- 0:55 h
- 2.50 km
- 123 m
- 127 m
- 1,585 m
- 1,708 m
- 123 m
- Start: Bellwald - Gassen
- Destination: Bellwald - Gassen
The old village of Bellwald is situated on a mountain spur with panoramic views of two valleys: the Goms (upper Rhone valley) and the Fieschertal. This enchanting winter route leads west of the holiday resort over the sunny slopes facing southwest with views of the Fieschertal. The terrain is mostly open and promises a first-class view of the entire region where the two valleys meet.
The Fieschertal was shaped in prehistoric times by the mighty Fiescher Glacier, which has since retreated further into the valley. With a length of almost 15 kilometers, the glacier north of Bellwald is still the second longest in the Alps and one of the jewels of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch."
The path leads gently downhill from Gassen, first northwest and then southeast to the lowest point of the route: the sleepy hamlet of Ried with its historic chapel. From here, the path climbs back up to Gassen.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The route begins at the upper edge of the holiday resort and gently leads down the Fieschertal. At the outermost point, the route bends left with a hairpin turn and follows the valley down to Ried, where it runs along the upper edge of the hamlet (take a detour to the right here to explore the main street with the old chapel). A short, steep ascent brings you back to the starting point of the route.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Loop Road
Stop at an Inn
Equipment
sturdy footwear
Directions & Parking facilities
From Sion/Sitten: After leaving the highway in Sierre, stay on the cantonal road to Naters. Then pass through Mörel, Unterdeisch, Lax, and Fiesch. After 6 km, turn left to Fürgangen. Drive through Fürgangen and follow the road to Bellwald.
From Bern: Take the highway towards Kandersteg: exit 19 Spiez/Faulensee. Follow the signs to the Kandersteg car shuttle. After the car shuttle, drive to Gampel/Steg. At the roundabout, turn right towards Visp/Brig/Naters. Then pass through Naters, Mörel, Unterdeisch, Lax and Fiesch. After 6 km, turn left to Fürgangen. Drive through Fürgangen and follow the road to Bellwald.
From Zurich: Highway towards Gotthard. Then take the exit to Furka Pass. You can either cross the Furka Pass (only in summer months) or take the car train in Realp. You arrive in Oberwald. Continue driving until you pass through the Mühlebach gallery. Then turn right towards Fürgangen. Drive through Fürgangen and follow the road to Bellwald.
Bellwald has two large parking lots.
The Basper parking lot is located at the bottom of the village. This parking lot is free of charge.
The second parking lot is near the valley station of the mountain railway. There are two large parking areas here, both of which are chargeable.
From Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne by SBB via Visp to Brig. In Brig, change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and take it to the Fürgangen-Bellwald stop. There, transfer to the Fürgangen aerial cableway, which takes you directly to the village center. From the village center, a short uphill walk awaits you. Simply follow the signs towards the sports field. This will get you to Holzer Sport within 10 minutes.
Literature
SVS snowshoe map 1:25,000
Routes VS 10 - VS 12
Region Goms / Bellwald
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Take a few minutes to stroll through the main street of Ried and admire the old chapel.
Safety guidelines
none
Map
SVS snowshoe map 1:25,000
Routes VS 10 - VS 12
Region Goms / Bellwald
Nearby
