Bellwald's local mountain, the Risihorn (2876 m.a.s.l.), promises a breathtaking view of the Finsteraarhorn (4274 m.a.s.l.), which incidentally is still on Bellwald soil, and of the numerous 4000-metre peaks in the Valais and Bern. Take a look at the second longest glacier in the Alps, the Fieschergletscher. From the Richinen mountain station, a well-marked trail leads to the Furggulti, onto the Chüe and then up to the Risihorn. With good hiking equipment, the almost 3-hour climb to the summit is easily manageable. The last section is steep, but well secured. For the way back, you then have the choice of taking the two chairlifts or the equally beautiful hike back via Gletscherblick.
- medium
- 5,47 km
- 2 hours 38 minutes
- 796 m
- 816 m
- start: Richinen, chairlift mountain station
- destination: Risihorn
Best Season
Good to know
- Summit
Richinen, chairlift mountain station
Risihorn
Richinen - Steibeläger - Grieschumma - Steibenkreuz - Furggulti - Chüe - Risihorn
The last stretch on the way to the summit is very steep, but well secured, a rope is attached to make the ascent easier. Anyone who is not confident about the last passage should better skip the last few metres.
Exploring steep and remote mountain regions for several hours can bring surprises and be exhausting. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to the following points:
- Take regular breaks, approximately every 1-1½ hours and whenever concentration begins to wane. Rest and refresh yourselves with something to drink and a small snack.
- Regularly check your location and compare it with your schedule. This way you can think in good time about alternatives, shortcuts, breaking off, etc.
- In the event of bad weather, turn back or seek shelter in good time. If thunderclouds are gathering, it is advisable to abort the tour as soon as possible.
- Plan enough time and energy reserves for the descent.
- Avoid herds of cattle and wild animals calmly and with sufficient distance. Keep dogs on a leash.
- When encountering guard dogs, remain calm so that the dog realises that you are not a danger to the herd. Keep a generous distance around the herd.
- Allow mountain bikers to pass without impeding their progress.
Sturdy hiking boots with a non-slip tread, sufficient sun protection for skin, eyes and head and enough provisions are a prerequisite for every hike. The general rule is: as much as necessary and as little as possible.
Pay attention to the opening hours of the mountain railways.
There are many traditions associated with successful summit ascents. One of the most beautiful is certainly the congratulation of all his fellow climbers on the successful ascent. Friends hug, couples kiss, men pat each other on the back and strangers shake hands. Show your companions that you are proud to have completed the tour together and share your joy. The best way to capture this moment is to take a souvenir snapshot.
From Sion/Sitten:
After leaving the motorway in Sierre, stay on the cantonal road until Naters. Then drive 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 motorway towards Kandersteg: exit 19 Spiez/Faulensee. Follow the signs to the Kandersteg car transport. After the car transport, drive to Gampel/Steg. At the roundabout turn right towards Visp/Brig/Naters. Then drive 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:
Take the motorway in the direction of Gotthard. Then take the exit to the Furkapass. You can either cross the Furka Pass (only in the summer months) or take the car train in Realp. You arrive in Oberwald. Continue until you cross the Mühlebach gallery. Then turn right towards Fürgangen. Drive through Fürgangen and follow the road to Bellwald.
Bellwald has two large car parks.
The Basper car park is located at the bottom of the village. This car park is free of charge.
The second car park 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 take it to the Fürgangen-Bellwald stop. There you change to the Fürgangen cable car, which will take you directly to the centre of the village. Please note that the Fürgangen cable car is undergoing maintenance work in the off-season.
Rotten Verlag; Nr. 1 Aletsch; 1:25'000
Rotten Verlag; Nr. 3 Goms; 1:25'000