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From Belalp over the suspension bridge to Riederalp

· 1 review · Hiking Trail · closed

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Blatten-Belalp Tourismus

Hängebrücke Belalp - Riederalp
Photo: Blatten-Belalp Tourismus, Blatten-Belalp Tourismus

Judith Glissenaar
on the July 24, 2022

I understand it is 1 way route, from 11 km ? So how to get ...

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The hike from Belalp to Riederalp leads over the spectacular Aletsch suspension bridge and offers an incomparable hiking experience at airy heights.

closed

moderate

Distance 11.4 km

4:30 h

655 m

849 m

2,133 m

1,504 m

The 124-meter-long hanging bridge is a highlight in the Aletsch hiking paradise. The suspension bridge is not merely a convenient connection between Belalp and Riederalp, it crosses the gorge a dizzying 80 meters above the water right in front of the Aletsch glacier’s snout. A truly thrilling and memorable experience.

Once upon a time, one crossed the Aletsch glacier to get from Belalp to Riederalp. However, the glacier’s retreat has rendered this impossible. The suspension bridge that was built in 2008 in cooperation with Pro Natura, the WWF and UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch reestablishes this link.

Author’s recommendation

Take a break on the terrace at the Hotel Belalp and enjoy the panorama.

Visit the Villa Cassel on Riederalp.

The Aletschji ant the Grünsee are idyllic nature spots and invite you to linger.

Author

Blatten-Belalp Tourismus

Update: November 17, 2022

Difficulty

moderate

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

2,133 m

Lowest point

1,504 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

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Jul

Aug

Sep

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Dec

Track types

Asphalt

0 km

Forested/wild trail

2.7 km

Path

7.8 km

Road

0.9 km

Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Hotel Belalp
Villa Cassel

Safety information

Despite the " impossible to miss " markings of the hiking trails, we recommend for safety reasons to always have an appropriate hiking map with you, so that you can quickly find your way to a safe area in case of a thunderstorm or an emergency, for example.

Especially in autumn, you should also be aware that leaves lying on the ground can hide bumps, roots, stones or holes in the path. After storms, trees can still fall over or branches can fall down. Especially after bad weather conditions, muddy and slippery passages can occur on natural paths. You have to expect this kind of path impairment when you go on a hike.

Not all rocks or precipices are secured with ropes or railings. In some cases surefootedness is required. If you are of the opinion that certain sections of the trail are not passable for you, you should avoid them.

Tips and hints

If you have any questions, please contact:

Belalp Bahnen AG

www.belalp.ch

bahnen@belalp.ch

+41 27 921 65 10

Blatten - Belalp Tourismus AG

tourismus@belalp.ch

+41 27 921 60 40

Start

Belalp (2095 m) (2,095 m)

Coordinates:

SwissGrid

2'641'239E 1'135'750N

46.371863, 7.974579

DMS

46°22'18.7"N 7°58'28.5"E

UTM

32T 421133 5135876

w3w

///strength.eternally.campsites

Show on Map

Destination

Riederalp

Turn-by-turn directions

From the Hotel Belalp, the hiking trail leads via the Steigle down to the Aletschji. In the Aletschji, where the cows also summer, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view and the old alpine huts at the chapel. From there over the Leng Acker to the old glacier ascent and the suspension bridge Belalp-Riederalp, the highlight of the hike. The impressive view of the glacier gate and the Massa Gorge should be enjoyed at length when crossing the bridge before tackling the ascent to Riederfurka. There is also a wonderful view at Grünsee, an idyllic natural spot, perfectly situated for a lunch break. The trail then continues through the protected Aletsch forest with its ancient stone pines. From the Grünsee there are two beautiful trail options to Riederfurka: Teife Wald or Silbersand.

Belalp - Aletschbord - Aletschji- suspension bridge - Grünsee - Kalkofen - Riederfurka - Riederalp

Or: Riederalp - Riederfurka - Kalkofen - Grünsee - suspension bridge - Aletschji - Aletschbord - Belalp

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Start at Belalp:

Travel from Brig by post bus to Blatten bei Naters. From there, take the cable car to Belalp and then start your tour in the direction of Belalp Aletschbord.

Start at Riederalp:

Take the train towards Fiesch and get off in Mörel. From there take the cable car or gondola to Riederalp. Here you then have the option of walking everything or taking the Moosfluh/Hohfluh cable car up and starting from there.

Getting there

Arrival by car

From western Switzerland: A9 Lausanne - Vevey, or north-western Switzerland: A12 Bern - Vevey: A9 - Sierre: main road Sierre - Brig

From north-western Switzerland: A6 Berne - Thun - Spiez: main road Spiez - Kandersteg (Lötschberg tunnel car transport) - Goppenstein - Gampel - Brig

From eastern and central Switzerland: Andermatt - Realp (year-round Furka car transport; in summer via Furka Pass) - Oberwald - Brig

From Ticino (in summer): Airolo - Nufenenpass - Ulrichen - Brig

Or via Centovalli - Domodossola - Simplonpass - Brig

From Italy (Aosta, Mt. Blanc Tunnel): Aosta - Grand Saint Bernard tunnel (over the pass in summer) - Martigny: A9 motorway - Sierre: Sierre - Brig main road.

Or via Domodossola - Simplon Pass - Brig

Blatten bei Naters

From Brig you can reach Blatten bei Naters via Naters, then take the cable car to the car-free Belalp.

Parking

Paid parking is available in the Chienzlichrommu and in the underground car park in Blatten bei Naters.

There are also various parking facilities available in Mörel.

Coordinates

SwissGrid

2'641'239E 1'135'750N

46.371863, 7.974579

DMS

46°22'18.7"N 7°58'28.5"E

UTM

32T 421133 5135876

w3w

///strength.eternally.campsites

Show on Map

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendations for this region:

Equipment

Sturdy shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, sun and rain protection, as well as sufficient supplies of food and drinks, should there be no refreshment stops or shopping facilities available or open. Although the trail is very well marked throughout, you should always have a suitable hiking map with you for safety reasons. Take sticks or other aids with you.

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Questions and answers

Question from Judith Glissenaar · July 24, 2022 · Community

I understand it is 1 way route, from 11 km ? So how to get back , is there A train ?

Answered by Blatten-Belalp Tourismus · July 24, 2022 · Blatten-Belalp Tourismus

Answer

Question from Christian Doehler · August 03, 2020 · Community

Answered by Blatten-Belalp Tourismus · August 04, 2020 · Blatten-Belalp Tourismus

1 more reply

Rating

5.0

(1)

Willy Schlack

March 19, 2021 · Community

Comment

Photos from others

+ 2

Status

closed

Reviews

Difficulty

moderate

Distance

11.4 km

Duration

4:30 h

Ascent

655 m

Descent

849 m

Highest point

2,133 m

Lowest point

1,504 m

Public-transport-friendly Scenic Geological highlights Refreshment stops available Fauna Cableway ascent/descent Linear route

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11 Waypoints

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