- 2:38 h
- 5.47 km
- 796 m
- 2,075 m
- 2,871 m
- 796 m
- Start: Richinen, chairlift mountain station
- Destination: Risihorn
Bellwald’s local mountain, the Risihorn (2,876 m a.s.l.), promises a breathtaking view of the Finsteraarhorn (4,274 m a.s.l.), which, by the way, is still on Bellwald’s soil, and the numerous four-thousanders in Valais and Bern. Take a look at the second-longest glacier in the Alps, the Fiescher Glacier. From the Richinen mountain station, a well-marked path leads to Furggulti, on to the Chüe, and then up to the Risihorn. With good hiking equipment, the nearly 3-hour ascent to the summit is manageable. The last section is steep but well secured. For the return route, you can choose between the two chairlifts or the equally beautiful hike over the glacier view.
Good to know
Best to visit
Directions
Richinen - Steibeläger - Grieschumma - Steibenkreuz - Furggulti - Chüe - Risihorn
Tour information
Summit
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots with a grippy sole, sufficient sun protection for skin, eyes, and head, and enough provisions are prerequisites for every hike. The general rule is: as much as necessary and as little as possible.
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. Pass 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 train. 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. Pass through Fürgangen and follow the road to Bellwald.
From Zurich:
Highway towards Gotthard. Then take the exit to the 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 until you pass through the Mühlebach gallery. Then turn right towards Fürgangen. Pass 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 with the SBB via Visp to Brig. In Brig, change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and travel with it to the Fürgangen-Bellwald stop. There, change to the Fürgangen aerial cableway, which takes you directly to the village center. Please note that the Fürgangen aerial cableway undergoes maintenance work during the off-season.
Additional information
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Pay attention to the opening times of the mountain railways.
There are many traditions when successfully reaching summits. One of the nicest is certainly the congratulations from all fellow climbers on the successful ascent. Friends hug, couples kiss, men pat each other’s shoulders, and strangers shake hands. Show your companions that you are proud to have mastered the route together and share your joy. It’s best to capture this moment in a keepsake snapshot.
Safety guidelines
The last section on the way to the summit is very steep but well secured; a rope is installed to facilitate the ascent. Anyone who does not trust themselves with the last section should better skip the last meters.
An extended exploration of steep and remote mountain regions can bring surprises and be exhausting. Therefore, it is recommended to observe the following points:
- Take regular breaks, about every 1-1½ hours, and whenever your concentration starts to wane. Rest and recharge with some drink and a small snack.
- Regularly check your location and compare it with your schedule. This way, you can timely consider alternatives, shortcuts, cancellations, etc.
- Turn back in good time in case of bad weather or seek shelter. If thunderclouds form, it is advisable to abort the route as quickly as possible.
- Plan enough time and energy reserves for the descent.
- Avoid livestock herds and wild animals calmly and at a sufficient distance. Keep dogs on a leash.
- When encountering livestock guardian dogs, stay calm so the dog recognizes you pose no threat to the herd. Maintain a generous distance to the herd.
- Let mountain bikers pass without hindering them.
Map
Rotten Verlag; No. 1 Aletsch; 1:25,000
Rotten Verlag; No. 3 Goms; 1:25,000
Nearby
