Circular hike from Riederalp to Silbersand, Bischofsitz and back

2:30 h
7.07 km
344 m
344 m
1,909 m
2,066 m
157 m
Start: Riederalp, top station of the gondola west
Destination: Riederalp, top station of the gondola west

This beautiful hike lets nature shows off her plentiful charms: age-old stone pines in the protected Aletsch Forest are followed by breathtaking views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.

Starting at Riederalp West mountain station, head up to Riederfurka. From there, follow the Lower Aletsch Trail eastwards through the protected Aletsch Forest with its stone pines, some of which are over 900 years old. As you then pass ancient moraines down to Silbersand, you get your first views of the striking Great Aletsch Glacier. Continue on to the Bischofssitz or “Bishop’s Seat”, which owes its name to a former bishop who often had himself carried up to this point in a sedan chair. The return route takes you via Lengmoosweg through the ancient pines of the Aletsch Forest and up to Riederfurka. This is where the imposing Villa Cassel, the home of the Pro Natura Centre, is located. The last stage is the descent from Riederfurka to the Riederalp West mountain station.

Aletsch Arena AG

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

Riederalp West – Riederfurka – Unterer Aletschweg – Silbersand – Bischofssitz – Lengmoosweg – Riederfurka – Riederalp West

Tour information

Loop Road

Equipment

We recommend: 

good footwear

clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket

hat or cap

sunscreen

bottle for water

picnic

camera

binoculars (optional)

hiking poles (optional)

printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)

Directions & Parking facilities

Getting to the Aletsch Arena

Additional information

Aletsch Arena AG
Furkastrasse 39
CH-3983 Mörel-Filet
+41 27 928 58 58
info@aletscharena.ch
www.aletscharena.ch

Literature

Get a free panoramic map at the cable car stations and info centres of the Aletsch Arena. 

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The exhibition and alpine garden at the Nature Conservation Centre in Villa Cassel on Riederfurka are well worth seeing! Be sure to plan a visit!

Safety guidelines

Summer sports report

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Aletsch Arena AG accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.