- 5:20 h
- 33.87 km
- 1,300 m
- 1,400 m
- 1,188 m
- 1,996 m
- 808 m
- Start: Reckingen VS (Unnerem Bahnhof) (1316 m)
- Destination: Fürgangen (Talstation) (1202 m)
Valais Panorama Bike - stage 2
From Reckingen, cycle along the Rhône for around 13 kilometres to Mühlebach on a wide dirt track, passing small villages offering an opportunity to discover well-preserved sites. Mühlebach offers a fascinating opportunity to see Switzerland's oldest centre with wooden houses. Ernen is no less impressive: with its magnificent village square, it is situated on a moraine terrace above the Rhône and is of great historical and cultural importance. From here, the ascent to the Frid alp offers both a sporting challenge and breathtaking views. Cross the Rappetal valley, an unspoilt natural gem, and follow the trail as it winds along the contour to Z'Mübach. Change to the opposite side of the valley and you’ll ride a singletrack with the murmur of the Milebach stream in your ears. Before reaching Fürgangen, push your bike over a spectacular suspension bridge before reaching the cable car which will take you to Bellwald, your destination for the day.
Depending on the snow conditions and the presence of herd guard dogs, a deviation from the route is put in place every summer, allowing you to go directly to ‘Niederäner Chäller’ without passing through the Rappertal. Please respect this change.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
From Reckingen, cross the Rhône to the south and follow its left bank along the Rhône Route for six kilometres to the football pitch near Sand. Turn left towards Bodme/Biina and leave the hamlet on a country lane, followed by a single track, heading south-west to Egguti. The alpine road takes you back to the Rhône, then via Steinhaus and Mühlebach to Ernen. Just before the village, turn left onto the alpine road that leads to Frid, an asscent of around 800 metres. Continuing eastwards, you’ll climb slightly up Rappetal on a single track to Z'Mübach. Cross the Milebach and follow a beautiful single track for almost five kilometres to the entrance to the Rappetal. At Ober Äbmet, choose between an easier descent to the right or a more technical single track to the left as far as Mühlebach. Head north past the little village and cross the Rhône on a 280-metre-long suspension bridge – you’ll have to push your bike over it. On the other side of the valley, a small cable car takes you from Fürgangen to Bellwald, your destination for the day.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Stop at an Inn
Summit
Equipment
We recommend: a bike in excellent working order, a helmet, gloves and a bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Directions & Parking facilities
From Zurich: take the A4 or A3 motorway to Flüelen, then the A2 to Göschenen and through the Furka bottom tunnel to Reckingen.
From Bern, take the A6 motorway to Spiez and continue in the direction of Kandersteg; use the Kandersteg-Goppenstein car train and continue in the direction of Goms (Conches), then Reckingen.
From Geneva: take the A1 motorway to Lausanne, then continue on the A9 towards Brig; followed by Goms, then Reckingen.
From Milan: take the A8/A26 motorway towards Simplon; use the Iselle-Brig car train and continue towards Brig; followed by Goms (Conches) and then Reckingen.
Follow the parking signs to Reckingen or Fürgangen. For this stage of the Valais Panorama Bike (VPB), however, we recommend that you park your vehicle in Fiesch and travel to Reckingen using public transport. Remember to reserve a space for your mountain bike on sbb.ch.
Additional information
Book your Valais Panorama Bike trip and explore a scenic route through Upper Valais. Includes bike-friendly hotels and luggage transport. Go to valais.ch/valaispanoramabike.
Find out more about the destination:
See the full itinerary:
Valais Panorama Bike regional route
Literature
Get the the Valais/Wallis mountain bike map to discover the best routes in the region.
The tourist offices in Münster, Oberwald and Reckingen have got brochures and information material about mountain biking in the region.
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Visit the birthplace of hotel pioneer César Ritz and the exhibition in the renovated Niederwald station building.
Safety guidelines
Use marked bike trails and routes only, making sure you observe all signposting. The Valais Panorama Bike route is still under development and is not yet signposted throughout. While on the route, you can find your way using the Outdoor Active app.
Preparing for mountain bike outings
The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.
When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
Map
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