Pro Natura Centre Aletsch in the Villa Cassel

The Pro Natura Centre Aletsch is located near the Great Aletsch Glacier in the immediate vicinity of the Aletsch Forest nature reserve. An alpine garden with over 200 plant species, a house tour on the history of Villa Cassel and the interactive exhibition Glacier Shrinkage - Climate Change - Energy Turnaround are part of the centre's wide range of environmental education activities.

The centre offers a varied excursion programme for school classes, groups and nature enthusiasts. Out and about, exciting phenomena are observed and researched, findings are compared, experiences are combined with background knowledge and nature is encountered with all the senses - a lasting experience for everyone.  

History of the Villa Cassel

The small castle with 25 rooms was built between 1900 and 1902 by the wealthy English banker Ernest Cassel. This was on the advice of his doctor, who prescribed strict rest and recuperation in the healthy mountain environment.

From 1924, the hotelier family Cathrein ran a hotel in the villa, which they had to close in 1969 due to the changing demands of mass tourism. In 1973, the Villa Cassel was taken over by the Swiss League for Nature Conservation (today Pro Natura) and expertly renovated. On 10 July 1976, the Aletschwald Nature Conservation Centre (now the Pro Natura Centre Aletsch), which still exists today, was opened.