Aletsch Glacier Travel Guide | Largest Glacier in the Alps with Epic Views

Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland

🧊 Aletsch Glacier: Switzerland’s Mighty River of Ice

Spanning over 23 kilometers and covering more than 80 square kilometers, the Aletsch Glacier is the crown jewel of the UNESCO-listed Jungfrau-Aletsch protected area. Towering peaks, pristine ice, and unforgettable viewpoints make this a must-see for those craving awe-inspiring alpine scenery.

🏔️ Top Things to Do at Aletsch Glacier

1. 🔭 View from Eggishorn

The Eggishorn summit (2,869 m) offers the most dramatic full view of the glacier and surrounding peaks, including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Easily reached via cable car from Fiesch, with well-marked platforms and photo points.

📷 Photo Tip: Sunrise or golden hour offers stunning light across the glacier’s curves.

2. 🥾 Glacier Panorama Hikes

UNESCO World Heritage Trail: A moderately challenging route with breathtaking overlooks and educational panels.
Bettmerhorn to Riederalp: Hike along the glacier rim with constant views of icy crevasses, alpine meadows, and the Rhône Valley below.

🥾 Hiking Season: Best from June to October, when trails are snow-free.

3. ❄️ Guided Glacier Trekking

For the adventurous, join a glacier walk with crampons and a certified mountain guide.
Walk across the ice and into hidden crevasses while learning about glacial formation, melt rates, and alpine geology.

⚠️ Safety Tip: Never attempt glacier trekking without a guide—conditions can be hazardous.

4. 🌿 Aletsch Forest (Aletschwald)

Located near Riederalp, this protected ancient larch and Swiss pine forest is a magical place for nature walks.
Home to rare bird species, alpine flowers, and ibex, and a peaceful contrast to the glacier's raw power.

🍃 Family Tip: Trails are easy, scenic, and educational—perfect for kids.

🚠 How to Get There

🚆 By Train: Take the train to Fiesch from Brig or Visp (easily reachable from Zermatt or Interlaken).
🚡 By Cable Car: From Fiesch, board the Eggishorn gondola to the upper station.
🥾 Or reach the glacier via scenic hikes from Bettmeralp or Riederalp, both car-free alpine villages accessible by funiculars.

🚄 Tip: Use the Swiss Travel Pass for free travel on regional trains and discounts on mountain lifts.

🏨 Where to Stay

🏠 Hotel Bettmerhof – Alpine chalet-style hotel with panoramic glacier views.
🛏️ Hotel Art Furrer Riederalp – Cozy and welcoming, located right on hiking trails.
⛺ For nature lovers: Designated camping spots nearby in Fieschertal.

🕰️ Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–October): Prime hiking and viewing season, with clear skies and open trails.
Winter (Dec–Mar): Combine skiing with views from Riederalp and Bettmerhorn ski resorts.

🌍 Why It's Important

The Aletsch Glacier contains enough water to supply every person on Earth with one liter a day for over 4 years.
It is a barometer for climate change, visibly retreating over the years—visitors often reflect deeply on the fragility of nature.

🌡️ Conservation Note: Stay on marked trails and follow glacier guide protocols to help preserve this natural wonder.

📷 Top Photo Spots

📍 Eggishorn Summit Platform
📍 Moosfluh Viewpoint (accessible by chairlift)
📍 Märjelensee – a small glacial lake with reflections of the ice and peaks