Hikes

Sentier de Salanfe

Salanfe

Salvan/Les Marécottes

2/8°

From the valley “Vallon de Van” it goes up to Lake Salanfe at the foot of the Dents du Midi. The hiking trail passes through wild and alpine landscapes.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

12.72 km

Duration

4:20 h
Salanfe
Lac de Salanfe
Auberge de Salanfe
Lac de Salanfe
Stausee Salanfe

Description

Lake Salanfe is a high-altitude water reservoir (1,909m) with a beautiful view and a fascinating history.

The hike begins at the end of the public road in the idyllic Vallon de Van with a steep ascent through the valley to the Salanfe dam. The water reservoir holds back glacier water, framed by the beautiful mountain peaks of the Dents du Midi and the impressive summit of the Tour Sallière.

The hiking trail leads around the lake, surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape full of fascinating flora and fauna. Surreal rock formations are just as impressive as the river delta at the dam's end, dominated by the Black Glacier “Glacier Noir,” which stands impressively on this hike.

In the early 20th century, the region was visited by numerous gold miners. Between 1904 and 1907, 23.8 tons of gold were extracted here – another 30 tons were added during the 1920s.

The path completes its loop around the lake before leading down the Vallon de Van to the start of the hike.

Highlights

  • Beautiful hike through the Vallon de Van valley
  • The spectacular Salanfe reservoir
  • Salanfe lodge – friendly restaurant with a fantastic terrace overlooking the water reservoir

Turn-by-turn directions

The start of the hike is at Camping Van d’en Haut at 1,393m and then leads further into the valley. Hikers who are not sure-footed can avoid the dizzying steps by taking the old road that was used for the construction. Once at the top, be sure to walk around the reservoir counterclockwise and enjoy the view. The restaurant Auberge de la Salanfe offers refreshments and is a nice place for a break. At the river delta at the end of the dam, you can see the water inflow.

On the way back, the hike leads gently uphill south of the reservoir. Follow it up to the dam. To return to the campsite, descend into the Vallée de Van fort.

Start

Camping Van d’en Haut (1395m)

Destination

Camping Van d’en Haut (1395m)

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Author's recommendation

In the upper valley of the “Vallon de Van” on the old dam road, you can see the “Moses Well,” a natural spring.

Technical information

Altitude

1983m

1395m

Ascent

+695m

Descent

-695m

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
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular train connections to Martigny, then change to the Mont-Blanc Express and continue to Les Marécottes. From here, take a shuttle bus to Camping Van d’en Haut. You can find timetables for trains and post buses at sbb.ch.

Approach

Motorway A9, exit 21 (Martigny-Fully), follow signs to Martigny. After about 1 kilometre, go under the railway line at the roundabout, then turn right directly to Vernayaz. After 700m turn left, follow signs to Salvan, then Les Granges and then Vallon de Van. Continue driving to the end of the valley where parking is available at the campsite.

Parking

Parking is available at Camping Van d’en Haut.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains, 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. So that all users can benefit from it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally done at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through them.
  • Behave considerately 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 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. If possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers along riverbanks, watercourses below dams and reservoirs: the water level can rise quickly and without warning.

Traveling correctly

Preparing for a hike

Additional information

View this route on SchweizMobil:

More information about the destination:

Literature

A brochure for the hike can be purchased at the Auberge de la Salanfe.

Maps

National map SwissTopo 1:25,000: 1304 Val-d’Illiez and 1324 Barberine

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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