Some trees in the Aletsch Forest are 600 to 700 years old; the Moosfluh View Point offers unobstructed views of the Great Aletsch Glacier all year round. Riederalp combines experiences of nature like these with insights into traditional Alpine farming and winter activities. If you are looking for a hotel here, you can plan your trip around the excursions: the forest and viewpoints, the hike to the suspension bridge, or the museum and nature centre each offer a different focus.
Aletsch Forest and Viewpoints
The Aletsch Forest is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Mörel station, take the Mörel–Riederalp West cable car, then follow a marked trail into the forest. The viewpoints are at different elevations: the Hohfluh View Point is 2,227 m above sea level, and the Moosfluh View Point is 2,333 m. Moosfluh is therefore 106 m higher than Hohfluh. You can reach Hohfluh by taking the Hohfluh chairlift or year-round via a hiking trail through Riederfurka; the chairlift operates seasonally. Moosfluh is accessible in summer and winter via the Moosfluh combined lift. If you plan to travel by cable car, check the current timetable in advance.
Hike to the Suspension Bridge and Winter Trails
The Belalp–Riederalp suspension bridge connects Riederalp with Belalp. It is 124 m long and 80 m high; from the bridge, you can see the glacier tongue of the Great Aletsch Glacier. A five-hour hike between Belalp and Riederalp leads to the bridge. By comparison, access to the Aletsch Forest involves a 15-minute walk along a marked trail after the cable car ride. The two durations therefore refer to different types of excursion.
In winter, the Aletsch Arena ski area offers around 104 km of pistes and 34 lifts. One specific route in Riederalp is the Moosfluh–Riederalp toboggan run: it is 3.23 km long and of intermediate difficulty. The route starts at the mountain station of the Mitte cable car in Riederalp and ends at the valley station of the Moosfluh combined lift, also in Riederalp. As opening depends on conditions, it is advisable to check the route status before setting out.
Alp Museum and Pro Natura Centre Aletsch
The Riederalp Alp Museum documents traditional multi-stage Alpine farming in Valais. Its kitchen has three fireplaces for cheese production, and the restored annex serves as an exhibition space. In summer, visitors can watch butter and cheese being made there.
The Pro Natura Centre Aletsch opened in 1976 in Villa Cassel on Riederfurka as Switzerland’s first nature conservation centre. An information room focuses on glacier retreat, climate change and the energy transition; the centre’s Alpine garden is home to more than 200 plant species. The programme includes exhibitions, events and guided excursions. The programme may change seasonally. The two institutions therefore have different areas of focus: the Alp Museum covers traditional Alpine farming and cheese production, while the centre focuses on nature and environmental issues.
Getting to Riederalp and Finding a Hotel
Riederalp is car-free and its economy is primarily based on tourism. From Mörel, you can reach Riederalp Mitte by cable car and Riederalp West by gondola. The connection to West is relevant for access to the Aletsch Forest. In summer, Riederalp also serves as a starting point for hikers and bikers.
Choose the appropriate lift connection and check timetables and seasonal operating hours before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ferden, Ausserberg, Steg, Bitsch, Mörel, Wiler (Lötschen), Unterbäch, Bürchen
Go to the main travel overview: Raron.
