Hike from Fiesch via Ernen, Mühlebach, Steinhaus to Niederwald

8.58 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Hike
  • 2:40 h
  • 8.58 km
  • 331 m
  • 141 m
  • 1,007 m
  • 1,269 m
  • 262 m
  • Start: Fiesch, Hotel du Glacier
  • Destination: Niederwald, train station
Past memorable buildings, the idyllic and varied hike leads through the villages of the Unnergoms to the birthplace of the world-famous hotelier Cäsar Ritz.

The Hotel du Glacier, the oldest hotel in Fiesch (built 1847), is the starting point of this route, where you pass some memorable buildings: From here, you walk past the schoolhouse, the Kreyghaus and the prefect's house into the old village part Oberegg with its rustic houses. Through an alley, you reach the turnoff to Ernen. You go left towards Hotel Christiania, pass the Milachra development, and follow the path that goes under the bypass road down to the power station. After crossing the bridge, you hike over the old mule track through Ärnerfält up to Ernen, which was awarded the Wakker Prize for outstanding preservation of its village character. Plan a village tour! Via Galgen, you continue hiking via Mühlebach and Steinhaus to Niederwald. It is the birthplace of Cäsar Ritz, founder of the famous Ritz hotel chain, who also found his final resting place at the village cemetery. You take the train back to Fiesch.

Aletsch Arena AG
Aletsch Arena AG

Good to know

Pavements

Unknown
Street
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Fiesch – Niederernen – Ärnerfält – Ernen – Mühlebach – Steinhaus - Niederwald

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • Sun protection
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

Directions & Parking facilities

Follow Cantonal Road 19 to the Fiesch exit, then the Furkastrasse to the parking options.
Large, paid parking lot at the valley station of the Fiesch-Eggishorn aerial cableway (Aletsch Bahnen AG).
By train from Brig or Oberwald to Fiesch, then on foot to the start of the route.

Additional information

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

Literature

You can get a free panoramic map at the mountain railways and info centers of the Aletsch Arena.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The Ritz Hotels are world-famous. Their founder, Cäsar Ritz, was born in Niederwald. He is honored with a visitor center. A must-visit!

Safety guidelines

Summer sports report

The use of hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. The Aletsch Arena AG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signs and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

Map

National maps SwissTopo: 1:25,000: 1269 Aletsch Glacier

Nearby

Location and Contact

Hike from Fiesch via Ernen, Mühlebach, Steinhaus to Niederwald
3984 Fiesch