Aletsch Glacier Deep Dive
The Aletsch is the longest and largest glacier in the Alps — around 20 km long, 80 km2 of ice, and the centrepiece of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite a sobering retreat in recent decades, it remains a manageable glacier for any traveller who can take a cable car.
Geography
The Aletsch starts at the Konkordiaplatz, where three feeder glaciers (Grosser Aletsch-, Mittelaletsch- and Jungfraufirn) meet. From there it flows south-east for about 20 km, dropping from around 3 400 m to 1 600 m at its current snout. Two distinct medial moraines mark where the feeders merge.
Retreat
The Aletsch lost about 1.3 km of length since 1980 and is thinning by several metres per year at altitudes below 2 800 m. Wooden markers and metal pins on the access trails track the position year by year.
How to visit
Three main entry points:
- Bettmeralp / Bettmerhorn. Cable car from Betten in the Rhone Valley. Bettmerhorn viewpoint at 2 647 m gives the standard panoramic shot.
- Eggishorn. Cable car from Fiesch to 2 869 m for an even wider panorama; usually less crowded than Bettmerhorn.
- Konkordia. From the Jungfraujoch railway, descend the Jungfraufirn to the SAC Konkordia hut — a serious glacier day-trip for experienced groups.
Trails and walks
Several balcony trails connect the Bettmer-, Riederfurka- and Aletsch viewpoints without setting foot on ice. The "Aletsch panorama trail" from Bettmerhorn to Riederfurka is a 4-5 hour signposted walk above the glacier with continuous views.
Konkordia traverse
The classic 2-3 day route descends the entire glacier from Jungfraujoch to Belalp. Crampons, harness, rope and trained guide required; operators in Brig and Visp arrange the trip.
When to go
July to early October for walking. April-May for ski-touring on the upper glacier. The cable cars run mid-June through mid-October.
Explore on the map
Find every named viewpoint, hut and access track for the Aletsch on the interactive map, plus the GLAMOS monitoring station positions and the latest published retreat data.