Aletsch Glacier

The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Swiss Alps at a staggering 14.3mi long. This route will take you on a trail alongside the glacier from a safe distance. The trail is rocky, so light hiking boots are recommended as a baseline. There is a restaurant and restroom at the Bettmerhorn station should you need a quick break, as there are no amenities after this.

Find out what time the last lift will operate from Bettmerhorn station and set a turn around time for your group. Once you hit this time, head back to the lift station even if you have not reached the turn around point of the GPS route. You don’t want to get stuck!

From the Bettmerhorn lift station, follow the trail westward and downhill towards the glacier. There is a fork on the trail about 1640ft from the lift station, head to the right here.

The trail zig zags steeply downwards to the glacier then levels out and heads northeastward parallel to the glacier. You will cross an area of moraine or unconsolidated rocks, and we recommend moving through this section without delay due to the possibility of rockfall.

Follow the trail until you hit the turnaround point indicated by the GPS route, about 1.9mi from the lift station. This is a great time for a picnic. Reverse the route back to the lift station with some time allowance before the last lift service for the day. The trail becomes steep as you get near the lift station, so save a bit of energy for the end.