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Gries Glacier
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The Gries Glacier is located in the Canton of Valais within the Lepontine Alps, near the border with Ticino and Italy. It extends below the Blinnenhorn and feeds the Gries Lake, a reservoir situated at an altitude of 2386 meters, with its meltwater. In recent decades, the Gries Glacier has experienced massive retreat, making it significantly smaller today than it was in the mid-20th century. A unique feature of the region is the Gries Wind Farm, located nearby at over 2400 meters, making it one of the highest wind power facilities in Europe. The barren high-mountain landscape is characterized by gneiss rock and provides a direct view into the rapid glacial decline occurring in the Alps. Hikers often access the area via the Nufenen Pass, the highest paved mountain pass within Switzerland.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Piccolo Corno Gries · Bättelmatthorn / Punta dei Camosci · Klein Blinnenhorn
- Nearby: Aletsch Glacier (21 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 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 66 | 87 | 111 | 162 | 163 | 156 | 181 | 120 | 122 | 133 | 89 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Gries Glacier is best accessed via the Nufenen Pass road, which connects Valais with Ticino and provides a high starting point. From the summit of the pass, a well-marked hiking trail leads towards Lake Gries and further to the viewpoint overlooking the impressive glacier tongue.
Best season
A visit is only possible between June and October, as the Nufenen Pass road is closed during the winter months due to heavy snow accumulation. In high summer, the location at over 2,400 meters features a welcome cool-down, while autumn often provides stable high-pressure weather.
Terrain & paths
The hike leads through barren high-mountain landscapes with rocky paths, smooth glacial polishes, and along the milky-blue Gries reservoir. The trail is not excessively difficult technically, but it requires walking on uneven, alpine ground and has little protection from sun or wind.
What to bring
Wear windproof clothing and warm layers, as it can be very cool and windy at the pass summit and near the glacier even in summer. Sturdy hiking boots are important for the stony paths, and good sun protection should not be forgotten due to the intense radiation at this high altitude.
Parking
Sufficient free parking is available directly at the Nufenen Pass summit or near Lake Gries, where the hiking trails begin. Since the pass is a popular destination for motorcyclists and tourists, parking spots can become a bit crowded on sunny weekends around midday.
Safety
Avoid stepping onto the glacier without appropriate equipment and experience, as hidden crevasses and slippery ice pose a high risk. In case of approaching fog or storms, orientation in the barren stone desert can become difficult, so always stay on the designated trail.
Time needed
A hike from the pass summit to the viewpoint and back takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, making it a well-suited stopover during a pass journey. Those who wish to circle the lake or get closer to the ice masses should plan about 4 hours in total for this nature experience.
Geography
Facts
- Located below the Blinnenhorn (3374 m)
- Feeds Gries Lake at 2386 m altitude
- Gries Wind Farm stands at 2465 m
- Rapid retreat since the mid-20th century
- Accessible via the Nufenen Pass
- Geologically composed mainly of gneiss
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.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gries Glacier (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Gries Glacier located?
It is located in the Canton of Valais, south of the Nufenen Pass, near the border with Italy.
What is unique about Gries Lake?
It is a high-alpine reservoir into which the Gries Glacier flows directly.
Are there wind turbines nearby?
Yes, the highest wind farm in Europe is located near Gries Lake.
How do you reach the area?
From the Nufenen Pass, a hiking trail leads to the lake and the glacier in about 45 minutes.
Can the glacier be visited safely?
It can be seen well from a distance, but stepping onto the ice should be reserved for professionals.
Gries Glacier: where is it located?
Gries Glacier is located in Switzerland.
Gries Glacier: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piccolo Corno Gries, Bättelmatthorn / Punta dei Camosci, Klein Blinnenhorn.
Gries Glacier: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gries Glacier: why is it worth visiting?
The Gries Glacier is located in the Canton of Valais within the Lepontine Alps, near the border with Ticino and Italy.
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