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Great Aletsch Glacier
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Mountain
The Great Aletsch Glacier in the Canton of Valais is the largest and longest glacier in the Alps, stretching approximately 23 kilometers in length. It covers an area of about 80 square kilometers and consists of an estimated 11 billion tons of ice. Since 2001, the area surrounding the glacier has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region. The ice masses converge at Konkordiaplatz, where the ice thickness reaches up to 900 meters. Due to climate change, the glacier is retreating by about 50 meters annually, highlighting the ecological sensitivity of this high alpine region. Meltwater flows through the Massa Gorge into the Rhone River, playing a significant role in the water supply of the surrounding territory.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Schönbühlhorn · Kleines Wannenhorn · Kleines Dreieckhorn
- Nearby: Bettmeralp (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 69 | 89 | 103 | 154 | 151 | 148 | 165 | 106 | 107 | 114 | 92 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Great Aletsch Glacier is best accessed via the car-free plateaus of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, or Fiescheralp, which are reached by cable cars from the valley floor. From the mountain stations, hiking trails lead to the famous viewpoints of Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, or Eggishorn.
Best season
Viewpoints are accessible almost year-round, while the main hiking season along the glacier's edge lasts from mid-June to October. In winter, the region transforms into a first-class ski resort, where snowshoe hikes along the forest edge often offer spectacular views of the ice.
Terrain & paths
The terrain encompasses gentle larch forests, prominent glacier moraines, and rocky ridge paths with a constant view of the 23-kilometer-long ice stream. The paths on the plateau are well-developed, while the trails down to the glacier's edge are steeper and more alpine in nature.
What to bring
For the panoramic trails, good hiking boots and weather-resistant clothing are sufficient, as high-mountain weather can change rapidly even in summer. Those planning a guided glacier tour will need special equipment like crampons, which is often provided by local guide offices.
Parking
Vehicles must be left in the large parking garages at the valley stations in Mörel, Betten, or Fiesch, as the Aletsch Arena is completely car-free. Parking fees are tiered by duration, and the onward journey is easily made via modern large-capacity cable cars directly to the plateau.
Safety
Never step onto the glacier alone or without expert guidance, as deep crevasses can be invisible under a thin layer of snow. Stay on the marked hiking trails of the region to minimize the risk of rockfall or falls on the steep flanks leading down to the massive ice stream.
Time needed
A visit to the viewpoints takes about 2 to 4 hours, while thematic hikes like the Aletsch Panorama Trail can fill an entire day. Plan at least 5 to 6 hours to truly absorb the enormous size of this UNESCO World Heritage site and the profound silence of the alpine nature.
Geography
Facts
- Total length of approx. 23 km
- Surface area of about 80 km²
- Maximum ice depth of 900 m at Konkordiaplatz
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001
- Contains approx. 11 billion tons of ice
- Retreats by about 50 m annually
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Great Aletsch Glacier (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Aletsch Glacier?
At approximately 20 km long and 80 km² in area, it is the largest and longest glacier in the Alps.
Where is the best view of the glacier?
From the viewpoints Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn in the Aletsch Arena.
Can you hike on the glacier?
Yes, but only as part of a guided glacier tour with an experienced mountain guide.
Is the glacier part of the UNESCO World Heritage?
Yes, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.
How do you reach the viewpoints?
By cable car from the valley stations of Mörel, Betten Talstation, or Fiesch.
Great Aletsch Glacier: where is it located?
Great Aletsch Glacier is located in Switzerland.
Great Aletsch Glacier: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schönbühlhorn, Kleines Wannenhorn, Kleines Dreieckhorn.
Great Aletsch Glacier: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Great Aletsch Glacier: why is it worth visiting?
The Great Aletsch Glacier in the Canton of Valais is the largest and longest glacier in the Alps, stretching approximately 23 kilometers in length.
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