Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site between the Valais and the Bernese Highlands in the Swiss Alps. It was known as Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn until its name was changed in 2007.
This site is mostly known for its unspoilt mountain landscape. It is a rather diverse landscape, ranging from the arid dry landscape of the Rhone valley over mountain forests and glaciated areas to peaks of more than 4000 metres.
The site is completely open and there is no restriction or fee on access.
- Aletsch Glacier. The largest glacier of the Alps, it is more than 22 kilometres long and up to more than 900 metres thick, but is receding by as much as 100 metres every year.
- Jungfraujoch. The train leads you up to a col at 3450 metres altitude, the highest for any railway in Europe. The train ride itself is quite impressive, as it stops at the Eismmeer station halfway up the mountain, from where there is an impressive view of the glacier below. From there you can access a viewing point at a meteorological observation station at 3571 metres altitude. The views are really stunning, and it's also possible to walk outside in the snow. To both sides are steep cliffs: to the north lies the infamous Eiger North Face whereas to the south the view gives on the Aletsch Glacier. It can get very cold and windy and you are strongly advised to bring along warm clothes. Full Price Fr. 200, 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail.
- Oeschinen Lake. Above the village of Kandersteg lies this mountain lake. You can do some boating on the lake or have a picnic on the shore. There is also a mechanical toboggan coaster and two restaurants.
Aletsch Glacier. The largest glacier of the [[Alps]], it is more than 22 kilometres long and up to more than 900 metres thick, but is receding by as much as 100 metres every year.
Jungfraujoch. The train leads you up to a col at 3450 metres altitude, the highest for any railway in Europe. The train ride itself is quite impressive, as it stops at the Eismmeer station halfway up the mountain, from where there is an impressive view of the glacier below. From there you can access a viewing point at a meteorological observation station at 3571 metres altitude. The views are really stunning, and it's also possible to walk outside in the snow. To both sides are steep cliffs: to the north lies the infamous Eiger North Face whereas to the south the view gives on the Aletsch Glacier. It can get very cold and windy and you are strongly advised to bring along warm clothes. Full Price Fr. 200, 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail.
Oeschinen Lake. Above the village of [[Kandersteg]] lies this mountain lake. You can do some boating on the lake or have a picnic on the shore. There is also a mechanical toboggan coaster and two restaurants.
There is an abundance of hiking trails in this area. Due to the mountainous terrain, most of the trails are actually on or around the perimeter of the site.
- Southern Lötschberg ramp. Before the new base tunnel was opened in 2007, the main train line slowly descended the site of the Rhone valley until it reached the floor at Brig. While it's still possible to take the train along this scenic route, it's nicer to get out at one of the stations and walk along the trail which follows the train route. While the whole trail is very long, it's possible (and recommended) to only walk a part of it. Between Hohtenn and Brig, there are several train stations (Ausserberg, Eggerberg und Lalden) at which it is possible to catch a train in either direction (hourly). This trail offers nice panoramic views on the Rhone valley through the arid and scarcely vegetated sunny side of the valley. Due to its exposed nature it can get scorching hot in the summer months and while it's still possible to do the hike, autumn usually offers milder temperatures and views in autumn colours. It is also an ideal place to explore some of the impressive watering channels (locally called Suonen).
- Hohtürli Pass. This trail leads from the Griesalp via the Hohtürli Pass to Oeschinen Lake and Kandersteg. On the highest point after Hohtürli Pass you can stop buy the Blüemlisalp hut. To shorten the trip the last part from Oeschinen Lake to Kandersteg can be done by cable car.
Southern Lötschberg ramp. Before the new base tunnel was opened in 2007, the main train line slowly descended the site of the Rhone valley until it reached the floor at [[Brig]]. While it's still possible to take the train along this scenic route, it's nicer to get out at one of the stations and walk along the trail which follows the train route. While the whole trail is very long, it's possible (and recommended) to only walk a part of it. Between Hohtenn and Brig, there are several train stations (Ausserberg, Eggerberg und Lalden) at which it is possible to catch a train in either direction (hourly). This trail offers nice panoramic views on the Rhone valley through the arid and scarcely vegetated sunny side of the valley. Due to its exposed nature it can get scorching hot in the summer months and while it's still possible to do the hike, autumn usually offers milder temperatures and views in autumn colours. It is also an ideal place to explore some of the impressive watering channels (locally called Suonen).
Hohtürli Pass. This trail leads from the Griesalp via the Hohtürli Pass to Oeschinen Lake and Kandersteg. On the highest point after Hohtürli Pass you can stop buy the Blüemlisalp hut. To shorten the trip the last part from Oeschinen Lake to Kandersteg can be done by cable car.
- Anenhütte, +41 79 864 66 44. This mountain hut is only accessible by foot (or helicopter) and is a good destination for a day hike. It is located at 2350 metres altitude and overlooks the lower part of the Lang Glacier. It is also possible to book a room for the night.
Anenhütte, +41 79 864 66 44. This mountain hut is only accessible by foot (or helicopter) and is a good destination for a day hike. It is located at 2350 metres altitude and overlooks the lower part of the Lang Glacier. It is also possible to book a room for the night.
Do not walk on the glacier if you don't know what you are doing. Crevasses can be covered by snow and are often invisible. If you are interested in a glacier tour, you can book a tour with a local guide.