Bellwald
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Access to Bellwald is mainly via the Fürgangen-Bellwald railway station, which is connected with Swiss regional lines. It can also be reached by car, taking the Goms roads up from Fiesch, but the elevated location and mountainous terrain suggest caution in the winter season. The nearest international airport is Zurich, from where you continue by train with a change in Brig.
.Introduction
Bellwald is a mountain municipality in the Goms region of the canton of Valais, which is characterised by its scenic location and authentic Swiss alpine village atmosphere. Situated on a sunny plateau at an altitude of about 1560-1600 metres, the village dominates the Rhone Valley and is surrounded by the peaks of the Valais Alps, including the Setzehorn (3061 m). Bellwald is known as the highest municipality in the entire Goms district and preserves an old core characterised by traditional wooden houses, evidence of the Walser culture that has left an indelible mark on the region.
.Description
The history of Bellwald has its roots in the Middle Ages: the earliest written records date back to the 13th century, when the village was known as 'Beliwalt' or 'Belwalt', initially referring to the mountain above and only later to the village, which was called 'Zblatten' until the 1400s. The origin of the name is not entirely certain and is intertwined with the legend according to which the locals, considered timid, would have renounced a favourable distribution of forest land, but were rewarded by the village's privileged location and ample sunshine. From a historical point of view, Bellwald separated from the parish of Ernen towards the end of the 17th century, the period in which the main church dedicated to the Seven Joys of Mary dates back to.
Bellwald's economic life is mainly linked to alpine tourism: the village has been known as a ski resort since the 1950s and is home to six ski lifts on slopes that wind their way between peaks and forests, with hiking trails of great interest to both experienced hikers and families. The tourist offer is also wide-ranging in summer, with numerous nature trails, including the 5 km-long Fairytale Trail, designed for children and families, and the ascent to the Risihorn (2875 m), from where views of Alpine giants such as the Finsteraarhorn and the Aletschorn can be observed. Excursions are facilitated by the presence of the Fürgangen railway station, which is directly connected to the Furka-Oberalp network, and the winding road up from the valley floor.
The municipality is also rich in cultural and religious elements: in addition to the parish church, no less than seven chapels are preserved as evidence of local devotion and history. Traditional festivals and village fairs, together with a Walser culture expressed through dialect and customs, are still practised and passed on in daily life. The main hamlets in the area are Bodmen, Eggen, Fürgangen and Ried. From the location of Bellwald, it is possible to undertake trekking routes to the surrounding peaks and scenic stages ideal for alpine hiking.
Information
Area: 13.69 km²
Altitude: 1580m
Maximum elevation: 3,061m. - Setzehorn
Number of inhabitants: 435
Name in dialect: bellwalder
Inhabitant name:
Patron Saint: Maria SS. of the Seven Joys
Neighbouring municipalities: Blitzingen, Ernen, Fiesch, Fieschertal, Grafschaft, Niederwald
Internet site: www.bellwald.ch