Bisses

A bisse is a historic irrigation channel that carries water to meadows, vineyards and farmland. Many bisses are still in use today and are carefully maintained. Scenic hiking trails often follow these historic waterways, making them ideal for leisurely walks. Since 2023, the bisses have been recognised as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In general, the best time to enjoy a walk along a bisse is from spring to autumn, although this depends on the altitude as well as weather and snow conditions. In spring and early summer, most bisses carry plenty of water. During summer, their shaded paths provide pleasant walking conditions, while autumn transforms the surrounding vineyards into a colourful spectacle.

No. Most bisses only carry water during the irrigation season, which generally runs from mid-May to mid-October, although this may vary depending on weather conditions and altitude.

The Grand Bisse d’Ayent is probably the best-known bisse in Valais. With its spectacular views over the Rhône Valley, historic route and easy accessibility, it perfectly captures the essence of a bisse walk. Winding between cliffs and forests, it is one of the region’s most iconic landmarks - and has even appeared on the back of the Swiss 100-franc banknote since 2019.

The Bisse du Trient is truly one of a kind. In the past, it was used to transport blocks of ice cut directly from the nearby Trient Glacier. The ice was then shipped all the way to Paris, where it was used for cooling and making sorbets. This remarkable story gives a whole new dimension to this historic irrigation channel.

Among the most spectacular bisses in Valais are the Grand Bisse d’Ayent, the Bisse du Tsittoret, the Bisse du Ro and the Bisse du Torrent-Neuf. In Upper Valais, the Niwärch–Gorperi–Undra and Nessjeri–Obersta–Stigwasser routes are equally impressive. Their historic construction, sometimes vertiginous routes along steep slopes and the breathtaking landscapes they cross make these bisses truly unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a shaded walk on warm days, several bisses in Valais are an excellent choice. Some follow forested trails for most of their route or are lined with trees for long stretches. These include:

• Alte Suon – Alte Eischler Suon – Habersuon

• Chilcheri – Eggeri

• Trusera

• Bisse Vieux und Bisse du Milieu

• Bisse de Savannes Bellecrête und Bisse de Vercorin

• Grand Bisse de Vex

Several bisses take you through the beautiful vineyards of Valais. These include:

• Bisse de Clavau

• Bisses de Lentine und Bisse de Mont d’Orge

• Bisse de Baar

• Grossi Wasserleitu von Varen – Bisse Neuf

• Heido

If you have a fear of heights or feel uncomfortable on exposed trails, choose bisses that avoid narrow ledges, suspension bridges and vertiginous sections. We recommend:

• Trusera

• Chilcheri – Eggeri

• Bisse de Saint-Jean

• Bisse de Salins

• Bisse de Baar

• Bisse du Levron

These routes also allow visitors with a fear of heights to discover the bisses of Valais. Before setting off, always check the trail conditions, weather forecast, as well as the length and difficulty of your chosen route.

Most bisse trails are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs due to tree roots, narrow sections, steps or footbridges. However, a few flat and wide stretches are accessible, including parts of the Bisse du Milieu in Haute-Nendaz and the Grand Bisse de Vex towards Les Mayens de Sion.

Bisses are valuable ecological and agricultural systems and are considered an irreplaceable part of Switzerland’s cultural and natural heritage. To help preserve them, please follow these simple rules:

• Do not throw rubbish, stones or branches into the water, as they can block the channel and cause flooding further downstream.

• Do not swim in the bisses and do not allow your dog to swim in them. The water is often used for agriculture or as drinking water.

• Stay on the marked trails to protect the banks and prevent erosion.