Belalp - Riederalp via the Aletsch Panoramaweg

To make the description clearer, the following symbols are used:
Sign R: Yellow sign with a hiker pictogram.
Sign No. 39 or P39: Red and white multi-directional sign with a green No. 39 sticker.

This stage starts at the Hamilton Lodge Hotel in Belalp.

(S) From the Hamilton Lodge, heading north-east, follow the track to the Belalpbahn mountain station.

(1) Continuing in the same direction, follow the track past the Bruchegg ski lifts to the Hotel Belalp.

(2) At the bend just after the Belalp Hotel, take in the panoramic view and catch your first glimpse of the Aletsch Glacier. Head north and begin the descent down a steep, winding path with well-graveled switchbacks. You’ll come to a less rugged path and reach a junction marked with sign No. 39.

(3) Turn right as indicated by the sign. Walk beneath a rocky outcrop to the next junction, also marked with a P39 sign.

(4) Leave the path leading to the Oberaletsch Hütte on your left. Continue the descent to Oberaletsch, marked by two small chalets and a small chapel on the right.

(5) As indicated once again by sign P39, keep heading north-east and stay on this pleasant path until it takes a hairpin bend.

(6) Follow the direction indicated by signpost P39. Very soon, the path crosses a rocky area. Follow the red and white markings carefully, particularly on a section of sharp limestone pavement, before reaching the Massaschlucht suspension bridge.

(7) Cross the Massaschlucht suspension bridge, which hangs 80 metres above the Massaschlucht gorge. Don’t hesitate to stop in the middle of the bridge: you’ll be rewarded with a superb view of the Aletsch Glacier. Take your time crossing, as the final ascent up the bridge is quite steep.

(8) Put in a bit more 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 an ‘R’ sign indicating a change of direction.

(10) Climb a further 200 metres or so, via a series of hairpin bends, to emerge onto a wider path marked P39.

(11) Follow the direction indicated by the P39 sign to reach the 1949-metre mark at a junction.

(12) Follow the direction indicated by the P39 sign, heading south towards the Rieder Furka. About 200 metres further on, you’ll come across a sign confirming the direction to the Rieder Furka.

(13) Keeping the Berghotel in sight, continue on to the Rieder Furka.

(14) Take the track that descends the southern slope towards the village of Riederalp.

(15) Turn right onto the path called the Unescopromenade; this leads to a road at Berghaus Toni.

(16) Follow this road and turn left onto Sportplatzweg. You will arrive at the Hotel Sielbersand (E).

Hike completed by the author on 25 September 2023

• Massaschlucht suspension bridge: not recommended for those prone to vertigo or afraid of heights.
• This hiking route follows the Aletsch Panoramaweg, which is marked on Swiss maps.

Signposting: at every major junction, you will find signposts

• Sign No. 39 with a No. 39 sticker indicating this path.
• Sign R: Yellow sign with a hiker pictogram
• Before setting off, it is advisable to check the Suisse Topo website for any trail closures and diversions. This information is updated in real time.
• As well as the Visorando app, you can also download the swisstopo app ( free of charge), where you’ll find this information too.

Transport: Timetables
Weather: before setting off, check Swiss Weather or Météo Blue
Hiking equipment, particularly good walking shoes.
Accommodation in Riederalp: Hotel Sielbersand

• Belalp: one of Switzerland’s 11 car-free villages.
• Hotel Belalp: an impressive Belle Époque-style building dating from 1858.
• Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, measuring 23 km in length.
• Massa Gorge
• Massaschlucht suspension bridge: 124 metres long, spanning the River Massa at a height of 80 metres.
• Rieder Furka and the Victorian-style Villa Cassel, dating from the early 20th century.
• Numerous vantage points offering views of the three- and four-thousand-metre peaks of Valais, such as the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn, Monte Leone and the Fletschhorn...
• Riederalp: another of Switzerland’s 11 car-free villages.