Aletsch Glacier - Switzerland
N 46° 24.680 E 008° 04.531
32T E 428947 N 5140166
Aletsch is Europe's largest glacier and classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Waymark Code: WMEGY
Location: Valais, Switzerland
Date Posted: 06/09/2006
Views: 200
The origin point of the great Aletsch Glacier lies situated in the 4,000 m high Jungfrau-Region. At the Konkordiaplatz, a six sq. km, slightly inclined iceflow, three large Firn (snow) fields come together.
From the Konkordiaplatz, the Aletsch Glacier has a width of approximately 1.5 km and moves at a rate of 180 m per year. The glacier's toe currently lies about 1560 m high, far beneath the local tree line. From it springs the Massa stream, which flows though the Massa Canyon and is used to generate hydroelectric power.
This point can be reached by parking your car in the car park below Betten and taking the gondola (N46° 22.279' E8° 04.596') , first up to Bettmeralp station, and then a second gondola up to the Bettmerhorn summit. There is also a train stop by the Gondola in case you are coming by train.
Near the viewing area is a cafeteria and rest rooms.
Mountain / landmass name: Jungfrau
Glacier type: ice
Parking / trail head / boat launch:
N46 22.279 E8 04.596
Travel time (approximate): 1:00 AM
Final access method: Hiking trail
Safe viewing location: N 46° 24.680 W 008° 04.530
Photograph submitted: yes
Park name (if any): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
To log an existing waymark, you must post a photograph of you and the glacier [TAKEN FROM A SAFE LOCATION], and describe briefly how you arrived there.