The idea of a hotel on the Aletschbord came from tourism pioneer Leopold Bürcher. He recognised the uniqueness of the Belalp early on and therefore decided to build the Hotel Belalp with a view of the Valais Alps and the Great Aletsch Glacier. After a two-year construction phase, the hotel opened in 1858 and initially accommodated mainly guests from England - including the Irish natural scientist and alpinist John Tyndall.
First renovations
The hotel was extended as early as 1870. The co-owner and later sole proprietor Gervas Klingele had a stone extension built. The popularity of the Hotel Belalps led to the construction of a Dépendence being started in 1885. This increased the number of guest beds to 70. At the beginning of the 20th century, a tennis court, which was increasingly forgotten from the 1940s onwards.
Burgerschaft takes over the Hotel Belalp
After the acquisition of the hotel by the Burgerschaft Naters in 1993, the building was renovated from the ground up in keeping with its location and style. The Dépendance had to be demolished after the snowy winter of 1999 as the building was in danger of collapsing.
Conversions and renovations
The former lingerie was acquired in 2006 and converted into a holiday home. To emphasise the hotel's special location with views of the Great Aletsch Glacier, a panoramic restaurant was added in 2011/12 and the sun terrace extended. The panorama restaurant enables
Total refurbishment and renovation
After a total refurbishment and the renovation of all guest rooms in the main building in 2019, the Hotel Belalp now shines again in its latest splendour. Regional natural materials were used in particular to retain the character of the hotel as much as possible.
What the Hotel Belalp has to offer today
The Hotel Belalp has been writing Alpine tourism history for more than 160 years. It is not only a contemporary witness to pioneering spirit and a popular excursion destination for all generations, but also a place to gather strength and inspiration.
It is open during the summer and winter seasons and can be hired for a wide variety of occasions - from weddings and seminars to employee and customer events.
Further information: www.hotel-belalp.ch