About Aletsch Glacier

The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps, covering roughly 31.5 square miles. It is made up of four smaller glaciers that converge at Concordia Place, where its thickness is estimated at 3,300 feet. Plan your trip to the glacier by cable-car to the Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn. Cross the suspension bridge over the Massa River and hike between the left and right sides of the glacier. From the Aletsch Region, you can visit the lower part of the glacier. Pack your woollies and take a guided hiking tour. Watch your step, because it’s trickier to walk on a glacier than it is on a sidewalk. For your safety, you’ll be roped into others in your group. The crevasses can be difficult to navigate without a proper expert guide. Experience a sunrise as it comes up over the Alps in a silent, white world. 

Must See

These are the 3 main viewpoints to see the glacier: the Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn viewpoints.

How to reach

The Bettmerhorn is one of the best locations to view the mighty Grosser Aletsch Glacier.

The location you reach by cable car is called 'Bettmergrat'.

You first need to travel to the train station of Betten, you can reach here by train or by car. There is a parking lot too. 

Then by cable car from Betten reach the Bettmerhorn.


 In short, train from Brig to Betten (valley station), cable car to the Bettmeralp, on foot through the village (15 minutes), gondola rail to the Bettmerhorn.
 Check the timetable of the trains and cable cars.
 

Tips

  • Take a guided glacier walk to experience the immense sea of ice.
  • Visit the Great Aletsch Glacier multimedia exhibition, admission to the exhibition is free.
  • Depending on the season and weather conditions, some route may be blocked or interrupted.
  • As the glacier is in a protected sight so one cannot step into it, but it can be viewed from the Sphinx observatory.
  • Check the weather forecast before setting out.
  • Once you reach the Jungfraujoch there are several viewing points you can go to, to see the glacier. 
  • There are several coffee shops and hotels halfway up.
  • Plan your trip before visiting the place as there are lot many things to explore.
  • Don't forget to carry your camera to capture the amazing view.
  • Carry an ample amount of water to avoid dehydration.
  • Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
  • Make sure you have in your backpack all the things you need.
  • Walking shoes or mountain boots with a good sole are recommended for most routes. 
  • The area will be chilly and windy so make sure that you cover yourself well.
  • Bring a jacket, gloves & hat.

Visit Time

Sunday:            Open 24 hours.

Monday:           Open 24 hours.

Tuesday:          Open 24 hours.

Wednesday:     Open 24 hours.

Thursday:         Open 24 hours.

Friday:              Open 24 hours.

Saturday:          Open 24 hours.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

None

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Snow -6.49°C

 

Local Services in Valais (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Valais

Top Cities in Switzerland