Hikes

Around the Mattmark Reservoir in the Saastal

Mattmark Stausee

Saas-Almagell

0/8°

Pleasant route around the reservoir of Europe's largest earth dam framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop. The path along the west shore is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.  

Difficulty

Easy

Length

8.04 km

Duration

2:15 h
Mattmark Stausee
Mattmark-Staudamm
Mattmark Restaurant
Der Mattmarksee.
Mattmark Stausee
Mattmark Stausee
Mattmark Stausee - Ausblick von der Staumauer

Description

The road up into the Saastal ends at Europe's largest earth dam, the Mattmark dam at 2200 masl. Here is the starting point of this charming route around the reservoir. The route mainly follows the shore of the lake and is even wheelchair accessible on its west bank.  

The reservoir may have been man-made, but the surrounding landscape shows the full natural beauty of the Saastal. The slopes to the west lead up to the mighty glaciers of the Allalin and Schwarzberg, which decorate the Allalinhorn and the neighboring four-thousanders. At the southern end of the lake, a path leads up to the Monte Moro Pass and the Italian border, marked with a golden Madonna statue.  

At the dam crest, the restaurant offers a short refreshment break before or after the hike. The visitor center also offers interesting insights into renewable energies. The dam holds back 100 million cubic meters of water, and the associated power plants further down the valley produce almost enough electricity for all Wallis households. Thanks to the Mattmark and around 40 other dams in the canton, around 30 percent of Switzerland's hydropower is generated in Valais.  

However, a great tribute had to be paid for the construction of the dam. On 30 August 1965, part of the Allalinglacier above the construction site broke off. Around two million cubic meters of rock and ice crashed down and buried the canteens and accommodations of the workers under more than 50 meters of rubble. 88 construction workers lost their lives in this tragic accident.  

Today, the valley end in the Saastal is a place for those seeking peace: hikers have good chances to observe wildlife on the route around the lake. Take binoculars and a magnifying glass to observe the fauna and flora.  

Highlights of the route:  

  • Easy hike with few ascents around the picturesque reservoir
  • Restaurant and interesting visitor center at the dam
  • Altitude of the hike (2200 masl) promises a summer resort and good chances to observe wildlife.  

Turn-by-turn directions

Bus stop, parking lot and restaurant are located on the west side of the dam, where the route begins. Our route leads counterclockwise around the lake. The first section leads southward along the west shore over a wide hiking path, including through a tunnel where regularly arranged openings offer views of the lake. Then the path ascends pleasantly up to a waterfall. From here, continue on the left path to a second, unlit tunnel that can be bypassed on the left side. Gradually, you reach the end of the reservoir at Distelalp (2224 masl). Now the route crosses the inflow over a bridge before leading back to the dam on the other shore. Finally, you cross the dam crest back to the restaurant and starting point of the hike.  

Start

Mattmark Dam (2205m)

Destination

Mattmark Dam (2201m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

If you have a citizen pass, you travel free of charge on PostBuses throughout the Saastal and on mountain railways (excluding the Metro Alpin).  

Technical information

Altitude

2248m

2199m

Ascent

+46m

Descent

-63m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Suitable for strollers
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular train connections from all over Switzerland to Visp, then by PostBus towards Saas-Fee. In Saas-Grund, change to the PostBus to the Mattmark dam. Detailed timetables for trains and PostBuses can be found at sbb.ch. 

Approach

A9 motorway and then the cantonal road to Visp. Head south towards Stalden and turn left there towards Saas-Fee. In Saas-Grund, continue straight to Saas-Almagell until the end of the road at Mattmark dam.  

Parking

Parking available at Mattmark dam. 

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headwear
  • Sun protection
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the route (click "Print" to download) 

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy for sharing and respecting. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Accurately assess your own skills and fitness. Following the various routes is always at your own responsibility.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the route with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signs and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate towards other path users, plants and animals.  

For mountain hikes: 

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitude can be very strong, even in overcast weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the necessary fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts and seasonal dependencies.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers along riverbanks, watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Right on the way

Preparation for a hike

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourism office in Saas-Almagell provides you with information material and brochures for hiking in the destination. 

Maps

National map SwissTopo 1:25’000: 2526 Saas-Fee

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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