in the village, near the station.

### By car
Through the Valais to Brig and Fiesch. Leave the car in the cable car car park; Fiescheralp does not allow cars.

## Consejos

### Check the tunnel's status
In 2026 it was closed until 24 July, with diversions overhead. The Aletsch Arena publishes updates.

### Set off early
It is high ground with no shade, and storms form easily in the afternoon.

### Don't step on the ice
You look at the edge of the glacier; to walk on it you need a guide.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How far do you walk?
About 10.6 km, in three hours, with 312 m of climbing.

### Can it be done with children?
Yes, if they can walk for three hours. They usually enjoy the tunnel; it is lit.

### Does it work on a Sunday?
Yes, from July to September: the Hotel des Alpes is open every day. It is only closed on Sundays in November.

### Do I need to book?
Not for the route or the cable car. At the restaurant you can book on its website, except for the terrace.