Seek and find
Winter sports in Bettmeralp, the car-free ski-in-ski-out resort in Valais
One of my oldest memories is of winter sports in SwitzerlandI was about five years old and had to participate in the Gästerennen ski lesson at the end of the week. It was a competition to race down the mountain as fast as possible and show off what you'd learned that week. Slaloming, of course. I hadn't quite grasped that last part, so I went down in a straight line, pushing off as hard as I could with my poles. Apparently, that looked really cute, a little girl in a neon pink ski suit (yes, born in the eighties!), so the crowd applauded and cheered loudly. So I pushed off even harder and, of course, was the fastest down. Even though I didn't knock over a single slalom pole, I got second prize. First prize went to the child who did understand how to do it. When I look back at the photos of that ski holiday in Switzerland, I still laugh.
In the thirty years that I have been coming here, this ski area has lost none of its authenticity.
Many of my childhood memories are on the slopes. And that's precisely why Switzerland holds a special place in my heart. At three and a half, I was on my running skis, and I learned to ski in the Aletsch region. I've lost count of how many times I've been there, but at least thirty. It's one of the most cherished traditions I grew up with: going on a ski holiday with the whole family every year, and sometimes even twice a year. I can literally picture the slopes of the Aletsch Arena in my mind, and from the chairlift, I even recognize the rocks. In the thirty years I've been coming here, this ski resort hasn't lost any of its authenticity. And I find that special. Special and wonderful. Because when you, like me, live in a city like Amsterdam where every year there's a different coffee shop on your street, and things sometimes change so quickly that it's hard to keep up, it's nice that there are also things that remain unchanged. Like the charm of the villages in the Aletsch Arena and the unique experience of skiing along the Aletsch Glacier. This year, I was back in the Aletsch Arena with Switzerland Tourism to create this guide for you. I can't wait to go back with my boys. Because, of course, I'm eager for Manuel to take his first ski lesson!
Travel tips for booking your winter sports holiday to the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland
► Are you looking for hotels in the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland? Via Booking.com you will find a wide range of options, both in the valley and in hotels located directly on the slopes. Click here to view the offer >>
Several tour operators offer apartments and chalets in the Aletsch Arena. You can find the perfect apartment for your winter sports trip through these providers:
⋙ Want to rent your own chalet in the Aletsch Arena? You can, for example, through Belvilla. View the offer and availability here >>
⋙ There are also a number of tour operators specializing in snow trips. For example, take a look at AlpenReizen, Snowmania, Chalet.nl of Skichalets.nl.
► Do you like to go on a winter sports holiday by car or by plane? Skyscanner you can search for winter sports flights offered by airlines such as Easyjet, Transavia and KLM. Click here to search for an affordable flight immediately >>
► Don't forget to offset your CO2 so we can all enjoy skiing in the Alps for a long time to come. Read our Green Policy How you can offset the CO2 emissions from your car or flight to your winter sports destination.
Ski jacket: Protest Sportswear
You will find these tips further on in this Aletsch Arena Guide for Bettmeralp:
⋙ 8 X useful to know
⋙ 3 nights at Bettmeralp
⋙ 16 restaurant tips
⋙ 8 x fun to do
⋙ Tips on how to get there
Have fun planning your winter sports!
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢
@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.
In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.
Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
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🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
3 x where the entire grill tip is located
Not too big,
everything within walking distance,
But plenty of nice hotspots!!
These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands perfuse for you to tip this line!
I've got massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨
Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway?
Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀
@ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant.
Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations.
Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓!
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
____________________________
Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.
8 Things You Want to Know About the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland
❶ Bettmeralp, like Fiescheralp and Riederalp, is a so-called "ski-in – ski-out" ski area. You can ski straight from your accommodation to the nearest ski lift, so you don't have to take the cable car up from the Rôhne Valley. This is especially relaxing with small children. When we go skiing with Manuel and you have to get up early for the ski class, this is something I'll definitely keep in mind.
❷ The most special thing about skiing in the Aletsch Arena, if you ask me, is skiing on the edge of the Aletsch GlacierAt 23 kilometers, this is the longest glacier in the Alps and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn (2872 meters), and Eggishorn (2927 meters), you'll find special viewpoints where you can take enviable photos in clear weather.
Aletsch Glacier / Ski suit Protest Sportswear
❸ Another unique feature is that from the Aletsch Arena you have a view of 40 mountains higher than 4000 meters, including the famous Jungfrau (4158 meters) and the Matterhorn (4478 meters).
❹ The entire Aletsch Arena ski area has 104 kilometers of slopes and 70 kilometers of trails where you can also hike in winter. Along the slopes, you'll find several restaurants and huts where you can grab a bite to eat and drink. More about that in the next section!
❺ The Aletsch Arena guarantees snow from early December to April. The slopes are perfectly groomed, and have even won an award for it. They use technical snow, produced using green energy and water from one of the mountain lakes. This requires only water and electricity, unlike artificial snow, which uses a chemical additive to produce snow even at higher temperatures.
❻ Are you a big fan of après-ski and enjoy the hustle and bustle of winter sports? Then the Aletsch Arena might not be the perfect destination for you. It's known for its tranquility and sense of security, for which it's even won an award. It's a very authentic ski area with many wooden chalets and restaurants serving regional products where time seems to have stood still. In all the years I've been coming here, not much has changed. I personally love it and find it perfect for a family trip, but it's good to know if you're looking for somewhere with plenty to do in the evenings.
❼ It's interesting to know that despite the authentic atmosphere in Bettmeralp, the lifts are the most advanced in the world. Due to climate change, the Aletsch Glacier is melting, and the mountains are literally moving, shifting their mass as the Aletsch Glacier's ice mass shrinks. In 2015, the lift to the top of the Moosfluh was therefore renovated. Simply put, the lift can now move with the mountain when there is movement in the glacier. Structurally, it's very complex and unique (you can watch a video hereEngineers and geologists from all over the world come to the Aletsch Arena to learn from this.
❽ These days, most ski resorts also have an app. This allows you to view the ski map on your smartphone, and provides a wealth of other information at your fingertips on the go. You can download the Aletsch Arena app here >>
Main street of Bettmeralp
3 X Tips for hotels and apartments on Bettmeralp in Switzerland:
I've mentioned it before, but the biggest advantage of skiing in the Aletsch Arena is that it's a ski-in, ski-out resort. After breakfast, you can step straight from your hotel or apartment onto the slopes! At the end of the day, there's no hassle of lugging ski gear back and forth, as you can simply store it in the accommodation's ski room. I also found it very pleasant and relaxing that the villages are car-free. Only a few snowmobiles zip back and forth, transporting guests' luggage from the cable car to their hotel or apartment.
Through various websites, such as the Aletsch Arena website itself, but also well-known websites such as Booking.com en Interhome You can search for accommodation that suits your budget and taste. I must admit, however, that in Bettmeralp you'll find fewer lifestyle hotels, such as The Capra in Saas-Fee Where I stayed a few years ago. When you stay at Bettmeralp, it's all about the location! From the view of the Matterhorn to putting on your skis and being on the ski lift for your first run in just a few minutes. Most hotels are decorated in the characteristic robust Alpine style with lots of wood.
Hotel Alpfrieden
► Hotel Alpfrieden: During my winter sports midweek in Bettmeralp, I stayed at Hotel Alpfrieden, which is located near the Bettmerhorn cable car. From my room, I had a view of the Schönbiel chairlift, and I must say, waking up to the snow-capped mountains is always special. Breakfast offers a wide selection of local cheeses, and the rolls are fresh from the village bakery. The restaurant at Hotel Alpfrieden is affiliated with the Swiss GuildA label for high-quality restaurants. A four-course Gilden menu costs CHF 63, but à la carte dining is also possible.
► Hotel Bettmerhof: The rooms at Hotel Bettmerhof were recently renovated and are truly impressive. These comfortable rooms are decorated in the familiar modern Alpine style: with plenty of light wood, natural tones, and the occasional sheepskin rug, creating an instant cozy feeling upon returning to your room after a day of skiing. The hotel has several restaurants. In good weather, you can enjoy the sun on the terrace during lunch, enjoy a pizza, or dine more extensively in the fine dining restaurant. The hotel also offers family rooms, perfect for skiing with young children. Perhaps the biggest highlight of this modern Alpine hotel? The wellness center, equipped with a sauna and relaxation area. A wonderful way to unwind before dinner!
► Hotel La Cabane: One of the other better hotels in Bettmeralp is Hotel La Cabane, located near the Schönbiel and Wurzenbord ski lifts and just 150 meters from the Bettmerhorn cable car. This hotel offers duplex rooms for families, sleeping up to four people. This hotel also has a lovely spa with a sauna and steam bath.
VIEW ALL HOTELS IN BETTMERALP HERE >>
Colmar Originals ski outfit
16 X Food and drink in the Aletsch Arena
In the thirty years I've been skiing in this area, I've eaten at a wide variety of restaurants. Most of the restaurants at Bettmeralp, Riederalp, and Fiescheralp feature traditional Alpine cuisine. Comfort food with local (melted) cheeses, Valais-style trockenfleisch (Valais-style stew) with delicious dry meat, and a glass of the local wine. local wine from VisperterminenDid you know that the highest vineyard in Europe is located there, at an altitude of 1150 meters? A well-known wine from the region is Heida, but a glass of Valais Fendant also goes well with cheese fondue. I've compiled a list of restaurant recommendations for each ski area.
Restaurants on Bettmeralp
⋙ Walliserstube: Authentic restaurant near the cable car to the Bettmerhorn, perfect for cheese fondue.
⋙ Bättmer Hitta: restaurant with beautiful views near the Schönbiel chairlift.
⋙ Alpfrieden: culinary restaurant on the main street.
⋙ Bettmerhof: with two restaurants including a pizzeria.
⋙ Café Imhof: for the tastiest sweet cakes and Walliser cheesecake on the terrace.
⋙ Albi's Mountain Rock Café: Dutch: Bettmeralp's après-ski bar.
Bakery Imhof
Restaurants on Riederalp
⋙ Art Furrer hut: Near the small castle at Riederfurka this is a nice place to have something to eat or drink.
⋙ Bar-Buvette Moosfluh: for a drink at the top of the Moosfluh lift.
⋙ Chuëstall: Nice, modern hut with a large, sunny terrace in the middle of the blue piste 'Blausee'.
⋙ Viva Bar: the newest modern hut on Riederalp near the children's meadow.
Art Furrer Hut, Riederfurka
Restaurants on Fiescheralp
⋙ Alpine: lunch address on Fiescheralp with a large sunny terrace.
⋙ Tipi Zelt: the nicest après-ski bar in Fiescheralp.
⋙ Eggishorn: opposite the ski schools for lunch and dinner, among other things.
⋙ Horli-Hitta: When the weather is nice, you can sit up here at Eggishorn in the sunshine. It's a great spot for lunch or just a drink!
Alpina, Fiescheralp
Restaurants in Fiësch
⋙ Of the Alps: For as long as I can remember, we've always eaten here. The familiar menu includes cheese fondue, schnitzel, and raclette.
⋙ Bar-Lounge Talstation: It's a great place to have a drink after skiing before heading back to your hotel or apartment. Also handy if there's a long line at the gondola.
Riederfurka
8 Fun things to do in the Aletsch Arena
If you're heading to the Aletsch Arena for winter sports, you're naturally looking for the beautiful slopes and the opportunity to ski or snowboard. Besides the scenic ski tours, there are also plenty of other things to do in the area. I've listed a few for you!
❶ Ski tour to Riederfurka: at the far left of the Aletsch Arena, you'll find Riederfurka. I personally think it's one of the most beautiful spots in the ski area. It's a great place to ski from Bettmeralp or Riederalp. At the top of the slope, you'll find Villa Cassel, a castle built in 1900 that once served as a luxury hotel. Today, it's home to the Pro Nature Center Aletsch.
❷ The cable car to the Eggishorn: I've already mentioned the three different viewpoints on the Aletsch Glacier where you'll definitely want to take a photo. One of them (and in my opinion, the most beautiful) is at the top of the Eggishorn. Experienced skiers can ski down the black run, but of course, you can also take the cable car back down!
❸ Hiking from Fiescheralp to Bettmeralp: fun for non-skiers, but if the weather's too bad for skiing, I always enjoy a walk in the snow myself. There's a footpath between Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, where you can walk from one area to the other in about an hour. You can also take the cable car down with your ski pass and return by train.
Church on Bettmeralp
❹ Behind-the-scenes experience: at Bettmeralp you can book a number of unique experiences that allow you to see behind the scenes of the ski resort. For example, you can go with a snow groomer who will prepare the slopes and even a skiing and brunch with the CEO of the cable car. A unique find, as I hadn't seen this before in any other ski resort, and a great way to engage with visitors.
❺ Snowshoeing: I've seen a huge rise in snowshoeing in recent years. I once did it in Lapland, but you no longer need to go to the Nordic countries for a winter hike. In the Aletsch Arena, you can book various guided snowshoeing tours and take a walk off-piste through nature. View the options here >>
❻ Enjoy cake at the bakery on Bettmeralp: one of the most beautiful views in the village is the one of the centuries-old church with the Matterhorn to its right. I mentioned it before, but a piece of cake at the Imhof bakery across from the church is a must. I always order the carrot cake with my coffee!
❼ Torchlight hike: I did it several times as a teenager, and you can still make a guided descent after dark, lit only by torches. You can book this at both Fiescheralp and Bettmeralp. I would only recommend the trip from the Bettmerhorn in the dark for advanced skiers. What makes this torchlight hike extra special is that you start with raclette at the panoramic restaurant.
Ski safari: A new option in Valais is a ski safari. With a single ski pass, you can ski in all the canton's ski areas. Book the package with this comprehensive ski pass, choosing a 3- or 4-star hotel (package 1) and expand it with ski equipment rental and a car (package 2). You'll stay in a hotel in Martigny, Sion, Sierre, Visp, or Brig, and can use your ski pass to ski in Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Les 4 Vallées, Aletsch Arena, and Les Portes du Soleil, among others. Learn more about this special offer >>
Aletsch Glacier / Fjällräven Kanken backpack in Plum
This is how you get to Bettmeralp in the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland:
► By car, it's about a 10-hour drive from Amsterdam to the Rôhne Valley and the Aletsch Arena. We always drive via Basel and then add an overnight stay to make it a real road trip. If you're driving to Switzerland, you'll need a toll sticker. You can buy one at the border for CHF 40, but you can also buy it in advance from the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club). This way, you don't risk waiting in long lines if you're traveling to Switzerland during official holidays. Another good thing to know: you're required to have a warning triangle in your car when driving in Switzerland. It's also useful to know that you also have to take a car train to reach the valley. You can drive via Kandersteg-Goppenstein or via the Furka car transfer station near Realp. Then you take a slight detour via Lucerne and pass Lake Lucerne, which I personally consider the most beautiful route.
► On my last trip to Bettmeralp, I flew directly from Amsterdam to Zurich with SWISS. One advantage of flying with Swiss is that you can take your ski gear on the plane free of charge! There are four flights a day from Amsterdam to Zurich.
► Switzerland has a fantastic train system. With the Swiss Travel System You can get almost anywhere by train! That inspires me to take a train tour through the Alps someday. For some inspiration, you can take a look at the route of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The special routes, such as the Glacier Express and the Gotthard Panorama Express, are especially special. The Glacier Express is high on my bucket list! The train has extra-large windows, and you sit facing the window. It's so special, riding through a winter wonderland. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel on trains for a fixed price, depending on the pass you choose. Tip: Children under six travel free when accompanied by an adult! Click here to view all Swiss Travel System benefit passes >>
► A train tour like this is high on my bucket list, but I have to say that the train journey from Zurich to the Aletsch Arena is also beautiful. The route follows part of the Golden Pass Line, and the view near Interlaken is particularly enchanting, with its views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the Niederhorn. I often went there in the summer as a child! The train ride takes just under three hours and goes directly from Zurich to Visp, where you transfer to Betten or Fiësch.
► Bettmeralp, Riederalp, and Fischeralp are car-free ski resorts. This means you take the cable car up from the valley to your accommodation. Your accommodation will then collect your luggage by snowmobile from the cable car mountain station. I personally found it very pleasant that there are no cars in the village. This makes it a great place for little kids to play outside in the snow.
► More travel tips for Switzerland? Then take a look at MySwitzerland, the website of the canton Wallis or the extensive website about skiing in the Aletsch Arena.
View of Riederalp / ski suit Protest Sportswear
PSSSST... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!
- Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
- staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
- Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
- The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
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