Tour de l'éboulement des Diablerets
Les Coteaux du Soleil
1/11°
Hike around the landscape of Derborence, which was created by two colossal rockslides in the 18th century. A peaceful mountain lake, untouched forests, and a rich fauna – no wonder Derborence became a national nature reserve.
Difficulty
EasyLength
6.61 kmDuration
2:05 h
Description
On September 23, 1714, a geological catastrophe struck the Derborence region. Part of the mountain above collapsed, wiping out the wildlife as well as the lives of shepherds present there. Locals believed it was the work of the devil, which is why the mountain was named "Les Diablerets" (diable = devil, French).
The "cursed" valley was largely abandoned, so the second, even bigger rockslide 35 years later had far fewer consequences for the population. Large boulders covered the valley floor and blocked the mountain stream. As a result, Europe's youngest natural mountain lake was formed. Scientists estimate the rockfall to be around 50 million cubic meters of rock. The resulting landscape is a paradise for biologists, geologists, photographers, and visitors of all ages.
The hike connects two routes: the one to the rockslide ("Tour de l'éboulement des Diablerets") and the circuit around the mountain lake ("Tour du Lac de Derborence"). In the original forest, 450-year-old fir trees can be admired. The chances of encountering wildlife are high – watch out for ibex, deer, chamois, marmots, and lynxes. In the air, you may spot golden eagles, black grouse, and bearded vultures.
Especially families can also complete only one of the two routes. For both, a guide with activities for children is available for download.
The journey to Derborence alone is already an adventure. The only access is via a narrow, winding road along the gorges of the Lizerne.
Highlights of the route:
- Adventurous access via a winding road with numerous tunnels
- Impressive landscape created by rockslides at the Diablerets massif.
- Attractive themed trails for families
Turn-by-turn directions
The route starts at the parking lot and bus stop near Lac de Derborence. The route begins with crossing the scree from the rockslide before crossing the slopes and leading to the highest point above the Godey Reservoir. From here, the hike descends to the old forest of Ecorcha. At the end of the hike, you walk around Lac de Derborence clockwise.
You can also start the hike at the second parking lot at the Godey Reservoir.
If you are hiking with children, plan additional time for the activities in the guides.
Start
Derborence (parking lot / bus stop) (1462m)
Destination
Derborence (parking lot / bus stop) (1462m)
Author's recommendation
Technical information
Altitude
1518m
1338m
Ascent
+330m
Descent
-330m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
