The Aletsch Glacier in numbers
The Aletsch Glacier flows south from the Jungfraujoch and is the largest glacier in the Alps. It is 22 kilometres long and up to 900 metres thick, and it holds about 12 billion tonnes of ice. It belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.
You do not have to hike to see it. The railway brings you to 3,454 metres, and from there the glacier is a few minutes away. The Sphinx terrace gives the widest view, the plateau puts you on the snow itself.
Where to see the glacier at the Joch
Everything below is part of the Discovery Tour and is included in your ticket. Times are the approximate durations given for the tour.
| Spot | Time | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Sphinx terrace, 3,571 m | About 15 min | The widest view of the glacier, on clear days as far as the Black Forest and the Vosges |
| Plateau | About 15 min | You stand on snow and ice, which lie there all year |
| Ice Palace | About 15 min | Corridors and sculptures inside the glacier, around −3 °C |
| Mönchsjoch hut, 3,658 m | 45 min one way | A walk over the glacier on your own responsibility |
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From the Sphinx terrace and the plateau
The two best viewpoints are a short walk from the station.
Sphinx terrace
A lift covers 108 metres in 25 seconds and takes you up to the observatory terrace at 3,571 metres. This is the viewpoint for the whole length of the glacier. Give it about 15 minutes, longer if the weather is clear.
Sphinx Observatory →Plateau
The plateau is a snow field right outside the station, about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Snow and ice are guaranteed there 365 days a year, even in August.
Weather and timing →The Ice Palace
The Ice Palace lies inside the glacier. Mountain guides cut its corridors into the ice in the 1930s. Entry is included in your ticket. Inside it is around −3 °C, so a jacket is useful even in summer. You walk past ice sculptures and spend about 15 minutes there.
A 250-metre corridor, the Alpine Sensation, connects the Sphinx hall with the Ice Palace. It has 30 memorial plaques for the workers who died building the railway.
Walking to the Mönchsjoch hut
The way onto the glacier on foot, and not a casual stroll.
Distance
Officially 45 minutes one way from the Jungfraujoch, with about 200 metres of climbing. An independent source gives 1 hour and 1.8 kilometres. Plan for the longer figure and add the walk back.
The hut
At 3,658 metres it is the highest staffed hut in Switzerland and is run by an outside operator. It is open from the end of March to mid-October, depending on the weather. Check its status before you set out.
Own risk
The walk is on your own responsibility. Crevasses, avalanches and sudden snowstorms are real risks. You need very good fitness. If the route is closed, there is no refund on your ticket.
Safety at the glacier
Most problems up here come from altitude and sun, not from the ice.
Altitude
Altitude sickness can start from about 2,500 metres. If it hits, go down quickly. Drink water or tea, move slowly and avoid alcohol and nicotine.
Clothing
Dress in layers. Bring a jacket, closed shoes, a hat, gloves, sunglasses against snow blindness and sun cream, also in bad weather.
Flying a drone
Drone flights are not allowed at the Jungfraujoch.
Getting to the glacier
The glacier is reached by the same ticket as the rest of the Jungfraujoch.
By train
From Interlaken Ost the fast route takes 1 hour 37 minutes via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express. The classic route via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg takes about 2 hours 7 minutes.
Price
In summer 2026 a return ticket from Interlaken Ost costs CHF 271.20 including the seat reservation, or CHF 140.60 with a Half Fare Card. In winter it costs CHF 224.40.
Snow sports
The Snow Fun Park at the top offers ski, snowboard, tubing and a zip line. Its 2026 season ended on 18 October, and 2027 dates are not published.
Aletsch Glacier: frequently asked questions
How big is the Aletsch Glacier?
It is 22 kilometres long and up to 900 metres thick and holds about 12 billion tonnes of ice. It is the largest glacier in the Alps.
Where can I see the Aletsch Glacier from the Jungfraujoch?
Best from the Sphinx terrace at 3,571 metres, which you reach by lift. The plateau next to the station also gives you a view of the glacier.
Is the Ice Palace included in the ticket?
Yes, entry to the Ice Palace is included in the Jungfraujoch ticket. It is around −3 °C inside.
How long is the walk to the Mönchsjoch hut?
Officially 45 minutes one way from the Jungfraujoch, with about 200 metres of climbing. It is on your own responsibility because of crevasses, avalanches and snowstorms.
Is the Aletsch Glacier a World Heritage site?
Yes. It lies within the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.