Aletsch Glacier - Valais

Visit this fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site

Available: all year round.

Example travel costs

Swiss Travel Pass: FREE rail/bus to Brig and the Aletsch villages. 50% reduction on the cable cars.

Half Fare Card: to Brig - 42 Sfr return from Interlaken, 20 Sfr from Saas-Fee, 38 Sfr from Zermatt. 50% reduction on travel to the Aletsch villages and the cable cars.  

Recommended: Buy a one day Aletsch Explorer pass for just 28 Sfrs with your Half Fare Card/Swiss Travel Pass. Covers unlimited journeys on the cable cars.

Entrance to the World Nature Forum: 18 Sfr per adult and 9 Sfr per child 6-16 years.

Close to Brig are the southern slopes of the Aletsch Glacier, a World Heritage Site where you can witness high alpine scenery gradually transforming into a sub-mediterranean rocky steppe. The viewing points along the river of ice, the forests and the scenic walking opportunities are fantastic here and come highly recommended. The impressive World Nature Forum is the perfect 'base camp' for those wishing to learn more about the region before setting out to explore. 

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Aletsch Glacier

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch covers 824 square kilometres, from the Bernese Oberland to the Valais region. At its heart lies the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rock massif and the glacial landscape surrounding the Great Aletsch Glacier. This southern side at is a natural wonder, showing off the longest glacier in in Europe (23km) at its most awe-inspiring.

There are several villages dotted along the mountains overlooking the river of ice, with cable cars taking you up to viewing points of the most scenic beauty. You can take a picnic to enjoy while following a summer walking trail or try a traditional lunch in one of the charming mountain restaurants.

Aletsch Explorer travel pass

If you are planning a full day in the mountains, we recommend purchasing the Aletsch Explorer Day Pass, which offers great value for money. It guarantees you unlimited travel on all cable cars connecting to hiking trails and the excursion summits. The train route Brig-Mörel-Betten Valley-Fiesch-Fürgangen is also included.

With your pass, you can visit the favourite viewing points of the Riederalp, Bettmeralp & Eggishorn. Explore the area at your leisure - enjoy the walks and experience views from differing angles across this natural phenomenon.

Aletsch villages and walks

Eggishorn-Märjela walk The magnificent mountain hike takes you from the Eggishorn to Lake Märjela and back to the Fiescheralp. The route is relatively flat, but offers an extraordinary view over the entire Great Aletsch Glacier. 

Moosfluh & Aletschwald Enjoy fabulous views from Moosfluh, followed by a walk in the Aletsch Forest. The forest is protected and is dominated by hardy Swiss stone pines, some of which are believed to be at least 600 years old. 

Belalp The Hotel Belalp and its chapel were constructed in 1858 at the most panoramic view point of the Glacier. You can take a short walk from the cable car station to reach the Glacier's edge. 

Risihorn The Risihorn, the mountain overlooking Bellwald, offers a breathtaking view to the Finsteraarhorn. There is a well-marked hiking trail from the chairlift to the Risihorn for more serious hikers.

World Nature Forum - base camp for the Glacier

Exhibition Visitors to the World Nature Forum will gain an understanding of the history of the formations of the Alps, the wildlife that live here, and the culture of the people who have also populated the region. The future is also explored - what challenges will the effects of climate change bring to agriculture (when the meadows and pastures are no longer irrigated by the glacier), to the traditional alpine village life and to winter tourism, when the snows diminish. The exhibition makes good use of artefacts, infographics and plenty of interactive experiences to spark the interest of adults and children alike. 

Panorama Space The highlight of the exhibition, with a screen of 100 square metres showing incredible panoramic views of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier. 

Jungfrau-Aletsch Café The café is open all day and offers local specialties from the Valaisian and Bernese Oberland towns which lie within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sandwiches, soup and hot and cold beverages are also available.

Trains and buses to the the Aletsch villages depart regularly from Brig and you can be up at a mountain viewing point within an hour.

The World Nature Forum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-17.00. From Brig railway station it is just a 5 minute walk, across the River Rhone bridge into the town of Naters.

Please check before travel for maintenance closures. 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com