The largest glacier in the Alps
The Aletsch Glacier is 23 kilometers long, 900 meters thick and has a sea area of 11 cubic kilometers. It dates back more than MILLION YEARS. In 2001, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn" area - the first Alpine site with the status. From LuxLax, you can reach one of the world's most beautiful viewpoints in less than 15 minutes via the cable car.
Facts & Figures
Statistics
| Length | 23 km |
| Thickness | up to 900 m |
| Ice volume | 11 km³ |
| Starting altitude | 4.160 m (Jungfrau) |
| End altitude | 1.550 m (Massa) |
| UNESCO status | since 2001 |
| Speed | up to 180 m/year |
Winter vs. summer: when to go?
Winter (Dec – Apr)
The glacier is covered by a thick layer of powder snow and shines in the sunlight. The ski slopes are open. Cold and clear – the best photos of the glacier are taken in winter under a bright blue sky. An average of 300 sunny days per year.
Summer (Jun – Sep)
The ice is visible without snow: blue, gray, and overwhelming. You can hike alongside the glacier via the UNESCO High Altitude Trail. The Aletsch suspension bridge and Lake Märjelen are only accessible in summer. Alpine flowers and wildlife as a bonus."
From LuxLax to the glacier
LuxLax in Lax is the perfect base for a visit to the Aletsch Glacier. A 5-minute walk takes you to the train to Fiesch (5 minutes), where you transfer to the gondola and arrive 10 minutes later at Fiescheralp with a panoramic view of the UNESCO landscape.
The most beautiful viewpoints
Eggishorn
2.927 m • gondola from Fiesch
The highest accessible point above the Aletsch Arena. Panoramic views of the glacier, Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. Reachable in 30 min from LuxLax by train from Lax to Fiesch-gondola to Fiescheralp and gondola to Eggishorn.
Bettmerhorn
2.872 m • via Bettmeralp
One of the most photographed viewpoints in the world. ccessible by cable car from Betten/Bettmeralp.
Moosfluh
2.333 m • hiking trail
A peaceful viewpoint above Riederalp with a direct view of the glacier. Part of the popular panorama path along the glacier edge. Ideal for leisurely walkers.
Märjelensee
2.360 m • hiking trail
The glacial lake at the edge of the Aletsch. Accessible on foot in summer; from there a half-hour walk to the edge of the glacier or onto it: magical and impressive!
Aletsch Suspension Bridge
1.400 m • walking trail
The suspension bridge over the Massa gorge hangs just beyond the glacier tongue. A unique spot where the ice has retreated and new nature is emerging. Accessible via a hiking trail starting in Riederfurka, partly through the UNESCO nature reserve.
Fiescheralp
2.212 m • gondola from Fiesch
The mid-station is already a wonderful viewpoint. From the terrace of the mountain hut you can see the highest peaks such as the Weisshorn and the Matterhorn. In winter this is also the start of the ski slopes.