Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, has unfortunately been shrinking in recent years. However, with its length of 20 km, it still amazes by its extent. Above the glacier's slope on the Valais side is a holiday destination bearing its name. The Aletsch Arena is a wonderful choice for family holidays all the year round. It is ideal to stay here for a whole week, due to the approximate 10-hour driving distance from Prague.
Nevertheless, the route to the destination is beautiful, so it is possible to divide it into two stages. The uniqueness of the area is based on the fact that there is no car traffic here – Aletsch Arena can only be reached by cable car. Cars can be parked at the terminal in Fieschi, before ascending by cable car and then merely relishing the Alpine world, the panoramic views and tranquillity of Nature, devoid of vehicular traffic. Accommodation here is mainly offered in apartments, which are also ideal for families. In winter, the compactness of the entire area will be appreciated. So a family can easily get together for lunch, even if during the day they split up according to their skills on the various slopes. The area faces South and is therefore also suitable for a winter holiday in January. The views are stunning! This is one of the few sites from where the entire range of the highest Swiss peaks can be seen, including Switzerland’s most photographed mountain – the Matterhorn. In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can also enjoy sledding or snowshoeing here.
A popular hike includes crossing over the ice tongue of the glacier via the suspension bridge to its opposite “shore” on Belalp, where refreshments and accommodation are available at the Belalp Hotel, run by a Czech-Swiss couple, Markéta and Christian Meier. Confident hikers who are tempted to explore the glacier up close, can even go across it, under the leadership of a mountain guide. The world of seracs, crevasses and glacial lakes are captivating. Guests who would like to spice up their holiday with a train adventure should board the Glacier Express in Brig, and travel to Zermatt to admire the Matterhorn up close.
Visitors should also not forget to taste the local speciality with a rather creepy name – Cholera – only to be found in Upper Valais. The recipe actually dates back to the time when the Cholera epidemic was sweeping through Europe. Inhabitants where the disease occurred were obliged to remain closed up in their homes and could therefore only cook from what was available in the house. This is how the delicious savoury pie with a filling of cheese, bacon, apples and onions was created. The recipe differs from family to family, so Cholera can be tasted in several venues, probably without ever coming across the same combination and flavour twice.
The mountainous region of South Tyrol is famous for the beauty of its snowy Alpine slopes. Despite the harsh climate, locals have come to love this region. If you visit the homestead located high on the hillside and named after the Ibex, you will definitely join them. Hotel Ansitz Steinbock in the village of Villanders will delight with the amazing view of the surroundings, perfect rooms and exceptional cuisine and, above all, with the atmosphere created by the hospitality of owner Elisabeth Rabensteiner.
A steamship passing silently on the darkened surface of the lake, the peaks of the surrounding mountains disappearing in the clouds and, in the distance, the lights of port towns.
