Suspension Bridge Trail

Each stage is about 4 to 6 hours of hiking, which will allow you to fully enjoy a slower pace in this beautiful region and UNESCO World Heritage site. As you know, the trails are well marked in Switzerland and you can find plenty of facilities like restaurants and shops in the villages. You’ll find accommodations in the mostly car-free mountain villages along the Suspension Bridge Trail such as Riederalp and Fiescheralp.

The area is known for everything from the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, to ancient stone pine forests that have stood for over a millennium. One of the highlights of the region is the collection of five suspension bridges situated in the Aletsch Goms area.

This is a truly unique hiking trail. The suspension bridges in the Aletsch Arena serve as key connectors across the valleys, linking areas in the rough terrain of the Swiss Alps. These bridges are engineered to cover the area’s gorges, providing access to isolated areas. Every stage ends in a village, some in car-free villages like Fiescheralp and Riederalp, offering a great place to stay before setting out on the next stage again.

The best time to hike the Suspension Bridge Trail and overall in the Aletsch Arena is undoubtedly from July through late September. This is the best hiking season in the Aletsch Arena because the weather is the most stable. During this time the high-altitude meadows bloom with the flowers, and the trails are mostly snow-free. In June, there might be some snow on the trails, but by July they should be clear. The Aspi-Titter suspension bridge is closed from 1 November to 30 June (winter closure) and cannot be crossed during this time.

Before you begin your hike, check the weather forecast and be aware of the trail conditions such as snow. This trail is a moderate difficulty, so it is recommended to have completed some training or other trails in the season before this.

Bring a map and put the GPX on your mobile for navigation. Start with a fully charged mobile phone, and even bring a power bank if you have one. Dress in layers and always pack a hardshell and warmer jacket with you. Choose hiking shoes with a good grip. Make sure to also bring a first-aid kit, extra snacks, and water.

Mountain weather in general can change fast. Be prepared for sudden drops in temperature and unexpected rainfall by starting your day early to avoid being caught by afternoon thunderstorms. Stay on marked trails to minimize environmental impact and reduce the risk of getting lost. Say hi to other hikers and respect wildlife. Leave no trace by packing out all the trash.