Aletsch Glacier — Local services in Fieschertal

Stretching over 23 km in length, there is a variety of hiking trails for exploring the largest glacier in the Alps:

Aletsch Panorama Trail Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 12 km one way Duration: 4-5 hours Starting at Bettmerhorn or Moosfluh, this trail offers panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier. The trail meanders through alpine meadows and offers spectacular vistas of the glacier and surrounding peaks. It’s well-marked and suitable for hikers with a moderate level of fitness.

Great Aletsch Glacier Hike Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 18 km one way Duration: 6-8 hours This hike starts from Jungfraujoch and descends along the length of the Aletsch Glacier to Märjelensee and Fiescheralp. It’s a demanding trail that requires good physical condition and experience in glacier hiking. Guided tours are recommended for safety.

Eggishorn Trail Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 8 km round trip Duration: 3-4 hours Starting from Fiescheralp, this trail ascends to the Eggishorn, providing one of the best viewpoints over the Aletsch Glacier. The hike offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the glacier, the Matterhorn, and the Weisshorn.

Bettmerhorn to Riederalp Trail Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10 km one way Duration: 3-4 hours This scenic trail connects Bettmerhorn to Riederalp, following the ridgeline with continuous views of the Aletsch Glacier. The route is relatively gentle and offers numerous spots to stop and admire the glacier.

Märjelensee Loop Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Distance: 5 km loop Duration: 2-3 hours Starting from Fiescheralp, this loop trail leads to Märjelensee, a picturesque alpine lake near the glacier. The trail provides close-up views of the Aletsch Glacier’s snout and is suitable for families and less experienced hikers.

Guided Glacier Tours: Explore the glacier safely with a professional guide who can lead you through crevasses and ice formations, providing insights into the glacier's history...

Visiting the Aletsch Glacier was an unforgettable experience. Standing before the largest glacier in the Alps, I was completely in awe of its sheer beauty and majesty. The endless river of ice glistening under the sun, framed by snow-capped peaks, created a breathtaking scene that felt almost otherworldly. Despite its immense scale, there’s a remarkable sense of peace and tranquility here — the kind of silence that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and truly appreciate nature.

The hike along the glacier was equally incredible. The trails are well-marked, offering stunning panoramic views at every turn. Walking high above the valley with the glacier stretching out below was nothing short of awe-inspiring, and the variety of landscapes along the way — from rocky ridges to alpine meadows — made the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

If you’re looking for a place that combines natural beauty, serenity, and an unforgettable adventure, the Aletsch Glacier is a must. It’s not just a hike, but an experience that stays with you long after...

The longest and largest valley glacier in Europe, some 14 miles (23 km) long, which descends from a particularly scenic area of the Bernese Alps, in Switzerland.

The Aletsch Glacier forms from the merger of four smaller glaciers that originate in the southern flanks of the impressive Jungfrau and Monch mountains. The four glaciers converge at a flat ice plateau called Kondordiaplatz at an elevation of 9,022 ft (2,750 m), where the ice is as much as 2,950 ft (900 m) deep.

Movement and retreat. The glacier moves at speeds varying from about 660 ft (200 m) a year in the Konkordiaplatz to 33 ft (10 m) a year near its snout. The pattern of terminal moraines below the snout indicates that it has retreated about 3 miles (5 km) since 1860. Spectacular views down the glacier can be seen from Jungfraujoch, a saddle area in the mountains that is accessible via a...