Aletsch Glacier
Interlaken
Aletsch Glacier
Visiting the glacier offers a front-row seat to the dramatic effects of geological history and ongoing climate change. The landscape is a striking contrast of deep blue crevasses, grey moraines, and the vibrant greenery of surrounding alpine forests. Beyond its scientific importance, the area is a premier destination for high-altitude tourism, offering a serene escape in car-free mountain villages. Whether viewed from panoramic platforms or explored via a guided Aletsch Glacier tour, the glacier provides a superlative scenic experience that has inspired artists and mountaineers for centuries. Its preservation remains a global priority, ensuring that its majestic "river of ice" continues to captivate travelers.
Switzerland Tour Packages
Best time to visit
How to reach Aletsch Glacier
- By train: Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to the valley stations of Mörel, Betten Talstation, or Fiesch. From there, a specialised Aletsch Glacier cable car whisks you up to the car-free plateau villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, or Fiescheralp.
- By car: Drive to the valley station of Mörel, Betten Talstation, or Fieschvalley where large parking garages are available, as vehicles are not permitted on the mountain.
- By foot: Numerous well-marked hiking trails ascend from the Rhone Valley, though these require significant physical fitness and several hours of steep climbing.
Opening hours
Suggested Duration - 3 to 6 HoursHighlights of Aletsch Glacier
- Witness the incredible scale of the 20-kilometre-long ice stream from the Eggishorn summit.
- Explore the ancient Arolla pines of the Aletsch Forest, where some trees are over 1,000 years old.
- Trek across the ice on a professional Aletsch Glacier hike to see deep moulins and blue-iced crevasses.
- Capture panoramic photos of the "Big Three" peaks Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from the Bettmerhorn platform.
- Walk through the car-free streets of Riederalp and Bettmeralp for a traditional Swiss alpine experience.
- Cross the thrilling 124-meter-long Belalp-Riederalp suspension bridge for a unique perspective of the glacier’s tongue.
Point of Interests!
Jungfraujoch
Perched at 3,454 meters, the "Top of Europe" offers the primary gateway to the glacier’s head. Visitors can step onto the Sphinx Observatory for a bird's-eye view of the Konkordiaplatz. The site features an Ice Palace carved directly into the glacier and serves as the starting point for high-alpine
Eggishorn
Standing as the highest of the four main viewpoints, Eggishorn provides a spectacular view of the entire length of the glacier. From the summit at 2,869 meters, you can see the famous "big curve" of the ice. It also offers a 360-degree panorama of the Swiss 4,000-metre peaks, including the iconic Ma
Bettmerhorn
Easily accessible via cable car from Bettmeralp, this viewpoint is famous for its "Gletscherwelt" (Glacier World) interactive exhibition. The wooden viewing platform is just a short walk from the station and provides an unobstructed view of the straight section of the glacier. It is an ideal spot fo
Aletsch Forest
Located on the southern slopes above the glacier, this protected nature reserve is home to some of Switzerland's oldest trees. The forest is a mosaic of ancient larch and stone pines, offering a tranquil contrast to the rocky glacial terrain. Hiking through this area provides a sensory experience of
Bettmeralp
This charming, car-free village sits on a sunny plateau at 1,950 meters. It serves as a central hub for glacier tourism, offering cosy chalets, local restaurants, and a picturesque white chapel. Its central location makes it the perfect base for reaching the Bettmerhorn viewpoint or embarking on the
Riederalp
Riederalp is a peaceful, family-friendly resort village that offers a slightly quieter alternative to its neighbours. It is home to the historic Villa Cassel, an environmental centre that provides deep insights into the UNESCO region. The village is the gateway to the Moosfluh viewpoint and the myst
Tips to visit Aletsch Glacier
- Check the live webcam and weather forecast before heading up to ensure the glacier isn't obscured by clouds.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, even if you only plan to visit the main viewing platforms.
- Dress in layers, as temperatures at nearly 3,000 meters are significantly colder than in the valley, regardless of the season.
- Apply high-SPF sunscreen and wear sunglasses, as the reflection of the sun off the white ice and snow is extremely intense.
- Purchase a "multi-peak" ticket if you plan to visit more than one viewpoint to save on individual cable car costs.
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