First of all, a few facts about the Aletsch Glacier. It is the largest and longest glacier in the Alps. Its length is about 80 km2 and its volume 12 km3. Its origin is in the Jungfrau region in the canton of Bern. Three main tributaries, called firn streams, join at the Konkordiaplatz in the canton of Valais and from there the length of the tongue is another 15 km. The 2 dark stripes that can be seen on the tongue are medial moraines that separate these three firn streams. The meltwater creates the Massa river, which flows into the Rhone in a controlled manner through the Gibidum reservoir and the Massa gorge.

What makes glaciers so exciting?

Glaciers store 70% of fresh water and influence our climate. They cool our earth because they reflect too much heat into space. As water reservoirs, they irrigate fields, as can be clearly seen in the old irrigation channels in the Valais. They serve to generate energy for hydroelectric power plants and provide people with their daily drinking water in the form of reservoirs.

What causes the retreat of the glacier?

On the one hand, of course, there is little precipitation in winter and, on the other, high temperatures in summer. In addition, there are other factors such as soot and dust. Saharan dust and soot from combustion processes, such as the current forest fire on the Riederhorn, darken the surface of the glacier so that it reflects solar radiation less well. The same effect is caused by ice algae on the glacier. They protect themselves from the sun's rays with red pigments. The meltwater creates more nutrients, which causes the algae to multiply and become visible. The defining term for this sight is "blood snow", because it also causes the glacier to melt faster.

Glacier Tour Unesco

If you want to experience the Aletsch Glacier up close, simply book a glacier tour. It begins and ends on the Moosfluh. Guided glacier tours take place between mid-June and mid-October. Why not find out more on the Aletsch Arena.

Z‘ Wasser plätschret dort im Bachji und glänzt im Morgesunnastrahl