recommended route
Circular hike from Riederalp to Silbersand, Bischofsitz and back
Hiking Trail
· Aletsch Arena
· closed
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/ Aletschwald mit AletschgletscherPhoto: Geri Berchtold, Aletsch Arena AG -
/ Der grosse AletschgletscherPhoto: Geri Berchtold, Aletsch Arena AG
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/ AlpenrosenPhoto: Geri Berchtold, Aletsch Arena AG
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/ AletschwaldPhoto: Geri Berchtold, Aletsch Arena AG
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/ Aletschwald mit AletschgletscherPhoto: Geri Berchtold, Aletsch Arena AG
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/ Pro Natura Zentrum AletschPhoto: Geri Berchtold, Aletsch Arena AG
This beautiful hike lets nature shows off her plentiful charms: age-old stone pines in the protected Aletsch Forest are followed by breathtaking views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
closed
moderate
Distance 7.1 km
2:30 h
344 m
344 m
2,066 m
1,909 m
Starting at Riederalp West mountain station, head up to Riederfurka. From there, follow the Lower Aletsch Trail eastwards through the protected Aletsch Forest with its stone pines, some of which are over 900 years old. As you then pass ancient moraines down to Silbersand, you get your first views of the striking Great Aletsch Glacier. Continue on to the Bischofssitz or “Bishop’s Seat”, which owes its name to a former bishop who often had himself carried up to this point in a sedan chair. The return route takes you via Lengmoosweg through the ancient pines of the Aletsch Forest and up to Riederfurka. This is where the imposing Villa Cassel, the home of the Pro Natura Centre, is located. The last stage is the descent from Riederfurka to the Riederalp West mountain station.
Author’s recommendation
The exhibition and alpine garden at the Nature Conservation Centre in Villa Cassel on Riederfurka are well worth seeing! Be sure to plan a visit!
Author
Aletsch Arena AG
Update: December 23, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,066 m
Lowest point
1,909 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Aletsch Arena AG accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
- Do not leave any waste in nature.
Tips and hints
Aletsch Arena AG
Furkastrasse 39
CH-3983 Mörel-Filet
+41 27 928 58 58
info@aletscharena.ch
www.aletscharena.ch
Start
Riederalp, top station of the gondola west (1,925 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'645'210E 1'136'257N
DD
46.376165, 8.026239
DMS
46°22'34.2"N 8°01'34.5"E
UTM
32T 425112 5136304
w3w
///stealing.hedge.regret
Destination
Riederalp, top station of the gondola west
Turn-by-turn directions
Riederalp West – Riederfurka – Unterer Aletschweg – Silbersand – Bischofssitz – Lengmoosweg – Riederfurka – Riederalp West
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Getting to the Aletsch ArenaCoordinates
SwissGrid
2'645'210E 1'136'257N
DD
46.376165, 8.026239
DMS
46°22'34.2"N 8°01'34.5"E
UTM
32T 425112 5136304
w3w
///stealing.hedge.regret
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Get a free panoramic map at the cable car stations and info centres of the Aletsch Arena.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1269 Aletschgletscher
Book recommendations for this region:
Show more
Equipment
We recommend:
- good footwear
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water
- picnic
- camera
- binoculars (optional)
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)
Basic Equipment for Hiking
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking socks
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Kit para bolhas
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
Status
closed
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
7.1 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
344 m
Descent
344 m
Highest point
2,066 m
Lowest point
1,909 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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Photos from others