Hikes

Crossing the Pfyn Forest

Rhône sauvage

Sierre

7/15°

Open

Located in the heart of the Valais, the nature park Pfyn-Finges is nestled in a small area between the Rhone and its gravel islands, torrid steppes, dry pine forests, a floodplain forest with a tropical atmosphere, ponds and meadows.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

11.72 km

Duration

3:10 h
Rhône sauvage
Parc naturel de Pfyn-Finges
Rhône sauvage
Etang Finges
Pfyn-Finges

Description

The protected area of the Pfyn Forest in the regional nature park Pfyn-Finges - one of the largest pine forests in the Alps - is a protected area of national importance. The Pfyn Forest borders one of the last wild branches of the Rhone and is home to a large number of animals and plants.

Since 1997, the region has been under protection and in the 2000's, the local communities founded an association to develop soft tourism in the reserve and to establish a nature park. Since November 2005, the Pfyn Forest has been proudly named regional nature park. 

Turn-by-turn directions

Departure from the station of Leuk (625m), take the underpass in direction of the center of Susten. At the well, turn right, direction west (Sion). After 100 meters, the street leads to the cantonal road. Follow the road for 350 meters, pass in front of the body shop and on the bridge of the lllgraben, take the footpath direction La Souste - Bois de Finges, left under the bridge. After 4.5km. Turn left towards the Ermitage information center, turn right and continue towards Sierre. Entrance to the Vita Parcours in Sierre. At the entrance of the Vita Pasrcours, follow the road for 3 km in the direction of the station of Sierre.

Start

Sierre, Bus Stop - Pfyn-Finges, Camping de Finges (534m)

Destination

Train station Leuk/Susten (623m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

The tourist office in Sierre has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Technical information

Altitude

634m

532m

Ascent

+152m

Descent

-66m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Family-friendly
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

The city of Sierre is accessible with the SBB trains. From the train station, take the postal bus to Vissoie, post office until the stop : Sierre, Parc de Finges.

Approach

To reach the parc Pfyn-Finges by car, take the exit of the highway A9 (Rhone highway) named "Sierre est". At the highway exit, take the exit towards Sierre at the roundabout and continue for about 200m until the new roundabout and take the third exit and then turn right for the parking of the parc Pfyn-Finges.

Parking

Free outdoor parking.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click on the «Print» icon, to download)  

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on the «Print» icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, as well as to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • The nature park Pfyn-Finges is a protected area. Please follow the marked trails and respect the fauna, flora : the nature.

Additional information

For further information about Pfyn-Finges Nature Park

Source

This activity is brought to you by Sierre Tourisme. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

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