Gorner Glacier
Gornergletscher
The second-longest glacier in the Alps, pouring down from the Monte Rosa massif. From the Gornergrat summit you can look down on its vast ice “highway.”
The Gornergletscher stretches about 12 km and is the second-largest glacier system in the Alps, after the Aletsch Glacier. It is formed by the confluence of several tributary glaciers, including those flowing from Monte Rosa, Liskamm and Castor and Pollux, and its surface shows clear dark streaks of medial moraine. The easiest viewpoint is the observation terrace at the Gornergrat summit, which looks south over the glacier winding down the valley. In summer you can also hike down from Rotenboden along a trail to viewpoints at the glacier's edge, or take the high-alpine route to the Monte Rosa Hut. That route involves crossing the glacier and must be done with a certified guide; it is not suitable for ordinary tourists. Because of climate warming, the glacier retreats by tens of metres each year, and below the glacier tongue a meltwater lake and gorge have formed. The Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht, admission about CHF 5, open in summer) just below the village was carved out by glacial meltwater and makes an easy detour. Note: never step onto the ice on your own, as crevasses are dangerous. Viewing the glacier requires no extra ticket; you only need a Gornergrat Railway ticket.
Opening hours
Open all day (viewable from the Gornergrat viewing platform)
Nearby sights
- Monte Rosa Hut
- Gornergrat
- Riffelsee
- 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk)
- Rothorn (Unterrothorn)
- Findeln
- Sunnegga / Leisee
- Gorner Gorge