Hikes

Tour du Lac de Moiry

Blick auf den Moiry Stausee

Grimentz

-1/9°

High-level path around the Moiry reservoir at an altitude of 2500 m above sea level. The hike offers dramatic views of the dam with its lake, the wild Val de Moiry at the valley end of Val d’Anniviers, and the sparkling Moiry glacier.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

13.36 km

Duration

4:35 h
Blick auf den Moiry-See.
Moiry Stausee
Blick auf den Moiry Stausee
Aussicht auf den Moiry Staudamm und -See
Wanderer auf der Rundtour des Moiry Stausees
Historisches Dorf Grimentz.

Description

This scenic circular route runs somewhat higher around the turquoise-blue Moiry reservoir. Due to its altitude at 2500 m above sea level, the route is often also called "Tour du Lac de Moiry 2500," "Tour du Lac 2500," or "Chemin 2500." At the end of the lake, the path descends to the mountain stream La Gougra, which feeds the reservoir with glacier water from the Moiry glacier. The path then meanders past Lac de Châteaupré before ascending again over the glacier moraine to 2500 meters.

The start and end point of the hike is the crest of the Moiry dam. Through a network of various tunnels, the water is collected not only from Val de Moiry but also from neighboring valleys. On its way down to the Rhone Valley, 1722 meters lower, the water passes three hydroelectric power plants. The produced energy covers the electricity needs of over 120,000 households in Switzerland. Near the dam crest, there is also a restaurant with a sun terrace and views of the reservoir. Climbing enthusiasts are also catered for on the climbing route left of the dam.

Highlights of the hike: 

  • Panoramic high-level path through glacier-shaped landscape.
  • Moiry dam with guided tours, sun terrace, and climbing route.

Turn-by-turn directions

The start of the hike is at the parking lot by the dam crest. The hike can be done in both directions – the description corresponds to the hike clockwise. From the dam crest, the path leads in a zig-zag along the western flank at around 2370 m above sea level. Then it continues southwards to the end of the reservoir. Here, the alpine pastures of «Fêta d’Août de Châteaupré» are crossed before the path leads steeply down to the glacier water of Lac de Châteaupré at 2349 m above sea level. After crossing the La Gougra stream, the ascent follows along the glacier moraine on the opposite side of the valley. At an altitude of around 2490 meters, the path branches off northwest and follows the flank on the east side of the valley. Along the way, hikers pass two small mountain lakes: the «Lac de la Bayenna» and the «Lac du Louché» invite for a break before the final descent towards the dam.

Start

Moiry dam (2248m)

Destination

Moiry dam (2248m)

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Author's recommendation

Use the Anniviers Liberté pass and visit a free guided tour inside the Moiry dam. Visitors can learn more about electricity production on the guided tours inside the dam.

Technical information

Altitude

2594m

2249m

Ascent

+805m

Descent

-805m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular train connections to Sierre, from there postbus service into Val d'Anniviers. Change in Vissoie to the postbus towards Moiry. You can find detailed timetables for trains and postbuses at sbb.ch. 

Approach

Highway A9 to Sierre, then take exit 29 Sierre-Est and continue towards Val d'Anniviers. In the village of Vissoie, turn right onto the Route de Grimentz and continue towards Grimentz. In Grimentz, at the village end, follow the Route de Moiry along the road to the dam. 

Parking

Parking spaces are available at the Moiry dam.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • 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 for sharing and respecting. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is always 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, for the protection of grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.  

For mountain hikes: 

  • Carry additional sun protection. 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 can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. 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. Avoid hiking alone if possible.
  • Do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers at river banks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Hiking rightly

Preparing for a hike

Additional information

View this route on SchweizMobil: 

More information about the destination:

Literature

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

Maps

National map SwissTopo 1:25’000: 1327 Evolène

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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