In the Swiss Alps’ Bern and Valais districts, two of the newest sights are Trift Lake and Rhone Glacier Lake. Formed by melting glaciers, these lakes are situated about 10 miles apart by air miles but 30 miles by road. Trift Lake, also known as Triftsee, was formed in 2002 after the peak of the Trift Glacier burst into pieces, trapping water in a hollow. Rhone Glacier Lake, formed in 2005, emerged when landslides from the melting Rhone Glacier trapped the meltwater.
Trift Lake is accessible via the Triftbahn cable car, followed by a hike across the spectacular Triftbrucke suspension footbridge. This bridge offers stunning views of the lake and the glacial valley. The lake’s size and depth still need to be measured as it grows.
Rhone Glacier Lake can be reached from the Gletsch or Furka Pass village. Ample parking is available, and the lake is accessible via a short hike. The Rhone Glacier is still popular for hiking, and the Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto offers a unique experience of walking inside a living glacier.