Snowshoeing

Fleschen Trail

Faszinierende Ausblicke auf die Walliser Alpen

Bellwald

5/9°

The Fleschen Trail takes your breath away – and not just because it’s physically demanding. The trail is also rich in experiences: the views alone make it superb, so your efforts on this snowshoe circuit between Bellwald and Alp Fleschen are sure to be rewarded.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

5.65 km

Duration

2:39 h
Faszinierende Ausblicke auf die Walliser Alpen
The trail leads through the forest
A well-deserved break

Description

An abundance of sunshine, more than 400 metres of altitude difference up and down, a varied landscape and plenty of panoramic views: that’s the Fleschen Trail in a nutshell. This demanding snowshoe hike leads from Bellwald – the highest municipality in Goms – to Fleschen and back again, and has plenty to offer along the way. The ascent takes you through snowy larch forests, and though it starts off easy, the upper section of the climb is pretty tough on the leg muscles. Once you reach the top, you can treat yourself to a bite to eat on the magnificent sun terrace of the Fleschen mountain restaurant. You’ll also be able to enjoy the exceptional view of Valais’s mountain peaks, including the Mischabel chain and the Matterhorn.

Turn-by-turn directions

The Fleschen Trail begins at the valley station of the Richinen chair lift in Bellwald. Right at the start of the trail there is a gentle climb past some picturesque chalets before the trail makes its way into the forest. Once you reach the tree limit, it’s worth pausing a moment to admire the magnificent view over the Rhône Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Binntal Valley. Back on open terrain again, hike through the snowy landscape to the Fleschen mountain restaurant. After a fortifying pit stop, the snowshoe tour continues downhill on south-west-facing slopes, never losing sight of the powdery-white peaks of the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site.

Start

Bellwald Gassen (1634m)

Destination

Bellwald Gassen (1634m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet during the forest section of the route and you might even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.

Technical information

Altitude

2063m

1631m

Ascent

+432m

Descent

-432m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Forest roads
  • Clear area
  • Forest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Accessible by train and bus. Form Brig train station, take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Fürgangen Bellwald

Approach

Motorway A9 direction Brig. Continue direction Goms junction Bellwald.

Parking

Free parking at the mountain station Basper.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • Good, waterproof footwear
  • Snowshoes
  • hiking poles
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water, picnic
  • camera
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

Safety information

Use of the snowshoe trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Bellwald

Literature

The tourist office in Bellwald has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:50'000: 265S Nufenenpass

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion