Left to right: Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau

Swiss Alps - Konkordia and the Aletsch Glacier

Trekking in the Bernese Oberland Explore the route with Google Earth

The Aletsch Glacier is the largest and longest in the Alps and lies in the Bernese Alps of south-central Switzerland. Covering an area of 66 sq miles / 171 sq km it is divided into the Great Aletsch (main) and the Middle and Upper Aletsch which are tributary branches. The main glacier is 15 miles / 24km long and 1 mile / 1.6km wide and extends generally southward from Konkordia Platz where four arms of the glacier meet, to the Aletsch Forest Nature Reserve. Descending from the Aletschorn, the Middle Aletsch reaches the main glacier almost opposite Marjelen Lake adjacent the Great Aletsch south of the Eggishorn.

From the Jungfraujoch at an altitude of 3500m the glittering slopes of the mountain morph into the expansive glacier at Konkordia Platz, where the snow and ice is about 800-900m deep, and there is a spectacular view towards the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m), Jungfrau (4158m) and Aletschorn (4192m) from the 2850m high Konkordia Mountain Hut perched on the Aletsch Glacier.

On this challenging walk you will receive expert guidance from our International Mountain Guide and learn the essential mountaineering skills necessary for safe walking on glaciated terrain using ropes, ice axe and crampons. This trip will provide you with magnificent alpine panoramas where you will make a high level traverse of the Bernese Oberland over rugged terrrain, with some easy climbing, and includes the ascent of the Abeni Flue (3962m) and Gemschlicke (3335m) plus glacial trekking across Konkordia and the Aletsch Glacier.

Throughout this epic journey you will be constantly rewarded with superlative views of snow-capped peaks and stunning alpine scenery including the Finsteraarhorn (4274m), highest summit in the Bernese Oberland, the iconic Matterhorn and west towards Mont Blanc. On good trails up to the snowline this trip includes plenty of variety with scrambling sections, snowslope climbing, tough summit ascents and glacial travel on the Alp's largest glacier.

This is a demanding excursion walking up to 6 hours per day, with some extra long days and tough climbs, crossing several high alpine passes with overnight stops in some spectacular mountain refuges in one of the most dramatic locations in the European Alps.

Click here for a panoramic of the Bernese Oberland and Aletsch Glacier by Fulvio Zuanni.

What's included

Experienced International Mountain Guide 1:6 ratio 2 nights hotel - breakfast and dinner 5 nights Dormitory Mountain Refuge - breakfast and dinner Local transfers and cable cars Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoor and Montane
What's not included

Flights and airport transfers from Geneva to Brig Personal expenses, lunch, daytime snacks and drinks Travel insurance

ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrive Geneva Airport and onward transfer to our hotel in Brig. Evening meal followed by equipment check and holiday briefing by your guide.

Day 2

Our day starts with a transfer to Fafleralp (1787m) and then a steady assent on mountain paths to the Anen Hut (2358m).

Day 3

Today we have a short walk to our first glacier which we then ascend gradually to the Lotschenlucke pass and our second overnight stop at the Hollandia Hut (3240m).

Day 4

Today we'll have our first views of the mighty Aletsch Glacier and make a straightforward ascent of the Abeni Flue (3962m) and then continue to the magnificently located Konkordia Hut (2850m).

Day 5

We set off once again across the glacier and make our way to the Monchsjoch Hut (3627m) enjoying stunning views of the Jungfrau and the Monch en route.

Day 6

Heading into the heart of the Bernese Oberland, we descend amongst the snow covered giants returning by another route to our stop at the Konkordia Hut (2850m).

Day 7

Our final day begins with our last glacial section on the lower reaches of the Aletsch Glacier before we proceed into lush meadows and down to Fiescheralp (1859m) where we take the cable car to the valley bottom and return to our hotel in Brig.

Day 8

Depart after breakfast for transfer to airport and flight home.

RESERVATIONS

Availability	Mid June to Mid September
Spaces	12
Reservations	Please call or email to check latest availability
Comments	Excellent introduction to glacial trekking and easy alpine climbs in a superb location which includes an easy ascent of the Abeni Flue at a fraction below 4000 metres.