Glistening high in south-central Switzerland in the Bernese Alps, the Aletsch Glacier is a spectacular river of ice. As the largest glacier in all of the Alps, it covers an area of 171 square kilometers (66 mi), 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) long, and 1.6 kilometers (1 mi) wide. Its highest elevation is 4160 meters and its lowest is 1650 meters.
Amazingly, this immense glacier in the Alps is easy to access for hiking, winter sports, and unforgettable nature excursions.
Not only that, but it is far cheaper than more popular tourist hotspots like Zermatt or Jungfrau and is a far more peaceful spot for a vacation.
Let’s start with the magnificent viewpoints, of which there are four…
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Aletsch Glacier Viewpoints – Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn
Four viewing platforms—the Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn—allow you to enjoy views of the Aletsch Glacier from different perspectives. The scenery includes 40 peaks over 4,000 meters above sea level.
At 2,869 meters above sea level, Eggishorn is the highest of the four viewpoints. You’ll get the most impressive views in the Aletsch Arena and will be able to see the entire glacier as well as a flat area of snow called Konkordiaplatz and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The viewpoint is easy to reach by cable car from Fiescheralp, and you’ll find food and drink at the Horli-Hitta mountain restaurant.
The Hohfluh viewpoint is the best vantage point to admire the glacier’s impressive curves. It is 2,227 meters high and easy to reach via the hiking trail in summer, and in winter, the Hohfluh chairlift will take you there quickly and comfortably.
At 2,333 meters, the Moosfluh viewpoint will give you unobstructed views of the glacier year-round. The Moosfluh combi-lift will take you to the lookout point in the winter as well as the summer. A telescope at the viewpoint will allow you to see even more. A restaurant with a bar serves light meals and beverages.
Located about 200 meters from the Bettmerhorn mountain station, the Bettmerhorn viewpoint is barrier-free with views from 2,647 meters above sea level. You’ll have unobstructed views of the glacier’s dramatic big curve and the extraordinary straight section. For more views and a delightful meal, stop by the Bettmerhorn Panorama Restaurant located next to the mountain station.
Hike on the Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier is so spectacular and unusual that it is listed as an Aletsch-Jungfrau UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Hiking the glacier gives you the chance to not only walk on ice, but also soak up the ethereal ice shapes, pools of sparking water that shine like aquamarine gemstones, and pearl-white vistas that seem to go on forever.
This is something you generally need to do with a guide, unless you are an experience alpinist, familiar with glaciers and the equipment that goes with it. However, having said that, it is easy enough to do guided, even though it is a long day out.
To go on this adventurous alpine hike, you must be in good physical condition, sure-footed, and not afraid of heights. You will be crossing over a few suspension bridges.
You will be given detailed road maps and notes. The hike ends in the mountain village of Bellwald. One-day or two-day excursions are available.
Things to Know Before Visiting
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The Aletsch Glacier is formed by three different firns. A firn is the glandular snow on top of a glacier that hasn’t frozen into pure ice. The firns are called the Great Aletsch Firn, the Ewig Snowfield, and the Jungfrau Firn. Glaciers scrape along the sides of mountains as they work their way downward to create moraines. Moraines are lines of rocks that land along the glacier’s edge as it moves and recedes.
You’ll notice two medial moraines on the Aletsche Glacier. They appear along the ice flow’s entire length as dark lines that resemble steel-gray racing stripes. The one on the right in the direction of the glacial flow is known as Kranzbergmittelmoräne and the one on the left is called the Trugberg medial moraine.
The Aletsch Glacier is over a half-mile thick and contains 12 billion tons of ice. If you stand in the middle of the glacier, you can look back and see how it bends upwards towards the mountain peaks. Since the ice melts more slowly over the rocky moraines, it is thickest at the “racing stripes.” In fact, researchers have considered trying to slow the receding of the glacier by covering it entirely with rocks.
There are other ways to admire the Aletsch Glacier, but the views of the glacier don’t beat what you see above. You can take the Jungfrau Railway up to the Jungfraujoch. The Jungfrauhoch, Europe’s highest railway station sits at a height of a whopping 11,332 feet above sea level between the mountains of the Valais and Bern cantons. At 95 CHF (101 USD) it’s a pricey ride but worth it.
You can also take the gondola to the Eggishorn station and walk to the overlook. Another way to see the glacier is by joining the Bergsteigerzentrum Aletsch via ferrata tour at a price of 85 CHF (91 USD.)
Where to Stay & When to Go
Booking.comYou can visit the Aletsch Glacier from mid-June to Mid-October. Before and after that time, the huts and hotels are closed to transition between summer and winter.
For accommodations, there are several hotels in the area. The Hotel Alpina has an excellent rating. It’s located on the slopes of Fiescheralp only 328 feet from a cable car and 2.2 miles from the glacier.
The Alpenlodge Kühboden is another excellent hotel near the Fiescheralp cable car and 2.3 miles from the glacier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the Aletsch Glacier?
To get to the glacier, you will travel to the mountain area of Fiescheralp in southern Switzerland. Drive or take a train to Fiesch and then a gondola will take you to Fiescheralp. From here, you can hike to the glacier.
What makes the Aletsch Glacier special?
The Aletsch Glacier is the largest in the Alps, and its region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come to admire its spectacular beauty.
Can you walk on Aletsch Glacier?
Yes, the hiking trail is 10-12 kilometers long and includes walking on ice.
What kind of glacier is Aletsch?
The Aletsch is a retreating glacier. It’s a combination of three glaciers with two moraines that run through the vertical length.
What is happening to the Aletsch Glacier?
Due to global warming, the Aletsch Glacier is shrinking by as much as 50 meters in length every year. It is retreating substantially at the edges.
Would it be possible to visit Aletsch glacier on the way from Zermatt to Kandersteg in the same day or would we need to spend a night in Brig? My wife and I will be in Switzerland next summer in July/August for 2 weeks. Love your articles btw.