Top 10 Glaciers in the Alps
The Alps are one of the most studied glaciated ranges on the planet — not because they are particularly large by world standards (the Aletsch is dwarfed by Asian and polar glaciers) but because European science has been measuring them since the 18th century. The following ten between them tell most of the Alpine glacier story.
Aletsch
The longest in the Alps at roughly 20 km, with a clearly visible double medial moraine line. The standard panorama is from Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn cable cars. UNESCO listed since 2001.
Mer de Glace
Chamonix's classic glacier. Its retreat is visible: each year a new stair section is added to the access steps from Montenvers. A historical museum of glacial change in itself.
Pasterze
Austria's largest, falling from the Grossglockner. The Hochalpenstrasse gives the highest paved access to a glacier in the Alps. Severe retreat over the last 30 years.
Gorner
The Zermatt-side glacier with the dramatic confluence basin under the Monte Rosa east face. Access via the Gornergrat railway. Distinctive debris stripes.
Argentiere
Above Chamonix, the Argentiere is steeper and more crevassed than the Mer de Glace. The Grands Montets gondola gives quick access; the classic Argentiere hut sits beside it.
Marmolada
Italy's largest Dolomite glacier, on the south wall of the Marmolada. Lost a substantial part of its mass in 2022 when a serac collapsed catastrophically — a sobering case study.
Adamello
The largest glacier wholly in Italy, in the Adamello-Presanella group. Accessible from the Mandrone refuge for ski tours and summer crossings.
Forni
In the Stelvio National Park, with one of the longest monitoring records in the Alps. Heavily moraine-covered tongue; easy walks to the foot from Santa Caterina.
Vatnajokull
Strictly outside the Alps — but often grouped with European glaciers in comparisons. (Vatnajokull is Iceland's, not Alpine. We list it under Iceland.)
Triftgletscher
Bernese Oberland, famous for the long suspension footbridge to its viewpoint above a glacier lake. The bridge is the photograph; the glacier behind it is rapidly retreating.
Findelen
Above Zermatt, with the Stellisee giving the iconic reflection of the Matterhorn over a moraine. Accessible by the Sunnegga lift and a short walk.
When to visit
July to early September for hiking. April and May for ski touring. Glacier-front trails close in mud season; check cantonal alerts.
Where will you go first?
The interactive map filters glaciers by region, cable-car access and current monitoring status — the Alps in a single view.