Switzerland is home to the largest Alpine glacier globally, but Switzerland also has the most glaciers of all Alpine countries in Europe. There are more than 1,800 glaciers in Switzerland.
Switzerland's Glacier meltwater also plays a crucial role in the country's economy as many glaciers serve as water reservoirs for the country's hydropower production.
Other than that, the Glaciers are also one of Switzerland's most important tourist attractions as it provides tourists looking to hike and explore a chance to do what that like. Asides from this, the glaciers reward anyone willing to dare their stunning views of the famous Swiss Alps.
The incredible number of glaciers in Switzerland makes deciding which one to hike or walk quite a daunting task. As a result of this, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best glaciers perfect for hikes and sightseeing in Switzerland.
The Moiry Glacier (or Glacier de Moiry) is an impressive, easily accessible glacier found in the Canton of Valais.
There are two ways to access the glacier. The easiest way is to drive to the Moiry dam, where you can explore the glacier. A more exciting albeit challenging route is hiking through the beautiful Valley of Hérens.
Irrespective of the route you end up taking, there are plenty of stunning lakes along the way to keep you charmed.
An exploration of the glacier won't be complete without a visit to the Cabane de Moiry, a dining house that provides fantastic views of the Moiry glacier.
Glaciers 3000 is incredibly easy to hike and one of the popular destinations for families looking to explore the alpine glacier. This is because the glacier is pretty safe and requires no guide or equipment to explore.
Sledding and skiing are popular ways of exploring the glacier, although there is also an alpine coaster and cable car for those with no Sledding or skiing experience. A restaurant can also be found at the glacier's viewpoint.
While the glacier does not offer many panoramic views, it provides a unique and fun experience, especially for families.
While there are many glaciers dramatically melting away and retreating due to the warming climate, none is still as magnificent as the Gorner glacier.
Ranked as the second-largest alpine glacier in Switzerland at an impressive 12.4km, the Gorner Glacier offers an enjoyable and unforgettable hiking experience looking to explore.
The hiking trail starts at the village of Zermatt, and it offers some of the best mountain views one can find in Switzerland. For this reason alone, the glacier is a popular tourist destination.
With stunning crevasses and panoramic views of Switzerland's most famous mountains, such as the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, you are in for an exciting hiking experience.
Why visit and hike one glacier when you can walk two in a single hike? That's right, and you can!
The two glaciers are located in the Canton of Valais, with the Allalin Glacier the longer one of the two, measuring 6km in length. The Hohlaub Glacier is only about 3.5km long.
Hiking the two glaciers is very easy and enjoyable. You can look forward to seeing one or two alpine ibex – wild goats found in the area.
Of course, there is no other glacier to lead the pack than the longest Alpine Glacier in Europe: the Aletsch Glacier.
Immensely beautiful and incredibly stunning, the glacier provides an ideal platform for extensive hiking and adventurous excursions. It is a popular site for winter sports and serves as one of Switzerland's biggest reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation.
Various routes can explore the Aletsch glacier's massive length and magnificent landscape. One popular route tourists take the trail through the famous Talligrat Tunnels, a tunnel you want to visit before leaving the area. This trail offers you the opportunity to see the tunnel and admire another impressive glacier, the Fiescher Glacier, found in the area.
Declared in 2001 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this glacier is one you don't want to miss.
Note: This ranking is based on our own experience and research. No uniform rating scheme is followed. We have no claim to the correctness of the ranking. What counts for us is to show the diversity and beauty of Switzerland. Have we published incorrect information? Let us know: hello@switzerland-pictures.com
Photo credits: 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d
