Hikes

Around the Tseuzier Reservoir

Wanderung rund um den Tseuziersee

Anzère

0/7°

Closed

Easy hike around the Tseuzier Reservoir. On this family-friendly hike along the lake shore, you will pass through forests and meadows. The many waterfalls provide a refreshing break.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

4.63 km

Duration

1:30 h
Wanderung rund um den Tseuziersee
Wanderung rund um den Tseuziersee
Wanderung rund um den Tseuziersee
Blick vom Staudamm Tseuzier
Wanderung rund um den Tseuziersee
Tseuzier Stausee.
Tseuzier Stausee.
Tseuzier Stausee.
Wasserfälle beim Tseuzier Stausee.

Description

The Tseuzier is a reservoir created by the construction of the Rawyl Dam (1953–1957). Surrounded by forests and meadows, the lake offers hikers a refreshing natural experience.

The path leads counterclockwise around the lake. The starting point is at the Restaurant du Barrage de Zeuzier at 1777 m above sea level. The panoramic terrace of the restaurant offers refreshment before or after the hike. 

At the far end of the lake, the path passes the source of the Bisse de Sion. This historic irrigation channel carries water to vineyards and slopes, ultimately feeding the Sionne, which flows through the canton capital of Valais. Shortly after the picturesque source, the channel crosses a mountain stream below by way of a wooden structure.

The surroundings are magical: the alpine pastures of Rawyl, surrounded by rocks and waterfalls, invite you to dream. The "Gîte Lourantze" offers a rest with a tipi and dormitory. The route from here over the Rawyl Pass into the Bernese Oberland was used by the Romans as a trade path.

The lake circuit continues along the channel, which disappears from time to time into tunnels or rock-cut passages. Afterwards, the path leads along the shore back to the starting point at the dam.

Tip for families with small children: The entire hike covers an elevation difference of 140 meters – therefore a child carrier is better suited than a stroller. The second part of the hike is flatter; with a stroller, it is recommended to complete the outbound and return journey along the west shore.

Highlights

  • Easy, idyllic hike in the most beautiful surroundings
  • Alpine pastures at the end of the lake with a friendly mountain inn

Turn-by-turn directions

From the starting point at the bus stop by the dam, the circular route leads counterclockwise around the Tseuzier Reservoir. After about 1.2 km, the path rises by around 80 meters in elevation – this is the only major ascent of the hike. The path then leads down to the alpine pastures of Rawyl before returning along the Bisse de Sion and later along the lakeshore back to the dam.

Start

Tseuzier Dam (1779m)

Destination

Tseuzier Dam (1779m)

Download GPX
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Author's recommendation

Be sure to stop in Botyre and visit the entertaining Suonen Museum. The building itself from the 17th century is also absolutely worth seeing.

Technical information

Altitude

1856m

1776m

Ascent

+80m

Descent

-82m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular train connections to Sion, then by post bus to "Anzère, Barrage de Tseuzier." Train and post bus timetables can be found at sbb.ch.

Approach

Motorway A9, exit 27 (Sion-Est). Follow the signs to Anzère. Leave the main road at the village of St-Romain (sharp left turn) and continue towards "Barrage de Tseuzier."

Parking

Parking available at the dam.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Head covering
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking path (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains are a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. To allow all users to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect towards nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior enables everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Accurately assess your own abilities and fitness. Traveling on various routes is generally at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map. Download the complete hike description with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and follow 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 trail users, plants, and animals. 

For mountain hikes:

  • Carry additional sunscreen. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal conditions.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Suitable 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 hiking alone if possible.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along waterways below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Hiking responsibly

Preparation for a hike

Additional information

Further information about the destination can be found here: 

Literature

The tourism office in Anzère provides you with informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo maps: 1:25,000: 1286 St-Léonard / 1266 Lenk

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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