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Intro

Eleven billion tonnes of ice: this is the Aletsch Glacier. You’ll get the best view of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage site from the Jungfraujoch and the Aletsch Arena. The majestic landscape of ice, rock and snow, the glacial lakes and the Aletsch Forest will inspire you.

Aletsch Glacier at a glance

This is the Aletsch Glacier

In the southwest of Switzerland, the Aletsch Glacier stretches from the Bernese Oberland into Valais. This is the largest glacier in the Alps and is part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discover the Aletsch Glacier

From the plateau on the Jungfraujoch, you’ll have stunning views of this wonder of nature, as well as the four-thousand-metre peaks in the background. Other highlights on the Jungfraujoch include the Ice Palace and the Snow Fun Park, with a zipline over the glacier. In the summer months, two-day glacier treks lead to the ice giant’s origins – for an unforgettable experience.

Viewpoints and panoramic hikes

The best views of the Aletsch Glacier are offered by the Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn viewpoints in Valais – which are easily accessible by gondola or cable car. Learn more about the glacier on the Moosfluh Geology Walkway or enjoy a panoramic hike, for example from the Bettmerhorn via Lake Märjelensee and through the Tälligrat tunnel to the Bettmeralp. You may only hike across the glacier while accompanied by a guide.

Hiking in the Aletsch Forest

Explore the Aletsch Forest, which came into being when the soil was no longer covered by the glacial ice. Again and again, a new perspective on the Aletsch Glacier opens up. Stop by at the Nature Reserve Centre Villa Cassel and learn how Pro Natura protects the many different species of flora and fauna: Alpine roses, golden eagles, red deer, and pine trees that are up to 1,000 years old.

Around the Aletsch Glacier

In the Aletsch Arena, the car-free towns of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp are perched high up on the sunny plateau of Valais. Thanks to the altitude here, the conditions are ideal for winter sports. The top excursion destination is the Massa Gorge with its suspension bridge. At the glacier’s point of origin, you’ll find the Jungfrau Region, with the Eiger village of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Experience the region around the Aletsch Glacier for less

When you stay for one night or more, you’ll receive the Aletsch Arena Guest Card, which will give you cable car discounts and free admission to the World Nature Forum in Naters. With the Jungfrau Travel Pass, you’ll have three to eight days of free travel to all the excursion destinations in the Jungfrau Region, as well as a special price up to the Jungfraujoch. In both excursion regions, the Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass will be well worthwhile.

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Aletsch Glacier
Aletsch Arena
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Travel information: Aletsch Arena