Wild bees are far more than just the small, wild relatives of the honey bee: with over 600 species in Switzerland alone, these insects are indispensable pollinators. Together we will discover their enormous diversity along the Höhn steps - from the valley floor up to the high plateau.
The excursion starts on the valley floor and gradually leads us up to the high plateau of the Riederalp. Along the way, we encounter a variety of different habitats and learn about the basic requirements that wild bees need in order to find a livelihood. We visit sunny south-facing slopes, TWW areas (dry meadows and pastures) and cultivated areas and compare their importance for wild bees. It becomes clear that some species are highly specialized and can only live under very specific conditions, while others are generalists and can be found in many habitats.
The species composition changes with increasing altitude: some species disappear, others are added. By traveling by train, we switch between different altitude levels and can directly observe and compare these changes. The excursion provides a deeper understanding of how landscape, land use and altitude shape the buzzing diversity of wild bees.
Leader: Sabrina Gurten, biologist and wild bee specialist
Program
Saturday, July 25, 2026
09.00 | Meeting point Mörel valley station
approx. 14.30 | End in front of the Villa Cassel
Route:
Mörel valley station - Rieder-Mörel - Riederalp - Villa Cassel
approx. 1h 30min pure walking time ; approx. 200m ascent
Dates
Good to know
General information
Registration required
More information
Price info
Price adult: CHF 45.00
The train ticket is not included in the excursion costs.