Special features & origin of name
There is no consensus on the origin of the name. Some believe that the name "Allalin" has an Arabic origin (All Ayalin = by the maple), while others claim that the name is easy to explain: Because the mountain stands alone, it is called "Allalin".
The Allalin is considered one of the easiest and most climbed mountains in the Alps. Thanks to its easy accessibility (railway to Mittelallalin 3,500 m asl), many mountaineers climb this snowy peak every day.
Mountain and SAC huts nearby
The world-famous revolving restaurant Allalin offers a very special restaurant visit. It is the highest revolving restaurant in the world at 3'500 metres above sea level. One thing is more enjoyable than the delicious cuisine: the unique view of countless mountain giants. In one hour, the restaurant rotates 360 degrees around its axis. While you enjoy regional and international dishes, you can feast your eyes on the constantly changing view.
The Britanniahütte, at 3,030 m asl, is one of the most visited SAC huts in the Alps. There are good reasons for this! The hut is suitable as a starting point for climbing numerous mountain tours. The fantastic view as far as Italy and the glacier world will leave you in awe. The legendary Genepi is also not to be missed.
Allalingletscher
The Allalin glacier is the largest glacier in the upper reaches of the Saas Vispa and starts at the glaciated summit of the Strahlhorn. In 1973 it was 6.5 km long and 1.5 km wide on average. Since then, it has receded by about 500 m due to glacial melting.
During the construction of the Mattmark dam, an ice mass of about half a million cubic meters suddenly broke off the Allalin glacier and buried a large part of the construction site at the foot of the dam. This resulted in the deaths of 88 people.