Forest as a basis of life with a protective function

One third of Switzerland is covered with forest. In it we find peace and recreation. Just a handful of fully grown trees produces oxygen for a human life. The forest is the basis of life and home to chamois, deer and squirrels. Forest cools, because it intercepts reflecting sunlight and absorbs 5 kg of fine dust annually. Forest is also a protective shield against rock and snow avalanches.

Fabulous and rustic

We need forests because they protect us, and that's why forests like the Aletsch Forest are protected. Some people call it a fairytale forest because it is so unspoilt. When I walked the Belalp hiking route via Riederalp over the suspension bridge with my husband for the first time and we then climbed up to Villa Cassel in the Aletsch forest, I said to my husband: a real Rumpelstiltskin forest. With gnarled stone pines and larches, lots of moss and dead wood, really mysterious. At a safe distance, you can see chamois jumping down the steep slope and hear the pine jay, whose call is reminiscent of the crow and the magpie.Not to mention the view. Just like in a fairy tale!

A visit to Pro Natura Aletsch

The Aletsch forest has been under the protection of Pro Natura for 90 years. Take a look at Pro Natura Aletsch and find out more about the Aletsch forest and what belongs to it, such as the alpine herb garden or watching marmots.

Du wacher Wald, inmitten wehen Wintern hast du ein Frühlingsfühlen dir erkühnt, und leise lässest du dein Silber sintern, damit ich seh wie deine Sehnsucht grünt. (Rainer Maria Rilke)