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For ease of description, the following annotations are used:
R sign: Yellow sign with hiker pictogram.
Sign No. 39 or P39: Red/white multi-directional sign with green sticker No. 39.
The start of this stage is at the Hamilton Lodge Hotel in Belalp.
(S) From the Hamilton Lodge Hotel, head north-east along the track to the Belalpbahn Bergstation.
(1) Continue in the same direction along the trail, pass the Bruchegg ski lifts and head for the Belalp Hotel.
(2) In the bend just after the Belalp Hotel, enjoy the panoramic view and catch your first glimpse of the Aletsch Glacier. Continue north and begin the descent down a steep, winding path with well-paved stones. You will come to a less rugged path and a fork in the road with a sign marked No. 39.
(3) Turn right as indicated by the sign. Walk under a rocky outcrop until you reach the next junction, also marked with a P39 sign.
(4) Leave the path that leads to the Oberaletsch Hütte on your left. Continue downhill to Oberaletsch, marked by two small chalets and a small chapel on the right.
(5) As indicated by the P39 sign, keep heading north-east and stay on this pleasant path until it makes a hairpin bend.
(6) Follow the direction indicated by P39. Very quickly, the path crosses a rocky area. Follow the red and white markings, especially on a section of sharp limestone pavement, before arriving at the Massaschlucht suspension bridge.
(7) Take the Hängebrucke Massaschlucht, which overlooks the Massaschlucht gorge from a height of 80 metres. Don't hesitate to stop in the middle of the bridge: you will be rewarded with a superb view of the Aletsch Glacier. Take your time crossing, as the final climb up the bridge is quite steep.
(8) Make one last effort to climb the rocky section before reaching the small Grünsee lake, which has a picnic area.
(9) Continue through the Aletschwald forest until you reach a signpost indicating a change of direction.
(10) Climb another 200 metres or so, following a series of hairpin bends, to come out onto a wider path with a P39 sign.
(11) Follow the direction of the P39 to climb to an elevation of 1949 metres, at an intersection.
(12) Follow the direction indicated on the P39 sign, heading south towards Rieder Furka. About 200 metres further on, you will see a sign confirming the direction of Rieder Furka.
(13) With the Berghotel in sight, continue to Rieder Furka.
(14) Take the track that descends the southern slope towards the village of Riederalp.
(15) Turn right onto the path called Unescopromenade, which leads to a road at the Berghaus Toni.
(16) Follow this road and turn left onto Sportplatzweg. You will arrive at the Hotel Sielbersand (E).
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