Plaine Morte Glacier - snow covered mountain under blue sky during daytime
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Plaine Morte Glacier

4.6
·34 reviews·Lenk im Simmental, Switzerland

A stunning glacial plateau offering panoramic alpine views, accessible by funicular, with hiking and winter sports opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer views, accessible trails

CrowdLow
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Plaine Morte Glacier - snow covered mountain under blue sky during daytime

Plaine Morte Glacier

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer views, accessible trails

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning glacial plateau offering panoramic alpine views, accessible by funicular, with hiking and winter sports opportunities.

4.6
(34 reviews)

"It was a breathtaking experience being up there seeing all the wonderful views. A must visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Varied Scenery Hike

Hike from Plaine Morte to Lenk for diverse landscapes: rocky glacial terrain to lush Swiss meadows.

⬆️ Easy Glacier Access

Enjoy amazing views with easy access to all areas of the glacier, even the highest points.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glacial Plateau Summit

Glacial Plateau Summit

Plaine Morte Glacier

Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point of the resort. A truly unforgettable vista.

Funicular Ride

Funicular Ride

Access to the glacier

Effortlessly ascend to the glacier's heights via a scenic funicular, offering stunning views along the way.

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Plaine Morte Glacier

In winter, glide across pristine snow on well-maintained cross-country ski trails with incredible mountain backdrops.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Ascent

The Plaine Morte Glacier is a high-altitude destination. Consider visiting during summer months for accessible hiking trails and clearer conditions. Winter offers a different kind of beauty for skiers, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow closures.

Guided Exploration is Key

While some areas offer easy access, exploring the glacier's diverse spots safely is best done with a guide or instructor, especially if you're new to glacial environments. They can help you navigate based on your technical level and ensure a memorable, safe adventure.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clearer views, accessible trails
Crowd
Low
When
Winter weekdays
Why
Best snow conditions for skiing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Add this to your bucketlist! 🚂 🇨🇭 #glacierexpress #swissalps #switzerland #bucketlisttravel #bucketlist #luxurytravel #traveltips
@thegingerwanderlust
205.4K likes • 3.9M views

🗺️ Varied Scenery Hike

Hike from Plaine Morte to Lenk for diverse landscapes: rocky glacial terrain to lush Swiss meadows. Reddit

⬆️ Easy Glacier Access

Enjoy amazing views with easy access to all areas of the glacier, even the highest points. Reddit

#glacierclimbing #sir_popsda3rd #fypシ゚viral #fyp
@sir_popsda3rd
55.7K likes • 4.2M views
Crystal clear 🤩🧊 Credit: John Derting #mammut #mountainlover #alpinism #mountaineering #outdoorgear #icescrew #iceclimbing #glacier #outdoorasmr
@mammutswiss1862
35.2K likes • 1.7M views

❄️ Winter Snow Quality

Snow holds better on the glacier in winter compared to other slopes, ideal for skiing. Reddit

📸 Capture Reflection-Free

Open train windows for unobstructed photos and videos of the stunning Swiss Alps. TikTok

Travel Do’s and Don’ts: Glacier National Park 🏔️🐻🫎 This is my ~5th time in the park so here are some tips you should know before visiting! Have you been before? #glaciernationalpark #glaciernationalparkmontana #traveldosanddonts #traveltip #traveltiktok #visitmontana #glacierpark #visitnationalparks #glaciernationalparktips #westglaciernationalpark #eastglaciernationalpark #goingtothesunroad #man...
@sophiaxverde
18K likes • 352.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Varied Scenery Hike

Hike from Plaine Morte to Lenk for diverse landscapes: rocky glacial terrain to lush Swiss meadows. Reddit

⬆️ Easy Glacier Access

Enjoy amazing views with easy access to all areas of the glacier, even the highest points. Reddit

❄️ Winter Snow Quality

Snow holds better on the glacier in winter compared to other slopes, ideal for skiing. Reddit

📸 Capture Reflection-Free

Open train windows for unobstructed photos and videos of the stunning Swiss Alps. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Plaine Morte Glacier for its breathtaking, expansive views and easy accessibility via the funicular. The unique glacial landscape and winter snow conditions are also highlights. Some find the experience enhanced by guided tours for safety and deeper exploration.

"The glacier is the highest part of the resort. During the winter, the snow holds better up there than on other mountain slopes, which are sometimes south-facing and therefore have softer snow.
We recommend a guide or instructor to safely explore the different spots based on your personal technical level."

OnlyRider Snowboard Academy

"Amazing views. Easy access to everything all the way up."

Marc Zoske

"My vacation , very well spend in a little cottage house, during summer . Wonderful Experience , unforgettable
Everything about my excursions was fantastic, the online selection, the transportation and the tour guides - wonderful experience."

Monica C

What People Like

Breathtaking panoramic views
Easy funicular access
Unique glacial landscape

What People Dislike

Can be crowded in peak season
Weather dependent

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to Plaine Morte Glacier is typically via a funicular or cable car system. Many visitors use public transport to reach the base stations, then ascend. The journey itself offers scenic views of the Swiss Alps. TikTok

Parking availability can vary depending on the season and specific access point. It's advisable to check local information for the most up-to-date parking details and potential fees. TikTok

While challenging, some hiking routes can lead towards the glacier area. However, for the most direct and scenic access to the plateau, the funicular or cable car is recommended. Reddit

Traveling by train to a nearby town like Lenk and then using local transport or the funicular is a popular and scenic option for reaching the Plaine Morte Glacier. Reddit

A popular route involves taking the cable car to Point de la Plaine Morte, then hiking towards Iffigenalp and Lenk for a varied experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the funicular or cable car vary. It's best to check the official resort website for current pricing and any package deals. TikTok

Booking tickets in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues. TikTok

Yes, there are usually different ticket options, including round-trip, one-way, and potentially passes for specific activities like skiing. TikTok

Operating hours for the funicular and cable car are seasonal and can change. Always check the official resort's website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating times. TikTok

The primary cost is for the transportation to the glacier. Once on the plateau, access to hiking areas is generally included, but specific activities might have separate fees. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Activities include hiking on the glacial plateau, enjoying panoramic views, cross-country skiing in winter, and simply taking in the stunning alpine scenery. Reddit+1

Yes, the glacial plateau offers hiking paths, with routes like the one to Lenk providing a varied and scenic experience. Reddit

Expect breathtaking, expansive views of the surrounding Swiss Alps from the highest point of the resort. It's described as a 'breathtaking experience.' Reddit

While some areas are easily accessible, it's recommended to have a guide or instructor for safely exploring different spots, especially if you're not experienced with glacial terrain. Reddit

Dress in layers suitable for mountain weather, which can change rapidly. Warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and sun protection are essential. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic summit views are incredible. Also, consider capturing the unique glacial ice formations and the journey on the funicular. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the landscape's beauty. TikTok

Be mindful of the bright, reflective snow and ice. Polarizing filters can help manage glare. Also, watch out for deep ice holes hidden by puddles. TikTok+1

Yes, opening the windows of the funicular or train allows for unobstructed photos and videos without reflections. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks. Don't forget extra batteries, as cold can drain them faster. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Plaine Morte Glacier offers a unique adventure for families. The funicular ride itself is an exciting experience for children, providing stunning views without strenuous effort. TikTok Once at the top, the accessible plateau allows for easy exploration and enjoying the vastness of the alpine landscape. Reddit

While extensive hiking might be challenging for very young children, shorter walks on the plateau are manageable. In winter, the consistent snow makes it a great spot for building snowmen or simply enjoying the snowy environment. Consider packing plenty of snacks and warm drinks, as amenities at higher altitudes can be limited. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Adventurers

For hikers, the Plaine Morte Glacier presents a diverse range of experiences. The route from Point de la Plaine Morte to Lenk is a highly recommended trek, offering a dramatic shift in scenery from rugged glacial terrain to picturesque meadows. Reddit This trail is substantial, so be prepared for a full day of hiking with significant elevation changes. Reddit

Experienced adventurers might also consider guided glacier tours or even ice climbing expeditions, though these require specialized knowledge and equipment. Always prioritize safety and consider hiring a local guide to explore the more technical aspects of the glacier. TikTok+2

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Plaine Morte Glacier is a photographer's dream, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas and unique glacial features. The summit provides sweeping views that are perfect for landscape photography. Reddit Don't miss the opportunity to capture the journey on the funicular, especially with the ability to open windows for clear shots. TikTok

For the best light, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Be prepared for the intense glare from snow and ice; a polarizing filter can be very useful. Also, be aware of potential hazards like hidden ice holes, which can make for dramatic, albeit cautionary, shots. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Glacier: Trails and Terrain

The Plaine Morte Glacier offers a unique landscape that transforms from barren, rocky glacial terrain to lush, storybook Swiss meadows. A popular and varied route is the hike from the Point de la Plaine Morte (accessible by cable car) to Lenk. This 17.5km trail involves a significant descent of over 2000 meters, showcasing dramatic changes in scenery. Reddit

For those seeking less strenuous exploration, the glacial plateau itself provides accessible hiking paths. During winter, the glacier becomes a prime spot for cross-country skiing, with trails that take advantage of the consistent snow cover, which often holds better at this altitude than on other mountain slopes. Reddit

It's important to note that while some areas are easily accessible, the glacier's environment can be unpredictable. For safety and to fully appreciate the diverse spots based on your technical level, hiring a guide or instructor is highly recommended. Reddit

The Plaine Morte Cable Car Experience

The Plaine Morte cable car (or funicular) is the primary gateway to the glacier's stunning heights. This ascent is not just a means of transport but an experience in itself, offering increasingly spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps. TikTokReddit

Travelers often highlight the ability to open the windows of the transport, allowing for unobstructed photos and videos without the hassle of reflections. This feature is particularly appreciated by those wanting to capture the dramatic landscapes. TikTok

Booking your cable car tickets in advance is a wise move, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure a smooth entry and avoid potential queues. Always check the official resort website for the most current operating hours and ticket prices, as these can be seasonal. TikTok+1

Winter Wonders at Plaine Morte

During the winter months, the Plaine Morte Glacier transforms into a pristine white wonderland, offering excellent conditions for snow sports. The high altitude ensures that the snow cover remains more consistent and holds better compared to lower-lying, often south-facing slopes that can experience softer snow. Reddit

This makes it an ideal location for cross-country skiing, with dedicated trails that allow enthusiasts to glide through breathtaking alpine scenery. The vastness of the plateau provides ample space for both leisurely touring and more challenging routes. Reddit

For those interested in ice climbing or exploring the glacier's icy formations, it's crucial to remember that safety is paramount. Guides are essential for navigating the potentially hazardous conditions and ensuring a rewarding experience. TikTok+2

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