Hike to the glacier viewpoint from Bellwald

The Fiescher Glacier is the second-longest in the Alps, at nearly 15 km. It is one of the jewels of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch”, which protects the most glaciated region in the Alps. The reserve is home to nine peaks above 4,000 m including the mighty Finsteraarhorn (4,273 m), which towers high above the glacier.

This exhilarating hike climbs the slopes above Bellwald to a vantage point that reveals an impressive view up the river of ice. From here, the trail returns to the starting point via another path a couple of hundred metres higher, showcasing spectacular views of the upper Rhône valley.

A leisurely chairlift ride from Bellwald brings walkers up to the starting point of the hike at Richenen. This is a popular sport for families with its friendly mountain restaurant, lake and adventure trail for young children. Stations include a play ship by the lake, a tree house, slide, musical instruments, tests of skill and a research station that encourages young guests to get to know the local flora and fauna. 

Walkers should also allow time to explore the village of Bellwald, one of the oldest and best-preserved in Valais, located on one of the sunniest patches of mountainside in the Goms valley. Life here changed little for centuries until the cable car up from Fürgangen railway station opened in 1956. The car-free village centre, with its ancient houses, sun-bronzed wooden stables and baroque church, is full of historical charm. Families, especially, appreciate the tranquillity: no wonder the village has won the coveted “Family Destination” label of the Swiss Tourism Federation.

Highlights:

The hike starts at Richenen chairlift summit station, by the mountain restaurant. From here, the trail climbs steadily north-westwards up the flank of the Fiescher valley to reach the vantage point known as Gletscherblick (“glacier view”). The return leg follows the outward route for a couple of hundred metres before branching to the left and following a higher route back to Richenen.

The itinerary can easily be made into a longer hike – for example, by walking from Richenen back down to Bellwald, instead of taking the chairlift.

Various local walks incorporate two spectacular suspension footbridges, among the latest additions to the growing network in Valais. The Aspi-Titter bridge, which opened in 2016, spans the gorge just below the Fiescher Glacier: 160 m long, it floats 120 m above the river bed. The Goms Bridge, which opened in 2015, spans the Rhône close to the bottom station of the cable car down from Bellwald, and offers an exhilarating 280-metre walk through thin air.

A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley to Fürgangen. At roundabout, take left turning for Bellwald.