Märjelenseestube - Bellwad via the Aletsch Panoramaweg

For ease of description, the following annotations are used:
Sign R: Yellow sign with hiker pictogram.
Sign No. 39 or P39: Red/white multi-directional sign with green sticker No. 39.
The start of this hike is at the Märjelensee Gletscherstube.

(S) From the Märjelensee Gletscherstube, return to the trail (sign No. 39).

(1) Heading north-east, follow this track to the end of the Märjelen Stausee.

(2) As indicated by signpost 39, keep to the left. Begin the descent down a fairly steep corridor with numerous switchbacks. Cross three streams before reaching a less steep path. Continuing northeast, follow the base of the Stock and reach a viewpoint overlooking the Fieschergletscher.

(3) Enjoy the view of what remains of this 16 km long glacier, ranked^second in the Alps. Head south, follow this ridge until you reach sign No. 39.

(4) Turn left towards the Burg moraine. After a few equipped sections, ladders and wooden steps, return to the Burghütte.

(5) After a break at this pleasant hut, reach a crossroads below the Berghaus.

(6) Keep heading south, continue the descent, which is equipped with a few more ladders, and you will reach a track with a signpost No. 39.

(7) Head south towards the Aspi Titter suspension bridge.

(8) Take the Hängebrucke Aspi Titter, which overlooks the Weisswasser torrent 120 metres below. In the middle of the bridge, you will be impressed by the gorges. Take your time crossing, as the final climb up the bridge is quite steep.

(9) Tackle a fairly challenging climb to the Obflie plateau. Adjust your pace on certain equipped sections and long, steep metal staircases. You will arrive at an intersection with a sign marked No. 39, near a chalet.

(10) Head south-east and follow Obflieweg until you reach Stollenstrasse.

(11) Take Stollenstasse until you see a sign for R, which indicates a shortcut to the right.

(12) Take this path across a meadow to rejoin Riederstrasse and enter the Ried district of Bellwald.

(13) As indicated by sign No. 39, follow Wangweg towards the village centre. Cross the village and you will reach the Bellwald cable car station.

(14) Turn north onto Bellwaldstrasse to reach today's accommodation, Hotel Bellwald (E).

Hike completed by the author on 27 September 2023

• Aspi Titter suspension bridge: not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo or have a fear of heights.
• The route for this hike uses the Aletsch Panoramaweg, which is marked on Swiss maps.

Signposting: at each major junction, you will find signposts

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

Transport: Timetables
Weather: before setting off, check the Swiss Weather Service or Météo blue
Hiking equipment, including good shoes.
Accommodation: Hotel Bellwald

• Märjelensee, the Gletscherstube and the dam.
• Fiesch Glacier, the second largest glacier in the Alps, measuring 16 km long.
• Aspi Titter suspension bridge: 160 metres long, overlooking the Weisswasser at a height of 120 metres.
• View of the Weisshorn in Bellwald.
• Bellwald: its typical chalets.