Riederalp - Märjelenseestube via the Aletsch Panoramaweg

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This second stage passes through the Rieder Furka and Villa Cassel again. The trail then follows a moraine offering several views of the glacier. The climb to the Härdernagrat offers exceptional views of both the Aletsch Glacier and the Valais peaks rising to over 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn. After HohBalm, the Aletsch Glacier remains your faithful companion before disappearing at the Märjelenseestube.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Aletsch Panorama Trail

Details

n°40633893
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.85 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,569 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,138 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,163 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 6,306 ft
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Photos

Marjelensee
Marjelensee
Aletschgletscher
Aletschgletscher

Description of the walk

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.
The start of this hike is at the Hotel Sielbersand in Riederalp.

(S) From the Hotel Sielbersand, head back towards the main road as far as the Berghaus Toni.

(1) Follow the Unesco Promenade back to Rieder Furka.

(2) At the junction, take the second path on the right, which very quickly splits into two again.

(3) Take the path on the right, on the edge of the Aletsch Forest.

(4) As indicated by signpost P39, turn right to reach the ridge (Härdernagrat).

(5) Once on the ridge, enjoy a sweeping panorama stretching from the Weissmies to the Weisshorn, taking in the Matterhorn along the way. Follow this magnificent path, keeping an eye out for the various P39 signposts marking the route.

(6) Continue along the ridge, savouring the scenery: to your left, the Aletsch Glacier; to your right, the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks. You’ll soon reach Moosfluh, the top station of a cable car.

(7) At Moosfluh, stop at a small viewing point to admire the Aletsch Glacier. Take a look at the various information boards about the glacier and global warming. Following the P39 signs along the route, and staying on the ridge, head towards Hohbalm, a junction of several paths.

(8) Ignore the paths on the right leading to the summit of the Bettmerhorn or the Bettmeralp top station. Turn left, keeping directly above the Aletsch Glacier.

(9) Continue alongside the glacier to the next signpost indicating Märjelen.

(10) Descend gradually towards the glacier tongue and catch sight of the summit of the Aletschhorn, which gives the glacier its name.

(11) At the foot of the Eggishorn, you’ll get closer and closer to the Aletsch Glacier. At the base of the Eggishorn, start turning towards the Märjelen valley and leave the Aletsch Glacier behind for good. You’ll arrive at the small lake, Märjelensee.

(12) Following the P39 markings, head towards the Gletscherstube, which is already clearly visible (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 6,316 ft - Hotel Sielbersand, Riederalp
  2. 1 : mi 0.19 - alt. 6,394 ft - Berghaus Toni
  3. 2 : mi 0.68 - alt. 6,781 ft - Hiking sign: second on the right
  4. 3 : mi 0.71 - alt. 6,752 ft - Hiking sign – on the right
  5. 4 : mi 1.76 - alt. 7,037 ft - Sign No. 39 – Märjelen
  6. 5 : mi 1.96 - alt. 7,228 ft - Härdernagrat – Hiker’s sign
  7. 6 : mi 2.51 - alt. 7,375 ft - Sign No. 39
  8. 7 : mi 2.99 - alt. 7,635 ft - Moosfluh – Sign No. 39
  9. 8 : mi 4.45 - alt. 8,163 ft - Hohbalm – Sign No. 39
  10. 9 : mi 4.81 - alt. 8,002 ft - Märjelen sign – on the left
  11. 10 : mi 5.02 - alt. 7,776 ft - Sign No. 39
  12. 11 : mi 6.32 - alt. 7,769 ft - Signpost No. 39 – Märjelen 40 mins
  13. 12 : mi 7.28 - alt. 7,533 ft - Märjelensee – Sign No. 39
  14. E : mi 7.85 - alt. 7,743 ft - Märjelensee Gletscherstube

Notes

Hike completed by the author on 26 September 2023

Signposting: at every major junction, you will find signposts

  • Sign No. 39 with a sticker No. 39 indicating this trail.
  • R sign: 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 the Swiss Weather Service or Météo Blue
Hiking kit, including good walking boots.
Accommodation at Märjelensee: Märjelensee Gletscherstube

Worth a visit

  • Riederalp: one of Switzerland’s 11 car-free villages.
  • RiederFurka and the Victorian-style Villa Cassel, dating from the early 20th century.
  • The Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, measuring 23 km in length.
  • Numerous viewpoints overlooking the three- and four-thousand-metre peaks of Valais, such as the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn, the Weissmies and the Dom...
  • Numerous viewpoints overlooking the Aletsch Glacier and the peaks of the canton of Bern, such as the Aletschhorn, the Mönch, the Sphinx and the Trugberg…
  • Märjelensee, the Gletscherstube and the dam.

Reviews and comments

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