Aletsch Glacier

The Aletsch Glacier is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch and one of Switzerland’s most impressive natural wonders. Stretching for around 20 kilometers, the glacier winds through the high Alpine landscape of Valais, offering spectacular views of ice, rock, and the highest peaks of the Alps from the Aletsch Arena.

A Natural Wonder of the Alps

The Great Aletsch Glacier is the longest glacier in the Alps and one of Switzerland’s most impressive landscapes. Its mighty ice tongue, deep glacial crevasses, and the surrounding four-thousanders showcase the raw power of Alpine nature.

From the glacier region, a wide view opens up to the Valais Alps. Depending on the location, the sweeping glacier curves, the Konkordiaplatz, or the peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau appear particularly impressive.

The Five Most Important Viewpoints

The most beautiful views of the Aletsch Glacier are offered by the five most important viewpoints in the region:

• Aletschbord: View of the lower glacier section, the Aletsch Forest, the Rhone Valley, and the Valais peaks.
• Hohfluh: Impressive view of the glacier’s characteristic curves.
• Moosfluh: Panoramic view over the glacier and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Bettmerhorn: Breathtaking view of the large glacier curve and the vast ice surface.
• Eggishorn: Comprehensive panorama with Aletsch Glacier, Konkordiaplatz, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Aletschbord Viewpoint

The Aletschbord is located on Belalp at around 2,130 m a.s.l. and offers an impressive view of the lower part of the Great Aletsch Glacier. From here, the immense dimension of the ice stream can be particularly well appreciated.

In addition to the glacier, the view extends over the Aletsch Forest and the Rhone Valley to the Valais four-thousanders. On a clear day, the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, and other prominent peaks are visible.

The historic Hotel Belalp is located directly at the viewpoint. The panoramic view can be particularly enjoyed there with a meal, a drink, or a coffee break.

The Aletsch Panorama Trail

The Aletsch Panorama Trail is one of the most beautiful high-altitude hikes in Valais. Route 39 leads from Belalp via Riederalp and further through the Aletsch Arena to Bellwald.

Along the way, spectacular glacier views, blooming Alpine meadows, rugged rocks, and tranquil mountain lakes alternate. The trail connects the most beautiful viewpoints in the region and makes the glacier world an impressively tangible experience.

A popular section leads from Riederfurka to Märjelensee. The route is about 12 kilometers long and takes approximately 4 hours. The trail offers fantastic views of the glacier and leads through a varied Alpine landscape.

Hiking Between Ice and Rocks

The Aletsch Panorama Trail is an experience for experienced hikers. The route partly runs through high Alpine terrain and constantly offers new perspectives on the glacier and the Valais four-thousanders.

Depending on the section, the paths lead over mountain ridges, through larch and Swiss pine forests, and over impressive mountain slopes. Good hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, sufficient water, and adequate preparation are recommended.

Accessibility

The viewpoints of the Aletsch Arena are accessible via mountain railways. The main starting points are on Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp, Belalp, and Eggishorn.

The Aletschbord is reachable on foot in about 30 minutes from the mountain station of the Belalp cable car. The path leads over a wide gravel road and is also suitable for families and leisurely strolls.

The Bettmerhorn View Point is only a few minutes’ walk from the mountain station. The Eggishorn is also easily accessible by mountain railway and offers a particularly comprehensive view over the glacier landscape at around 2,869 m a.s.l.

UNESCO World Heritage

The Aletsch Glacier is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. This protected area stands for exceptional landscapes, diverse Alpine flora and fauna, and the geological history of the Alps.

A visit should be accompanied by respect for the sensitive nature. Please stay on marked paths, take your waste with you, and observe current information regarding weather, trail conditions, and mountain railway operations.

Contact & Information

Further information on viewpoints, hiking trails, mountain railways, and current conditions can be found on the following websites:

• Aletsch Arena: aletscharena.ch
• Aletsch Glacier: Information about the Aletsch Glacier
• Aletsch Panorama Trail: Route and hiking information
• Belalp and Aletschbord: belalp.ch

FAQ about the Aletsch Glacier

1. Where is the Aletsch Glacier located?

The Aletsch Glacier is located in Valais above the Aletsch Arena and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.

2. How long is the Great Aletsch Glacier?

The Great Aletsch Glacier stretches for about 20 kilometers through the Alpine landscape.

3. Where do you get the best view of the glacier?

The view from Aletschbord, Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn is particularly impressive.

4. Where is the Aletschbord viewpoint located?

The Aletschbord is located on Belalp above Blatten bei Naters at around 2,130 m a.s.l.

5. What can you see from Aletschbord?

You can see the lower part of the Great Aletsch Glacier, the Aletsch Forest, the Rhone Valley, and numerous Valais four-thousanders.

6. Can you see the Matterhorn from Aletschbord?

On a clear day, the Matterhorn is visible alongside other prominent peaks of the Valais Alps.

7. How do you reach Aletschbord?

The viewpoint is reachable on foot in about 30 minutes from the mountain station of the Belalp cable car.

8. What is the Aletsch Panorama Trail?

The Aletsch Panorama Trail is regional hiking route 39. It leads from Belalp via the Aletsch Arena to Bellwald.

9. How long does the Aletsch Panorama Trail take?

The Aletsch Panorama Trail runs over several stages. The section from Riederfurka to Märjelensee is about 12 kilometers long and takes approximately 4 hours.

10. Is the Aletsch Panorama Trail suitable for families?

Individual sections may be suitable for families with experienced children. However, the entire route is primarily intended for experienced hikers.

11. Which viewpoint is the highest?

The Eggishorn View Point is located at around 2,869 m a.s.l. and offers a comprehensive view of the glacier and the surrounding four-thousanders.

12. Can you reach the Aletsch Glacier by mountain railway?

Yes, the viewpoints of the Aletsch Arena are accessible via mountain railways from Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp, and Belalp.

13. Is there a restaurant at Aletschbord?

Yes, the historic Hotel Belalp with a restaurant and panoramic view is located directly at the viewpoint.

14. Is the glacier also accessible in winter?

Yes, several viewpoints are also accessible in winter. However, paths and facilities may be restricted depending on weather, snow, and mountain railway operations.

15. What should you take for a hike?

Sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, sun protection, sufficient drinks, and good preparation for the respective altitude and trail conditions are recommended.

16. Which peaks can you see from Eggishorn?

From Eggishorn, you can see the Aletsch Glacier, Konkordiaplatz, as well as Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, among others.