Intro

The Aletsch Forest, situated right by the largest glacier in the Alps, is a unique nature reserve that has been protected by Pro Natura since 1933. The affiliated nature reserve centre is located in Villa Cassel on the Riederfurka (Riederalp).

The Great Aletsch Glacier is the longest river of ice in the Alps. The Aletsch Forest came into being in the region in front of the glacier, where the soil was no longer covered by eternal ice. Gnarled and extremely resilient, stone pines make up the majority of the trees in the protected Aletsch Forest in the Aletsch Arena. They have adapted perfectly to the harsh climate above the Great Aletsch Glacier. Some of these stone pines are up to 1,000 years old, making them the oldest trees in Switzerland. The forest boasts many hiking trails, from which visitors are not allowed to stray.

The Pro Natura Centre Aletsch on the Riederalp – opened in 1976 as Switzerland’s first nature reserve – is dedicated to protecting nature in the Aletsch Arena, with its unique flora and fauna. Exhibitions, events, guided excursions and much more make a visit to Villa Cassel on the Riederfurka a worthwhile and educational experience.

Special exhibitions held each year and an alpine garden comprising more than 200 different plants from across the region can be found at the Nature Reserve Centre Villa Cassel. The former summer residence of English banker Ernest Cassel is just a short walk from the Riederalp and the starting point of various theme trails such as the Cassel Trail, the Moraine Path and high-altitude hikes in the Aletsch region.

In 2019, the Pro Natura Centre was extensively renovated and is now carbon neutral. Enjoy an overnight stay in this historical setting, with the power now supplied by an air/water heating pump and a photovoltaic system.

Wedding

At the beginning of the last century, the English banker Sir Ernest Cassel built a sophisticated summer residence on the Riederfurka not far from the glacier with a dream view of the surrounding mountain world in Villa Cassel in order to benefit from the fresh Alpine air. During Sir Ernest Cassel's lifetime, renowned guests came and went in and out of the pompous half-timbered villa. For decades the Villa Cassel was used as a hotel after the death of its builder. For more than 40 years it has been the headquarters of the Pro Natura Centre Aletsch and houses an environmental education and nature conservation centre. Due to its sophisticated nature amidst the impressive panorama, the meadow in front of Villa Cassel is perfect for weddings for all couples who would like to continue their story together next to the historic building before they celebrate it on Riederalp. Catering has to be organized by the wedding party itself.

General information

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Execution Dates
23.07.2024 - 20.10.2024
Execution
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Category
Education, Nature

Group & pricing information

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Further prices (starting from)
Adults: CHF 8.00 (group from 10 persons: CHF 6.00 / person)
Children (6 - 16 years): CHF 4.00
Children accompanied by family members: free of charge

Events

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Casselfest

Riederalp
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Autumn brunch at Villa Cassel

Riederalp
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Booking Information

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More information about the offer:
Book online

The contents listed here are maintained by the regional / local tourist offices or service providers, which is why Switzerland Tourism can not guarantee the contents.

Availability

  • 23 July 2024
  • 24 July 2024
  • 25 July 2024
  • 26 July 2024
  • 27 July 2024
  • 28 July 2024
  • 29 July 2024
  • 30 July 2024
  • 31 July 2024
  • 01 August 2024
  • 02 August 2024
  • 03 August 2024
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  • 05 August 2024
  • 06 August 2024
  • 07 August 2024
  • 08 August 2024
  • 09 August 2024
  • 10 August 2024
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  • 26 August 2024
  • 27 August 2024
  • 28 August 2024
  • 29 August 2024
  • 30 August 2024
  • 31 August 2024
  • 01 September 2024
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  • 03 September 2024
  • 04 September 2024
  • 05 September 2024
  • 06 September 2024
  • 07 September 2024
  • 08 September 2024
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  • 28 September 2024
  • 29 September 2024
  • 30 September 2024
  • 01 October 2024
  • 02 October 2024
  • 03 October 2024
  • 04 October 2024
  • 05 October 2024
  • 06 October 2024
  • 07 October 2024
  • 08 October 2024
  • 09 October 2024
  • 10 October 2024
  • 11 October 2024
  • 12 October 2024
  • 13 October 2024
  • 14 October 2024
  • 15 October 2024
  • 16 October 2024
  • 17 October 2024
  • 18 October 2024
  • 19 October 2024
  • 20 October 2024

Discover the surroundings

Contact

Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch
Riederfurka
3987  Riederalp
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)27 928 62 20
Fax +41 (0)27 928 62 23
aletsch@pronatura.ch
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Overview

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Overview
Riederalp
Valais
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Contact

Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch
Riederfurka
3987 Riederalp
Phone  +41 (0)27 928 62 20
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Opening hours

The exhibition is open daily from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from mid-June to the third week in October.

Book online

Execution dates

Travel information: Riederalp

Current Offers

  • Riederalp Mountaincart

    \nDownhill fun for the whole family\nThree wide wheels, low seating position, hydraulic brakes. The... from CHF 16
    Offer details


    valid: 23.07.2024 - 20.10.2024

    Learn more about Mountaincart
  • Riederalp Summer Dinner Riederfurka Saturday

    \nGourmet mountain dinner\nIt's the perfect end to a sunny day's hiking in the Aletsch Arena: the... from CHF 45
    Offer details


    valid: 27.07.2024 - 10.08.2024

    Learn more about Summer Dinner Riederfurka Saturday
  • Riederalp Aletsch panorama trail & Lötschberg south ramp

    \nThis itinerary combines two of the most popular hikes in Switzerland. The hikes along the railway... from CHF 945
    Offer details


    valid: 23.07.2024 - 15.09.2024

    Learn more about Aletsch panorama trail & Lötschberg south ramp
  • Riederalp Glacier tour UNESCO - Aletsch Arena

    \nRiederalp - Aletschgletscher - Riederalp\nCable car ride to Moosfluh after that a hike from... from CHF 80
    Offer details
    Learn more about Glacier tour UNESCO - Aletsch Arena
  • Riederalp Summer Dinner Riederfurka Friday

    \nGourmet mountain dinner\nIt's the perfect end to a sunny day's hiking in the Aletsch Arena: the... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2024 - 16.08.2024

    Learn more about Summer Dinner Riederfurka Friday
  • Riederalp Mountain breakfast Riederfurka

    \n\nGourmet Mountain Breakfast Deluxe\nIt is the perfect start to a wonderful day of hiking or a... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 23.07.2024 - 13.10.2024

    Learn more about Mountain breakfast Riederfurka
  • Fieschertal Paragliding tandem flight Flyingcenter

    \nTake just a few steps, ascend into the sky, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the... from CHF 150
    Offer details


    valid: 23.07.2024 - 05.12.2025

    Learn more about Paragliding tandem flight Flyingcenter
  • Bettmeralp Adventure Pass

    \nA day full of adventure in the Aletsch Arena with the new Adventure Pass.\nThe following services...
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    valid: 23.07.2024 - 20.10.2024

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  • Reka-Feriendorf Blatten-Belalp, Blatten-Belalp Stay for 3 nights, pay for 2

    3 nights, 3 Nights in holiday apartment, No board, W-Lan per room per stay, Entrance to the pool, Arrival on... from CHF 330
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    holiday apartment
    valid: 23.07.2024 - 26.09.2024

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  • Binn Alpine passes trail - Binntal, Simplonpass & Mattertal

    \nFrom Binntal to Mattertal\nThe Alpine-passes trail connects the most beautiful valleys in Valais... from CHF 799
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    valid: 23.07.2024 - 15.09.2024

    Learn more about Alpine passes trail - Binntal, Simplonpass & Mattertal