Aletsch Glacier
Aletsch Glacier
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Europe's largest glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by geological glacial featured landscapes and Alpine flora and wildlife.
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georgekavtr
Lausanne, Switzerland94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2014 • Friends
I always postponed the visit to the famous glacier. I was put off by the long trip distance till there from any major swiss city. Motivated enough, I went in the end of summer with a group of friends and really enjoyed it! You can pick the hike path that you like(take a map from the cable car counter). The path we tried and recommend for a full day, medium level but long hiking, is to stop at Betten with the train and take the gondola (a very big cable car) to Bettmeralp. There you can spend some time in the village, hike down there or, what we did, take the second small cable care to Bettmerhorn. And now you are at top on 2.9km altitude. From there hike torward the Eggishorn (the other top) or Fiescheralp the village at the base of that. During the hike you will see the glacier all the time, and in a specific location will have the chance to go ON it. However the hike sub-path in order to approach it, is quite hard; be prepared with good shoes. After arriving to Eggishorn you take the cable to reach the Fiescheralp, or if you are already there you take the big gondola to reach the big village of Fiesch where you can catch the train for your way back.

To summarize because the names can be confusing:

on one mountain side you have:
Main village: Betten
Mountain village: Bettmeralp
Mountain top: Bettmerhorn

And on the other side:
Main village: Fiesch
Mountain village: Fiescheralp
Mountain top: Eggishorn

There are plenty of paths between them and the paths are marked with distances and expected times in every crossroad. Take care to see the last cable car schedule and plan ahead, otherwise you may need to walk down the mountain!
Written 16 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tipiwoman
Ontario, Canada1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Hiking through the ProNatura Protected Aletsch forest to Riederalphorn
By Nancy V. Sont

We took the 8-minute cable car from Moosfluh to Huhfluh which isn’t accessible by car. Laoudo Albrecht, our guide, explained a lot about the glacier moraine as we stood looking down on it. It was a breathtaking view of the glacier from this cliff top. People stood around and sat on benches.

The Aletsch glacier is a UNESCO site. It was chosen because at 23km long, it is the biggest glacier in the Alps, even though there is a bigger and longer one in Scandinavia.

It begins at Jungfraujoch and from Eggershorn you can get a wide, fisheye view of the whole Aletsch glacier.

The Aletch is actually three glaciers: the Jungfrau vein, the Aletch vein on the left and the Eveehneuelt on the right. They have lateral moraines on the side of each of the glaciers. If you have two coming together, then you have two lateral moraines connecting. Those outer moraines are then called median moraines.

The three glaciers meet at Concordia. That’s where the lateral becomes the median. The glacier is moving at Concordia at 200 meters annually, or more than half a meter daily. This speed is abnormal, but in 2003 it was 5 degrees hotter all summer than it ever has been.

An animal like a goat and the parent of the snow goat called a shamwa, live in these mountains.

In the tops of the mountains across the glacier, we could see the Ober Aletch glacier, then the Tirast glacier then the Tenbecken glacier, the Middle Aletch glacier, and another unnamed glacier.

The Aletsch glacier has been at many levels, but 10,000 years ago it was level with the moraine on the walls.

There have been many small ice ages. During those times the glaciers become bigger and smaller. The last one ended in 1860. That’s when the glacier was up to the top of the moraine line along the walls of the valley. It was 3 km longer and was 200 meters deeper.

Our guide showed us photos of the glacier at that level.

The scenery was breathtaking as we began our walk. The ridge was dotted with small hills, around which the path wound up and down.

Laoudo pointed out a Nutcracker (a bird) sitting on the branch of an aurealian pine. He told us they each hide 80,000-100,000 nuts each year. They will take fifty to seventy nuts in their necks, holding them in their pouches and carry them. Later the nuts sprout and they result in more Aurealian pines.

A few nutcrackers flew over the valley as we talked. They resembled a kingfisher in their shape and flight pattern. They have floppy neck skin and black and white markings.

The shamwa and the birds eat the blueberries on the bushes that cover the ground. The berries are ripe in August then leaves turn red in September.

Alongside the trail was a 70 year old stone wall. It marked the boundary of the Aletch Forest protected area. A sign told us about ProNatura who had protected this area.

ProNatura has 100,000 members. They’ve protected 500 areas in Switzerland. Since Switzerland is such a little country, this is a big protected area, four square kilometres. In a protected area, you are only allowed to walk on paths. You can’t hunt. There’s no removal of wood, you can’t pick blueberries, and you can’t even move anything like a carcass off the path. (A deer leg lay partially eaten on our path) It is all part of the UNESCO world heritage site. However, if the area were only protected by UNESCO, then they’d still be allowed to use it for agriculture and to take wood.

There are 50-70,000 visitors in the forest from June till the end of October. Because the area goes up to the end of the glacier and the glacier is receding as it melts at the end, the protected area is expanding all the time!

The reason it is protected is because it has Aurealian pines. They have disappeared elsewhere. There are also Larch trees, a fir tree that loses its needles in the fall. As it turns yellow, it changes the colour of the forest. Although winter consists of seven to eight months of snow in the area, the trees are adapted to the conditions.

After passing through the gateway and heading down the side of the mountain to the moraine and then to the forest, Laoudo pointed out an huge aurealian pine with lichen growing on it. All but one branch of it appeared dead. Laoudo told us it was 700-800 years old. They grow to be over 1000 years old. As the oldest trees in Switzerland, it’s nothing for these trees to be 500 years old.

We passed a fallen Alnus Viridis tree that had been uprooted. On the tips of the dead looking branches, were live growth.

Although it is forbidden to make fires in the forest, many people smoke, as that’s not forbidden unless it’s very dry.

One Aurealian pine was dead and burned amongst the rest of the forest. A helicopter had put out the fire by dumping water on that one tree.

Across the valley and above the glacier, we could see a very long waterfall. Laoudo said it didn’t have a name. He’d been over there though. It looked impossible to get to that spot!

I loved walking through the sparse, shady forest, we were on top of a ridge it seemed, always with the view of the glacier beside us.
Written 14 February 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TwoSmallPotatoes
Maine135 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2015 • Couples
This glacier is simply awesome! Switzerland and the Alps have gobs of glaciers, but not like this. The accessibility is just incredible. In just a few hours, you can be above it, hike a good portion along its 24 km length, and even hike right down to it on a 10 minute side trail to actually stand next to it, hear it groaning, and look underneath it. It's an experience like no other!

This entire area is so confusing at first with tons of cable cars and hiking trails, so it's hard to know which one to choose. We actually had a hike picked out but because of rock slides, it was closed. We're so grateful because we ended up doing a much longer hike that connected with our original hike, and we felt like it offered the best of the glacier (except for actually hiking across it, which is an option but most folks need to hire a guide, for good reason).

We started our hike at Betten Talstation not far past Brig. Betten Talstation is just a cable car that has a huge parking area (if you're driving) and a train stop if you're coming by train. We took the cable car up to Betten Dorf where we immediately walked onto another cable car and continued up to Bettmeralp, a car-free village like Zermatt. You can also take a cable car direct from Betten Talstation up to the village of Bettmeralp. Not sure why they have two options...both seem equally fast. From Bettmeralp, we walked through the village for about 10 minutes up to another cable car where we used our same tickets to go immediately up to the Bettmerhorn, a peak at 2647 meters. A short raised trail from the lift leads you directly to a splendid viewpoint overlooking the glacier. With no hiking and little effort, you'll have superb views.

The best part though is the hike. From the viewing platform, you'll want to turn to your left and start hiking. You'll come to Hohbalm, a hiking intersection with signs where you'll turn right and head to Roti Chumme and beyond, angling down toward the glacier but staying above it as the trail parallels it for several kilometers. The trail has some elevation changes with clambering over rocks and a bit of snow as of June, but overall is really not too difficult if you're in good shape. Much of it evens out and is fairly flat before climbing again as it rounds the Eggishorn to the north and then turns toward Lake Marjelen.

Right as you see Lake Marjelen, you should also see a small sign that says "Aletsch Glacier, 10" on your left. If you follow this short trail down the creek (you'll have to cross it so if you're not comfortable, don't do it! The water is fast and the rocks slippery.) The trail ends where the creek flows directly down into a giant hole at the base of the glacier, disappearing inside. It's wild and eerie, being so close to it. You can walk up next to it and touch it. Be careful though! As the ice melts, rocks and even boulders tumble down. One came down right next to us.

Returning to the main trail near Lake Marjelen, continue on a short ways to an intersection where you can take a tunnel, which is shorter, to Tallisen or go around (better views but longer). We took the tunnel since it was already 7 pm when we arrived at the intersection. On the other side, we walked through Fiescheralp (lifts were no longer running) all the way down to Bettmeralp. From there, we took a lift at around 10 pm back down to our car in the parking area at Betten Talstation. The lift at Bettmeralp runs until around 11 pm but the others shut down early (4 or 5 pm), so don't get stuck up there!

Cost: Parking was 3.50 chf for 8 or 9 hours. The lift from Betten Talstation was only 24 chf for 2 adults, roundtrip, and included access to all the lifts in the area in case we decided to come down a different way. We have the half fare Swiss cards, so if you don't have those, full price would be 48 chf for 2 adults. Bettmeralp has restaurants in the village and Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn (peaks) both have restaurants. We packed a lunch so we didn't buy any food in the area.
Written 2 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

maneck p
Mumbai, India676 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2014 • Couples
It was a mesmerizing trip to the "TOP OF THE WORLD" , IN THE SWISS ALPS. We were privileged to be there to enjoy ecstatically the beautiful mountain scenery, the Glaciers, the Ice Caves, the Sphinx Observatory.
At 11,332 Feet Above Sea Level is the highest point in Europe. which includes several panoramic restaurants and a post office.
The Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world, provides an additional viewing platform at a height of 3,571 meters or 11,716 feet. It can be reached by an elevator from the Jungfraujoch.
A thoroughly enjoyable trip full of chilling and thrilling experiences in snow at dizzy heights.
Written 13 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevin G
Kent, UK21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2018 • Solo
I took the easy route to viewing the Aletsch glacier - the train from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch.

Once you reach the Jungfraujoch there are several viewing points you can go to, to see the glacier.

The easiest to get to is the viewing platform. It allows you to see 360° around the platform as long as you are ok walking on a steel mesh platform over some fairly steep drops.
Alternatively, there are a couple of "land" based viewing areas. One that is on the same level as the canteen/restaurant and another is to walk along the tunnel to the ski/activity area and view the glacier from there. I would honestly recommend all three as each has its own unique viewing angle.
Written 8 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brun066
Florence, Italy13,498 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2012 • Family
According to some people (source: internet) this is the most beautiful hiking in the Alps. It 's very difficult to decide on this matter; but let's say that this hiking trail is definitely at the head of any list.
I want to specify that we have covered the classic "Panoramaweg" from Bergstation Bettmerhorn, along the amazing path of the glacier, up to Märjelensee; from there we crossed a pedestrian tunnel and then up to Fiescheralp.
Please note that we have easily made ​​this hiking in one day, by train and cable car, starting and arriving in Italy, at Domodossola, just across the Simplon tunnel. Of course you can do this even more so by Brig (or even from Berne or Lausanne)
Message to those who suffer from vertigo (like me!): the path is perfectly feasible for them (unless you have a real phobia). I feared a bit, because the information of the websites was contradictory in this regard. But after having made the journey, my message is: do not give up to this experience, one of the most beautiful one can have in the Alps.
If you do not start very late, you will get in Gletscherstube (1 km after the Märjelensee) at an hour still acceptable for lunch. Otherwise, provide packed lunch. Have nice hiking!
Written 4 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MelroseWestMidlands
West Midlands24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2011 • Couples
I would recommend our 'unplanned' route, which gave us a memorable day and enabled us to enjoy the magnificent views that this glacier has to offer. In Betten buy a single ticket (we bought return!) for the cable cars, which take you initially to Bettmeralp and then on to Bettmerhorn. We joined the Gletscherweg just behind the cable car station and started a slow descent towards the glacier. We kept intending to go 'just to the next bend' as it was our intention to take the cable car back to Bettmeralp, however we were just drawn in by the views and the sight of those tiny specks ahead of you, which were people further down the path. The path was re-directed due to a rock fall and once we had negotiated a steepish section we felt there was no going back and decided to carry on to the Marjelensee and the much needed Gletscherstube rest stop. The time from Bettmerhorn to the Gletscherstube was 2.5 hours. From here we headed for the cable car station at Fiescheralp. The shortest route takes you through a 1km long tunnel, which has lights, but a torch would have been useful and then down a well made track to the Fiescheralp station - approx. 1.5 hours.

We are in our early 60's and are reasonably fit, but found this to be quite strenuous in parts. Better planning of the route would have been advisable, which is my main reason for posting this report. Walking sticks are an absolute must.
Written 23 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SrujanNaik
Bangalore237 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2014 • Couples
The largest glacier in Alps, Aletsch Glacier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For people like me you are not so dextrous in ice, you can have a glimpse of the same from the viewing points in Jungfrau. Extremely beautiful, not to be missed
Written 30 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Coellum
Manila, Philippines1,229 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2014 • Family
I have seen glaciers before but not like this one. It snakes its way through the valley and seems to go on and on. We saw it by taking the cable car from Bettmeralp. After one cable car ride, we had to walk about 10 minutes to the next cable car to bring us to the view point. Up there, there is a restaurant with simple food. Our original plan was to go up to Eggishorn but the cable car going there was closed for the season,
Lovely views both from the cable cars and when you reach the alpine village. After viewing the glacier, we sat around the Bettemersee (lake) near the cable car station. It was still mostly frozen in May.
Written 13 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

voyagewriter
London, UK68 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013 • Friends
The train ride from Wengen or Lauterbrunnen to the 'Top of Europe' (the summit of Jungfrau) starts out with beautiful scenery. After the change in Kleine Scheidegg, there's a bit more amazing scenery, but then the ride in the tunnel starts -- and it's long. You arrive at the 'Top of Europe', and if the weather is clear, you'll have an undeniably fascinating view. (If not, though, you are surrounded by fog with 0 visibility.) As for the 'Top of Europe' facility, it's a grand tourist trap with a few mediocre restaurants. As amazing as the scenery might be, the long train ride in the no-view tunnel just doesn't justify 160 Swiss francs per person. I think it's a rip-off. Switzerland has so much else to offer for much less.
Written 21 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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