Circular hike to the Lacs d’Antème

The Lacs d’Anthème are a group of several small mountain lakes below the jagged peaks of the Dents du Midi - one of the best-known mountains of Switzerland. The highest peak of this mountain formation, the Haute Cime (3,257 m), towers over the lakes. They are surrounded by blooming meadows and offer a charming view.

The hike starts at the Champéry train station. The village was among the first tourism destinations in Switzerland: the first hotel was opened here already in 1857. The path quickly leads to one of the first tourist attractions of Valais: a dizzying path along steep rock walls. A local entrepreneur named Emmanuel Défago opened the «Galerie Défago» in 1864: a path mostly running over a natural rock ledge. In places, the path had to be arduously chiselled into the rock. A century later, the rock path was extended to a total of 600 m. The view over Champéry and the whole valley becomes more spectacular with every step.

After this eventful passage, the path continues over the mountain slope to the Tière river, which is fed by the Lacs d’Anthème further up. It now goes in zigzags up the steep slopes to the first lake at 2,032 m above sea level. Very close by is a cozy mountain hut: the Cabane d’Anthème.

At the hut you get information about a separate nature trail leading from the hut to the other small lakes. The lakes are connected by small, delicate streams. An audio guide reveals the secrets of the many alpine plants flourishing in these peacefully hanging gardens. The audio guide is also available at the mountain hut. The nature trail is less than 2 km long and takes about 45 minutes.

Our hike, however, leaves the lakes and turns west. It then goes steeply down through the forest in zigzags to reach the first section of our hike above the Vièze again.

Highlights of the hike:

• Exciting path along the cliffs of the Défago Gallery.
• Idyllic mountain lake framed by alpine flowers with a wonderful view.
• Inviting mountain hut and nature trail at the lake.