Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Glaciers: 8 Must-See Destinations
Switzerland remains a land of glaciers, though their numbers are dwindling. Approximately 1400 glaciers still exist within the country, ranging from small remnants to impressive ice formations. A recent exploration highlights eight glaciers readily accessible for observation, offering a glimpse into these shrinking wonders.
Aletsch Glacier
The Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, is easily reached via gondola and cable car to locations like Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn, all offering prime viewing points. A roughly 500-meter-long circular path at Eggishorn provides informative displays about the glacier, and guided tours onto the ice itself are available for those seeking a closer experience.
Clariden and Hüfifirn
Located on the border of Uri and Glarus cantons, the Clariden and Hüfifirn glaciers are more challenging to reach. Accessible to experienced hikers and ski tourers, the Planurahütte serves as a base for exploring this area, revealing a glacial landscape featuring Europe’s largest wind hole and a smaller one near the hut.
Fee Glacier
The Fee Glacier is best viewed from Längflue, reachable by hiking or gondola, and offers skiing opportunities both in winter and summer. Guided tours onto the glacier itself provide access to particularly scenic viewpoints.
Klein Matterhorn Glacier
Visitors can actually enter the Klein Matterhorn Glacier, as the ice stream flows between the mountain station of Europe’s highest cable car (3883m) and the Breithorn. The area features the highest glacier palace in the world, with ice figures and a tunnel leading to a glacial crevasse. This location was previously recommended by the travel guide, Lonely Planet.
Morteratsch Glacier
Located at the foot of Piz Bernina, Graubünden’s only 4000-meter peak, the Morteratsch Glacier features a glacier trail documenting its retreat with informative signs. Visitors may also experience the cool glacial wind and, occasionally, explore glacier caves with a mountain guide.
Titlis Glacier
The Titlis Glacier, approximately 1500 meters long, contains a glacier cave accessible year-round. The ice within the 150-meter tunnel is reportedly up to 5000 years old, located around 10 meters below the surface. The area is also home to the world’s first revolving cable car, offering views of the glacier.
Tsanfleurongletscher
The Glacier 3000 area recently unveiled a new restaurant in November 2024, following a fire two years prior. The area, however, is experiencing glacial loss, with the Col de Tsanfleuron becoming snow-free in the summer of 2022 due to the melting of the Scex-Rouge and Tsanfleurongletscher. Visitors can access the Quille du Diable via a prepared path and enjoy views of the Wallis region.
BONUS: Höhlengletscher Monlési
The Höhlengletscher Monlési, a smaller, underground gem located in the Val de Travers, is reached via a short hike from Les Sagnettes. The ice cave, accessible via a ladder, remains cool even in summer, though caution is advised during wet or winter conditions. A headlamp and crampons are recommended for exploring the ice within.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many glaciers are currently estimated to exist in Switzerland?
Approximately 1400 glaciers still exist in Switzerland, though their size and number are decreasing.
Is it possible to ski on the Fee Glacier?
Yes, skiing is possible on and around the Fee Glacier both in winter and summer.
What is the significance of the Planurahütte in relation to the Clariden and Hüfifirn glaciers?
The Planurahütte serves as a popular, though challenging to reach, destination for ski tourers and hikers exploring the Clariden and Hüfifirn glaciers.
Considering the documented retreat of these glaciers, what measures, if any, do you believe are most crucial for preserving these landscapes for future generations?