Winter hike from Richenen to Gassen

1:15 h
3.23 km
10 m
449 m
1,615 m
2,064 m
449 m
Start: Fleschen, mid station
Destination: Gassen, valley station

Winter hike from the top station of the Richenen chairlift down to Gassen. The path leads downhill all the way and offers great views of the Fiescher and Rhone valleys

The route starts with a scenic ride on the chairlift. Then follows a pleasant descent back to Bellwald that will delight everyone. The route leads through open terrain and peaceful larch forest, offering constantly new views.

The hike begins at the top station of the chairlift and the adjacent restaurant with panoramic sun terrace. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the Rhone valley and the peaks of the Binntal landscape park on the opposite side of the valley.

As the path winds down the mountain, it offers views to the west of the Fiesch valley and to the north of the majestic peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, which protect the region with the highest number of glaciers in the Alps. The westernmost point of the path - at Mutti - is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sun while admiring the landscape.

Bellwald Tourismus

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

Fleschen, top station of the Richenen chairlift, 2062 m

Tour information

Loop Road
Stop at an Inn

Directions & Parking facilities

Highway A9 and main road up the Rhone valley to Fürgangen. At the roundabout turn left towards Bellwald.

Large parking lots near the valley station of the Richenen chairlift, smaller parking lot in Gassen.

Train to Fürgangen (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway), then cable car to Bellwald. On foot, 10 minutes through the village (or by ski bus) to the valley station of the Richenen chairlift. Detailed schedules for trains and post buses can be found at sbb.ch.

Additional information

The winter hike starts at the top station of the Richenen chairlift and mostly leads west of the chairlift through forests and open terrain back to Bellwald.

For a more challenging alternative, you can do the route in reverse or take on both the ascent and descent.

Literature

Hiking brochure Bellwald Tourism

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Take your time to explore the other parts of the village of Bellwald. The village is one of the oldest and best-preserved Valais villages.

Map

SwissTopo maps 1:25,000: 1269 Aletsch Glacier

Event