Panorama composed of three images, Aletsch glacier, view from below Märjelensee, July 2024
In July we took the path from Bettmerhorn along the Aletsch glacier towards Eggishorn and the glacier’s gate, which is located a few hundred meteres below Märjelensee. As we headed back, I was able to take some photos of the arena sans people, except for two persons in the distance, which give a reference of the glacier’s actual size.
The Aletsch is the largest glacier in the Swiss Alps and for a long time has withstood weather or climate changes. However, lately it is decreasing every year. The former entrance gate, where people could stand upright infront of the clear blue ice mass, has nearly vanished. Currently you have to kneel in order to still catch a glimpse of the stunning ice blue colors underneath.
Our hike back turned out longer than planned but granted us stunning views of the evening sun casting its rays through isolated clouds and dipping the blooming highland meadows into a warm golden light.
With a walking distance of 20 km this has been my longest hike so far. Our four year old walked at least of half of it on his own and mastered the climb to and from the glacier ice all by himself.
Wiebke Rost 