The Aletsch Glacier is one of Switzerland’s most striking natural wonders, famous for its massive size and UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s a place where the landscape’s raw power is on full display, and there’s no shortage of ways to experience its beauty. Personally, I love the quick-access round-trip cable car ride to Eggishorn because it offers panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding peaks without much fuss—perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a snapshot of this glacier’s grandeur. For those craving a bit more adrenaline, trying the paragliding tandem flight is a once-in-a-lifetime way to feel like a bird soaring over the glaciers and ridges.
In this guide, we’ll explore two top tours that showcase the best of Aletsch Glacier—one focused on breathtaking viewpoints accessible via cable car, and another that offers the thrill of flying high above the landscape with paragliding. Both are excellent options depending on what kind of experience you’re after, whether it’s a quick panoramic view or an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Below, we’ll dive into each tour, highlighting what makes them unique, the practical details, and who they’re best suited for. This way, you can decide whether to enjoy a scenic ride or take to the skies in your quest for glacier adventure.
1. Aletsch Glacier: Round-trip Cable Car Ticket to Eggishorn
Travelers who want a straightforward, scenic overview of the Great Aletsch Glacier tend to favor this cable car experience. For around $60 per person, you get a round-trip ticket that takes you from the car-free village of Fiescheralp to the Eggishorn viewpoint. The tour is valid for a full day, allowing plenty of flexibility to pick your departure time—just check availability before booking.
What makes this tour stand out is its ability to deliver breathtaking panoramic views with minimal effort. Once at Eggishorn, you’ll be gazing directly at the world’s longest glacier in the Alps, stretching out like a frozen river below. You also get fantastic vistas of Valais’ 4000-meter peaks including the Matterhorn and Jungfrau, making it a perfect quick escape for photographers and nature lovers.
The round-trip cable car provides the quickest way to see the full length of the glacier, with the added bonus of being accessible to most travelers, regardless of fitness level. The views are so stunning that you’ll want to spend as much time as possible soaking in the scenery before heading back down.
Bottom line: This tour offers incredible value for those who want a hassle-free, spectacular view of the glacier and surrounding peaks, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone short on time.
2. Aletsch Arena: Paragliding Tandem Flight Basic
For travelers craving an unforgettable sense of freedom, the paragliding tandem flight over the Aletsch Arena is hard to beat. At around $195 per person, this roughly one-hour experience provides a chance for genuine flight—literally—over the glacier and surrounding mountains. The tour starts high above the Rhone Valley, giving you a view that few other experiences can match.
What makes this trip unique is the feeling of floating like a bird over the stunning landscape. Under the supervision of an experienced tandem master, you have the option to steer the glider (if you’re feeling brave), adding a dash of adventure and control. The views are extraordinary, with sweeping panoramas of the glacier, snow-capped peaks, and the lush valley below.
The starting point is up high above the valley, accessible by a drive or cable car, which adds an element of anticipation. Many say that the sensation of flying over the glacier—feeling the wind and gazing down at the icy expanse—is truly liberating. Plus, this experience is suitable for most people in good health, making it a perfect choice for thrill-seekers or those wanting to tick off a bucket list item.
A key quote from a recent review says, “It was like experiencing a dream—flying just above the glacier with the mountains all around. Absolutely exhilarating.” Keep in mind, this tour is weather-dependent, so flexibility is essential.
Bottom line: If you’re after an adrenaline rush and a once-in-a-lifetime view, the paragliding tandem flight offers both excitement and awe, best suited for adventure enthusiasts and those comfortable with heights.
How to Choose Between These Tours
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re short on time but want stunning vistas of the glacier and nearby peaks, the Eggishorn cable car is a practical, affordable way to get a memorable view. For those seeking thrill and a sense of flying, the paragliding tandem offers a more adventurous, adrenaline-filled alternative.
Think about your physical comfort level and budget—while the cable car is accessible and simple, the paragliding experience involves more planning, a higher cost, and a weather dependency. Planning ahead and checking availability will help ensure your chosen adventure fits your schedule.
Final Thoughts
The Aletsch Glacier offers experiences for every type of explorer. For quick, breathtaking views that are easy to access, the cable car ride to Eggishorn is unbeatable. For those craving something more exhilarating, soaring over the glacier with a tandem paragliding flight will leave you with memories to cherish.
Both options are fantastic ways to appreciate the glacier’s grandeur—just pick what suits your sense of adventure and comfort level. To avoid missing out, be sure to book early, especially for popular tours like paragliding. Whether you prefer to see the glacier from a viewpoint or fly right over it, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this incredible natural wonder.
