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Unesco world heritage site

SWISS ALPS JUNGFRAU-ALETSCH

The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique witness of alpine landscape formation bearing global significance. The largest uninterrupted glacier massif in Eurasia has created an environment of stunning beauty and diversity. The natural and human habitat is a place of impressive ecological and cultural value.

It has some of the most spectacular high mountain scenery in the world and is in harmonious balance with the surrounding cultural landscape. The flora varies from steppe-like Mediterranean to glacial and the landscape provides an excellent example of how mountains and glaciers were formed and bears witness to our current climate change.

The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site is the first natural heritage site in Switzerland and in the whole of the Alps. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee declared the area surrounding the Jungfrau and the Great Aletsch Glacier the first Natural Heritage Site in the Alps in 2001. The fascinating mountain scenery fulfilled the criteria of the World Heritage Committee in a special way with its variety, beauty and uniqueness. At 23 km (14 miles), the Aletsch Glacier is the longest glacier in the Alps and is the heart and soul of the entire area. To the north, you can marvel at the three famous mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, represented in the heritage site by the name Jungfrau.

From all three vista points at Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn you'll have a breathtaking view of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the stunning Valaisian mountain world.

The entire UNESCO Site covers an area of 828 km2 (514 sq. miles), 414 km2 (257 sq. miles) of which are in the canton of Valais. The distinctive scenery offering exceptional beauty and ecological diversity is just waiting to be discovered and admired.

For further information, visit: www.jungfraualetsch.ch

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